It’s right next to the often-crowded beach of Monte Gordo, but this one offers more space and a quieter atmosphere, although it’s also very popular in the months of July and August. Once known as Praia da Retur, it mainly attracts Portuguese families, as foreign tourists tend to stay in the central area of Algarve (with the exception of Spaniards, as the border with Spain is less than 20 minutes away).
You see the high-rises of Monte Gordo to the east, but behind this beach are dunes and pinewoods. Between the pine trees are also strawberry trees, curry plants and paths for cyclists and hikers, starting on the eastern end, by a boardwalk. These paths go all the way to Monte Gordo.
The main access to Praia do Cabeço is a boardwalk next to a restaurant, by the parking lot, which makes it an accessible beach for the disabled. A large part of the sand is covered with wicker parasols and loungers for rent. Sometimes it’s also possible to rent pedal boats and jet skis. Outside the summer, it’s often a windsurfing and kitesurfing destination.
The water tends to be calm, shallow and safe for children. It’s also clean, as indicated by the Blue Flag. There’s lifeguard supervision in the summer.
Location: Castro Marim
Beach for: Families, Windsurfers, Kitesurfers
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia do Cabeço
You can walk to Praia do Cabeço from the popular beach of Monte Gordo. By car, it takes ten minutes. It’s also about 10 minutes from the city of Vila Real de Santo António. From Castro Marim it’s close to 15 minutes, and from Tavira about 20. There’s no public transportation to this beach, so going by car is your only option. The closest bus stop is over a 15-minute walk away, on road N125. The buses that stop there are numbers 43 (that runs between Carrapateira and Vila Real de Santo António on weekdays) and 67 (that goes between Faro and Vila Real de Santo António throughout the week), both operated by Vamus. There’s a sign pointing to “Cabeço” by the bus stop, but then the road that leads to the beach doesn’t have a sidewalk, so it’s not very pedestrian-friendly. There’s a large parking lot by the beach, and when it’s full, it’s possible to park on the side of the road.
Beaches by Praia do Cabeço
The closest beach to Praia do Cabeço is that of Monte Gordo to the east, which you can walk to, from the sand, in just a few minutes. To the west is Praia Verde, literally one of Algarve’s greenest beaches, with a pine forest behind it and slightly upmarket restaurants with sea views. Further west, less than 20 minutes by car, is the very recommended beach of Cacela Velha, on a peninsula and island.
Hotels by Praia do Cabeço
Pé na Areia Guest House
The closest accommodation to Praia do Cabeço is this guest house, which is about a 10-minute walk away. It’s for those on a budget, with studios or twin rooms with private or shared bathrooms. Some units have a patio or balcony. All guests have access to the small outdoor pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Pé na Areia Guest House
Octant Praia Verde
Located in Praia Verde, about a 15-minute walk from Praia do Cabeço, this boutique hotel has bright rooms and suites with an elegant, contemporary design. It’s surrounded by pine trees, and offers an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving healthy cuisine prepared in a wood oven.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Octant Praia Verde
The Prime Energize Hotel
This hotel is just a 2-minute walk from the beach of Monte Gordo, and therefore not far from Praia do Cabeço. It features rooms with balconies, a rooftop pool, a spa with an indoor pool, and a restaurant focusing on local products, including fish from Algarve.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: The Prime Energize Hotel