Lota is a former fishing community and its beach was where the catch of the day was auctioned to the people of the region. It’s now a quieter alternative to very popular Monte Gordo nearby, and mainly attracts Portuguese families. Fresh fish can still be enjoyed here, mostly served grilled at the restaurants.
There are no modest fishermen homes or many traces of a fishing village. Before you reach the beach, you pass by modern villas and tourist apartments, and instead of fishing boats on the sand, you now see wicker parasols and loungers for rent on the western side and umbrellas on the eastern. The only reminders of bygone days are storage huts.
The beach is backed by dunes, which are protected by boardwalks. A 200-meter (over 650 feet) long boardwalk is the main access and makes this a beach accessible to the disabled.
The water is shallow, usually calm and a couple of degrees warmer than in central and western Algarve. Those are the main reasons why it’s so recommended as a beach for children. Although it’s not known as a water sports destination, it sometimes attracts kitesurfers. Lifeguards ensure safety in the summer.
Location: Vila Real de Santo António
Beach for: Families, Kitesurfing
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia da Lota
Buses 43 and 67, both operated by Vamus (the first one runs between Carrapateira in the west and Vila Real de Santo António in the east on weekdays, and the second one between Faro and Vila Real de Santo António throughout the week), stop on road N125, about a 20-minute walk from the beach. However, these are very infrequent services and the roads from the bus stop to the beach are not very pedestrian-friendly, so going by car is the only option. Take the N125, and between Tavira and Monte Gordo you’ll see a sign pointing to Praia da Lota. From Tavira it takes less than 20 minutes, and from Monte Gordo it’s about 15. There’s a small parking lot by the beach.
Beaches by Praia da Lota
The similar beach of Manta Rota is to the west, within walking distance. To the east is Praia da Alagoa, which you can also walk to. The most recommended beach in the area, however, is that of Cacela Velha, about a 10-minute drive away, or a long walk from the sand, to the west (walk to the right when facing the sea).
Hotels by Praia da Lota
Praia da Lota Resort – Beachfront Hotel
The only hotel in Praia da Lota is for budget travelers. Rated three stars, it has double rooms and suites with balconies, and offers private access to the beach. There’s an outdoor pool for adults and children, and tennis courts when you want a break from the beach.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Praia da Lota Resort – Beachfront Hotel
Praia da Lota Resort – Beachfront Apartments
Families often prefer to stay in apartments, and these are a short walk from the sand of Praia da Lota. They have one or two bedrooms, accommodating up to four or six people. Many face the outdoor pools, for children and adults.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Praia da Lota Resort – Beachfront Apartments
Mantamar Apartamentos
These apartments are by the beach of Manta Rota, which is next to Praia da Lota. They’re studios or have one or two bedrooms, and the largest ones are for as many as six people. Their balconies overlook the garden, the pools (for adults and children) or the ocean.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Mantamar Apartamentos