It’s also called Praia de Alvor Nascente, but everyone knows it as Praia dos Três Irmãos (“Three Brothers Beach”). This name is said to have derived from three rock formations on its eastern side. This side is characterized by tall rocks and backed by a cliff, while to the west it has dunes extending for a kilometer, all the way to Praia de Alvor.
Because of the scenic beauty created by the different rocks, people tend to gravitate to the eastern side. However, to the west are loungers and sunshades for rent, and it ends up being the choice of those looking for a quieter atmosphere. A series of rocks and a cliff on the eastern end separates it from one of Algarve’s most beautiful beaches, Prainha. Many people climb over the rock that separates the two beaches and explore the other side, thinking it’s all Praia dos Três Irmãos, but it’s indeed a different beach. Still, no visit to Praia dos Três Irmãos is complete without heading over to Prainha, and, in fact, it’s the best way to reach this neighboring beach, which is otherwise only accessed through an elevator or steps that are not so easy to find at the top of the cliff.
Praia dos Três Irmãos has a number of hotels in the vicinity (see below), so it attracts many tourists, but it’s also a favorite of local families, so it can get crowded, although less so than other beaches closer to Portimão. The water is often calm by the shore and therefore relatively safe for children (beware on the days with stronger waves). This is a Blue Flag beach (meaning clean and safe), and it has lifeguard supervision in the bathing season. There is also wheelchair access.
To guarantee the perfect spot in the summer, arrive in the morning. If you prefer the eastern side, don’t stay too close to the cliff or the rocks, due to the risk of rockfall. They do provide shade, but if you want to avoid the sun, bring an umbrella or rent one of the parasols, available in the summer.
For meals, you don’t have to go very far. There are a couple of restaurants right on the beach, specializing in fish but with other options as well. Dining with a sea view is a great way to end a day at the beach, and it’s also worth staying for the sunset.
Location: Alvor
Beach for: Families, Couples
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia dos Três Irmãos
Praia dos Três Irmãos is about a 5-minute drive from the center of Alvor and less than 15 minutes from Portimão. There is plenty of parking by the beach, but you should arrive early or it might be difficult to find a spot. Bus 14 of the local "Vai e Vem" network (departing every half hour from a stop by a roundabout on Rua do Rossio de São Pedro in central Alvor and from Largo do Dique in Portimão) stops nearby. However, this bus only operates on weekdays, so on weekends you have to take bus 1P, which covers the same route but only departs around once per hour (this frequency is increased in the months of July and August to every half hour). The stop by Praia dos Três Irmãos is on Rua da Torralta, and from there you need to walk for about 5 minutes to the beach.
Beaches by Praia dos Três Irmãos
As mentioned above, Praia dos Três Irmãos is between Prainha and Praia de Alvor, and it’s possible to walk to these beaches. If you’re feeling adventurous, walk over the cliffs to the east, from Prainha, towards João de Arens and Submarino, two beautiful nude beaches.
Hotels by Praia dos Três Irmãos
Pestana Alvor Praia
Inaugurated in 1967, it’s one of Algarve’s oldest hotels, but a complete refurbishment in 2016 made it look like new. The 202 rooms are contemporary, and most face Praia dos Três Irmãos. An elevator takes guests directly to the beach, and there’s also access to tennis courts and golf courses nearby. Outside is a large seawater pool, while inside is a heated pool, connected to the spa. It has two restaurants, serving regional and international cuisine.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Pestana Alvor Praia
Pestana Alvor South Beach
Inspired by Miami, this hotel faces Praia do Alvor but is also a short walk from Praia dos Três Irmãos. It features a bright and colorful décor in the 89 rooms and the common areas, which include a restaurant, a bar, and a large terrace with swimming pools surrounded by palm trees, where it sometimes hosts sunset parties.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Pestana Alvor South Beach
Pestana Alvor Park Hotel
It’s not right on the beach, but it’s just a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk away. It’s also within walking distance of the center of Alvor and its many restaurants. There are spacious studios and apartments with balconies, and can be a good value. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Pestana Alvor Park Hotel