As the name indicates, this is a green beach, one of the greenest in Algarve. There’s a small pine forest behind it, and the scent of the pine trees can be felt as you lie on the sand. To the east you can see the Monte Gordo skyline, while to the west is a series of similar beaches on a continuous stretch of sand that ends at the peninsula of Cacela Velha. It’s very close to the border with Spain (less than 20 minutes away), so it attracts many Spanish tourists, who join the many Portuguese families that choose this beach as their favorite in Eastern Algarve. The tides sometimes leave behind small pools, which children love. The water is usually calm and a little warmer than in the central and western regions of Algarve. There are lifeguards on duty in the summer.
Much of the fine, white sand on the eastern side is covered with loungers and parasols for rent. Sometimes it’s also possible to rent jet skis, standup paddleboards and pedal boats. You may also find massage services. The western side is for those who bring their own umbrellas.
Even with a number of popular, upmarket restaurants behind it, it’s never crowded, and the atmosphere is peaceful. Many people stay the entire day for the beautiful sunset and dinner at the restaurants (Pézinhos n’Areia is the one closest to the ocean, but others behind it also offer sunset and sea views). For the same reasons, many people visit it outside the summer.
Long boardwalks over the dunes and through the pine forest connect the restaurants, the beach, and the parking lot, and provide access to the disabled. Some people picnic in the shade of the pine trees, while others just go for a walk and look for the chameleons that live here.
Praia Verde belongs to Castro Marim, a small town to the north (about 15 minutes by car), which is worth a visit for its 13th-century castle. In the last weekend of August, it hosts one of Algarve’s main cultural events, a medieval fair recreating the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, with parades and medieval music, and food stalls offering local specialities.
Location: Castro Marim
Beach for: Families, Water Sports
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia Verde
There’s no public transportation to Praia Verde, but it’s easy to reach by car. You’ll see a sign pointing to it on road N125. From Tavira, it’s about 25 minutes, and from Monte Gordo about 15. There’s a small, paid parking lot by the beach, and it’s not easy to find a spot available unless you arrive early in the morning. Alternatively, look for a spot up on the hill, where there’s a free parking area. Then you just have to walk for five to ten minutes downhill to the beach, via the boardwalk.
Beaches by Praia Verde
Praia Verde is between two similar beaches - Praia da Alagoa to the west and Praia do Cabeço to the east. You can easily walk to the two. The most recommended in the area is the beach of Cacela Velha, about 15 minutes by car to the west. There’s also the very popular beach of Monte Gordo, less than 15 minutes to the east, which, although often crowded, has a number of more affordable restaurants.
Hotels by Praia Verde
Octant Praia Verde
Surrounded by pine trees, this boutique hotel has 65 bright double rooms and suites, many of them with a view of the sea on the horizon. There’s a large swimming pool, but to swim in the ocean instead, you just have to walk for about seven minutes to Praia Verde. The restaurant focuses on healthy and rustic-style cuisine, much of it prepared in a wood oven. You can then burn calories in the fitness center.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Octant Praia Verde
Companhia das Culturas
This eco-friendly boutique hotel is about a 10-minute drive from Praia Verde, in the quiet countryside close to Castro Marim. It’s a refurbished farmhouse, with four apartments and nine rooms with a stylish design using cork and stone. An organic breakfast and Mediterranean dinners are served at the restaurant, and for relaxing moments there is an outdoor swimming pool and a hamman scented with rosemary and rockrose from Algarve. It’s also possible to join yoga classes.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Companhia das Culturas