Praia da Barriga is the northernmost of a trio of beaches connected at low tide in a wild and remote part of Costa Vicentina. When it’s not possible to access it from the neighboring beaches, you have to drive down an unpaved road. For this reason, very few people come here, but it’s a wonderful destination for those who enjoy quiet and off-the-beaten-path beaches. Not surprisingly, naturism is common.
Occasionally, just for a change of scenery, surf schools bring their clients here instead of to Praia do Castelejo or Praia da Cordoama, the two beaches to the south. The sea offers the same surfing conditions and is suitable for beginners and the more advanced.
Unfortunately, the best part of this beach is only accessible at low tide -- the northern side, hidden by a cliff when you arrive. When it’s possible to go around the cliff, you see two imposing rock formations on the sand and a small cave. The tides often create pools between the jagged rocks.
There’s no restaurant or any kind of facilities, or even lifeguards. You should bring water and snacks, and be very careful in the water. Due to the often rough seas, swimming is not recommended. If you’re coming with a surfing school, always follow your instructor’s advice. Since there are no rentals, make sure you bring an umbrella if you prefer shade. Keep some distance from the cliffs, as rocks may fall.
It’s often misty in the mornings at this beach, even when it’s clear and sunny elsewhere in the region. This is due to a microclimate, but it usually clears up by noon.
Location: Vila do Bispo (Costa Vicentina)
Beach for: Naturists, Surfing
Lifeguards: No
Bathrooms: No
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: No
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia da Barriga
If the tide allows it, you can walk from the more popular Praia do Castelejo. Better yet is walking from Praia da Cordoama, since it’s closer (Castelejo is 3 kilometers or about 2 miles away). Although there’s parking by Praia da Barriga, you might want to leave your car in Cordoama, and then enjoy the walk by the sea. When the tide is too high to walk between the beaches, the drive from Praia da Cordoama is about 7 minutes. Most of the road from there is not paved and not easy to find. From Sagres it’s less than 20 minutes and from Vila do Bispo just over 10.
Beaches by Praia da Barriga
In addition to the aforementioned Castelejo and Cordoama, you might want to visit Praia do Beliche, located about 25 minutes to the south, in Sagres. In the opposite direction (to the north), you can also be at the equally wild Praia da Murração in 25 minutes and at the Amado surfing beach in about 20.
Hotels by Praia da Barriga
Hotel Mira Sagres
Conveniently located in the center of Vila do Bispo, this hotel places you about 10 minutes from Praia da Barriga. It offers twin and double rooms, some of them with balconies or terraces. Surprisingly for a three-star hotel, it has a spa and an indoor pool. There’s no restaurant, but it does serve breakfast.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Mira Sagres
Pure Flor de Esteva
Also located in Vila do Bispo, this highly-rated bed and breakfast has bright, tastefully-decorated rooms, plus a shared kitchen and lounge, and a terrace to relax after a day at the beach.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Pure Flor de Esteva
Pure Fonte Velha B&B
This good-value bed-and-breakfast is in Vila do Bispo and has double and king rooms, a suite, a studio, and a loft. It features a contemporary/vintage-inspired décor, and there’s a fully-equipped kitchen to prepare meals.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Pure Fonte Velha B&B