Beaches in Vila do Bispo, Algarve

Although the town of Vila do Bispo is not on the coast we have included here beaches within the municipality of Vila do Bispo and which are all just a few kilometres from the town. The Algarve has great surfing beaches on the western atlantic coast, while the more sheltered south coast of this far western end of the Algarve has idyllic coves, sheltered sandy bays and out of the way beaches that are seldom visited.

Many Algarve beaches are now classified as 'Accessible Beaches' meaning that not only do they provide ramps, footpaths and walkways directly to the sand but also meet certain criteria for restaurant tables, bar and counter heights. They also have first aid posts and disabled toilets and should be equipped with wheelchairs, walking aids and other equipment capable of being used in the sea as well as on the beach. We include which beaches have been awarded the 'Accessible Beach' flag , although depending on individual abilities you may just want to know that you can park nearby or that there are no steps involved.

We also indicate which beaches have lifeguards during the season (normally April to the end of September) and as a reminder for you: a green flag - swimming permitted; yellow flag - swimming forbidden; red flag - swimming and entering the water forbidden; blue and white chequered flag - beach temporarily unattended.

Praia do Castelejo

Praia do Castelejo is the closest beach to Vila do Bispo and is signposted from the centre of Vila do Bispo. Although it isn't very big, it is a really pretty beach, sheltered by cliffs, with rocks and pebbles at the back and rock formations just out to sea at the western end. It is very natural beach, popular with surfers, with no amenities other than those provided by the little restaurant that sits on the edge of the path down to the beach; there is a small car park just behind.

Although the road down to Praia do Castelejo is tarmac all the way down it is a drive to be taken with caution. The road has some very sharp bends around the hillside and is, for the last kilometre or so, only wide enough for one car (comfortably!). There are no barriers at the outer edge, but there are some very steep drops!

The beach itself is not classed as an accessible beach although there is the paved pathway to the start of it and to the restaurant at the edge of the beach. It is supervised during the 'beach season'.

Praia da Ingrina

Praia da Ingrina is a lovely beach - it's not very big but is a sheltered, sandy bay with rocks at either side and has a popular cafe - restaurant at one side looking right over the beach. It really is an idyllic spot and well worth visiting.

It is easy to find and is signposted from the traffic lights in Raposeira. The short drive (about 4kms) takes you through some pretty countryside and it is also possible to spot some stone age 'menhirs' or 'standing stones' on the way. 

There is a car park behind the restaurant and another small area on some ground on the opposite side of the beach.

Praia da Ingrina is not classed as an accessible beach - there are no boarded walkways to or on the beach although access to the cafe is fairly easy from the nearby carparking area and there are no steps to the beach from the road. It is supervised during the 'beach season'.

Praia do Zavial

Praia do Zavial is the next bay along from Praia da Ingrina - just follow the road past Ingrina. It is another sheltered, sandy cove in between the cliffs and is very popular with surfers.

There is a pretty, small wooded area on the left hand side as you approach the beach with what appears to be a dry river bed alongside. A wooden walkway runs alongside the parking area to the beach itself and to a restaurant with plenty of outside seating and fabulous view!

Praia do Zavial is not classed as an accessible beach although there is a boarded walkway as far as the restaurant at the back of the beach. It is supervised during the 'beach season'.

Praia da Salema

Praia da Salema is a sheltered stretch of sand with the main part of the village just behind it, so there are lots of cafes, bars and restaurants right at hand. There are sunbeds to hire and pedaloes and waverunners for those who like to 'play'!

Although Salema is somewhat larger than it used to be, it is still a fishing village so the brightly coloured fishing boats are still an attractive feature of part of the beach.

There is car parking near the beach, but it is quite a small area and also can get quite chaotic as traffic tries to negotiate around the narrow streets leading to it. There is more car parking part way up one of the hills leading out of the village.

Praia da Salema is classed as an accessible beach with facilities for the disabled. It is supervised during the 'beach season'.

Praia da Boca do Rio

Boca do Rio is reached one of two ways - either by following the sign from Budens on the EN125 ( this is the best route as the road is tarmac!), or by following the cliff top route from Salema (the views will be more impressive on this route!).

The main part of the beach is sandy but the back of it is quite stoney and at high tide there isn't much sand left. It is, however, a very peaceful area and, probably because of the large area of ground for parking, rather popular with caravanners.

There aren't any cafes or restaurants, toilets or sunbeds at the beach so if you want to spend some time on what must be one of the very few beaches left on the Algarve  that hasn't yet been 'civilised' - go prepared and enjoy it while you can!

There is a cliff top road on the eastern side that leads to Almádena and Burgau - the view is good, but the road is not! It is perfectly negotiable and 'safe' but the holes in it are deep and frequent and play havoc with your car (unless it's a 4x4!).

Praia da Boca do Rio is not classed as an accessible beach as there are no paved or boarded areas allowing access to or on the beach but the large car park at the back of the beach is level with no steps to the sand. It is not a supervised beach.

Praia de Cabanas Velhas (Almádena)

Praia de Cabanas Velha is near the fort  on the Ponta da Almádena so is also sometimes referred to as Praia de Almádena. It is reached by the rather rough cliff top road from Burgau on the eastern side, or Boca do Rio from the west.

The beach is quite a long but narrow stretch of sand sheltered by the cliffs and it can all but disappear at high tide leaving no option but to go for refreshments in the restaurant at the back of the beach!

