Praia da Alagoa

Praia da Alagoa beach guide, how to get there and where to stay


Praia da Alagoa, Algarve

Sometimes called Praia da Altura, this is a long beach stretching for almost 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles). That’s plenty of space for different kinds of activities -- volleyball (there are nets by the main access) or soccer on the sand, or relaxing on loungers and in the shade of wicker parasols available for rent. It’s also often possible to rent equipment for water sports, such as kayaks and pedal boats, and it’s a popular site for windsurfing and kitesurfing. This makes it a very attractive beach for local families, young crowds and a few tourists who stay at hotels in the area.

The calmer and warmer waters of Alagoa Beach, Algarve

A long boardwalk leads to the beach, and the rentals are usually found to the east (left) side, while the area for those who bring their own umbrellas is to the west (right). This boardwalk protects the dunes and also provides access to the disabled. Next to it and in the village of Altura behind the beach is a number of inexpensive restaurants.

Boardwalk in Praia da Alagoa, Algarve

The water is usually calm, shallow and safe for swimming. It’s also clean, as indicated by the Blue Flag. There are lifeguards in the summer.

Parasols in Praia da Alagoa, Algarve

Location: Castro Marim
Beach for: Families, Sports
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes

How to Get to Praia da Alagoa


Bus 43, operated by Vamus, which runs between Carrapateira and Vila Real de Santo António, stops at the village of Altura, about a 5-minute walk from the beach. However, it’s only in service on weekdays and very infrequent, so going by car is the most convenient and recommended option. It’s less than 15 minutes from Castro Marim, less than 10 from Monte Gordo, and about 10 from Cacela Velha. There’s a large parking lot by the beach.

Beaches by Praia da Alagoa


Sharing the same long stretch of sand that goes from the border with Spain, by Vila Real de Santo António to the east, to the peninsula of Cacela Velha to the west, are the beaches of Praia Verde and Praia da Lota. You can walk to these beaches from the sand -- when facing the sea, walk to the left for Praia Verde or to the right for Praia da Lota. The first one is literally a green beach, due to a pine forest behind it and has upmarket restaurants. Praia da Lota is similar to Alagoa and known as a family-friendly beach. The beach of Cacela Velha is the most recommended in the area, and is less than 15 minutes away, by car.

Hotels by Praia da Alagoa


Eurotel Altura, Algarve

Eurotel Altura

Offering direct access to Praia da Alagoa, this 4-star hotel is the choice of families. It has family suites and superior rooms accommodating four to five people, and all units have a sea view. Facilities include a large outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant with pool and sea views, a spa, a fitness center, a tennis court, and a kids’ club.

SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Eurotel Altura


Octant Praia Verde, Algarve

Octant Praia Verde

Located in Praia Verde, not far from Praia da Alagoa, this is a beautiful boutique hotel surrounded by pine trees. Many of its rooms and suites have a view of the Atlantic on the horizon. There’s a restaurant serving healthy dishes cooked in a wood oven, plus a fitness center and a swimming pool.

SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Octant Praia Verde


Praia da Lota Resort – Beachfront Hotel, Algarve

Praia da Lota Resort – Beachfront Hotel

Budget travelers choose this 3-star hotel in Praia da Lota, to the west of Praia da Alagoa. It has suites and double rooms with balconies, an outdoor pool for children and adults, tennis courts, and private access to the beach.

SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Praia da Lota Resort – Beachfront Hotel