There is plenty of car parking and it is classed as an accessible beach. It is supervised during the 'beach season'.

Praia do Burgau

Burgau has a lovely little sandy beach backed by cliffs and although fairly small, it is really pretty and very popular in summer. Access to Burgau beach is by way of a fairly steep cobbled road with houses, shops and cafes along the route.

If you are travelling by car, it is best to park somewhere along the roads at the top as although it is possible to drive down to the boat slipways on the beach there is very little turning space and virtually no parking space at the bottom. There are several shops, bars and restaurants in Burgau if you fancy an ice cream or a bite to eat or a drink . 

The beach itself is beautifully clean with golden sands and children can play safely under a watchful eye. There is a lovely restaurant at the back where you sit and overlook the beach and watch the waves roll in.

Burgau beach can be appreciated at all times of the year. In summer, the buzz of holidaymakers and local residents fills the beach. In winter months, the beach is virtually deserted and is a quiet, sheltered bay  to enjoy the peace and sunshine.

Before you go to Burgau just check the tidal schedule if you are planning to go and sit on the beach, because at high tide the beach is completely covered. The water can also start to roll up the beach quite quickly when the tide is coming in, so be prepared to gather your belongings and move back to avoid getting wet!

Praia do Burgau is not classed as an accessible beach - although it is possible to get as far as the boat slipways there isn't a suitable ramp onto the beach. There is, however, a paved pathway to the beach bar, although not wide enough (at a guess) for wheelchairs.

Praia da Baleeira

Praia da Baleeira is a small, sandy beach next to Porto da Baleeira, the working fishing harbour in Sagres (it is at the left end of the Port's car park). The beach overlooks Sagres bay and the fishing harbour so you can sit and watch the boats go by as you enjoy a day on the beach.

There is one restaurant behind the beach and plenty of restaurants & bars behind the port. There is plenty of parking around Porto da Baleeira; although you can drive right up to the entrances, disabled access would be a bit difficult. It is not classed as an accessible beach

Praia de Beliche

Praia de Beliche is the last beach on the southern coastline of the Algarve. It is a magnificent bay of soft golden sand, with huge towering cliffs behind. Praia de Beliche, is unspoilt and calming, even when the wild winds get up.

As many visitors to the Algarve do not yet seem to have discovered Sagres, Praia de Beliche, is a fantastic place to retreat to, to relax and to appreciate real Algarve beauty.You wont find any amenities on Praia de Beliche; perhaps this is the reason why visitors stay away and those who like the untouched character return time again.

You may therefore want to pack a picnic to take with you or go for lunch at one of restaurants on the road above the beach or in the town. Disabled access is not  possible unfortunately, as the only way to get on to the beach is down a long set of steps down from the car park.

Out of season, Praia de Beliche will be almost deserted. Only a few keen surfers and occasional explorers will visit Beliche in the Autumn-Winter months and although it may be a bit chilly at times, it really is an inspiring time to go. You can enjoy a walk along the beach and then perhaps visit the huge converted fortress that resides nearby. It was built by Henry the Navigator, who was the Governor of the Algarve and famous for his school of navigation in Sagres. Henry built the Fortaleza back in the 15th century, but what remains today is actually an 18th century restoration following its destruction by the 1755 earthquake. The fortress is a fascinating structure to go and look at, particularly out of season when it is not so crowded.

You may also want to go a bit further along the road from Praia de Beliche to see the 19th century lighthouse and ruins of a 16th century monastery. Cabo de São Vincente is just 4 kilometres away and offers breathtaking views from the point. In summer Cabo de São Vincente is buzzing, as people flock to see the lighthouse and the ruins. There is usually a snack vendor there if you need refreshments and there are also markets on at certain times of the year.

Praia da Beliche is not classed as an accessible beach.

Praia da Mareta

Praia da Mareta is the closest beach to the town and therefore tends to be busier than the other beaches in Sagres. It boasts a lovely sandy bay with stones at the back, it is sheltered from the westerly winds by Ponta de Sagres and the cliffs are beautifully coloured in reds, greens and greys. Protection from the westerly winds means that it is great for anyone who likes to sunbathe.

There are three restaurants on the beach if you want to have lunch or a snack at some point while you are at Praia da Mareta. There is parking at the top of the entrance to the beach and down at the bottom of the road. One of the restaurants has some parking for it's customers by the beach.

Praia da Mareta is not classed as an accessible beach. Although there are paths to near the beach they finish with some rough steps down to the sand and there aren't any walkways on the beach itself.

Praia da Martinhal

Praia da Martinhal is a long sweep of golden sands, just along the coast from Baleeira fishing harbour. It is sign-posted from the main road and can be found at the end of a windy cobbled road, past a new estate of villas. Praia da Martinhal has a marshy lagoon at the back and an island out to sea, with views of the fishing harbour and a little lighthouse, Praia da Martinhal is a beautiful beach to spend time on. 

Praia da Martinhal is a firm favourite amongst windsurfers, surfers and body boarders. It has its own windsurfing club if you fancy giving it a go while you are there. The club also does snorkelling and kayaking.

There are two restaurants on the beach with a large car park behind the beach. Although the car park is flat and runs straight on to the sand it is not classed as an accessible beach as there are no walkways or disabled facilities.