Also known as Praia da Carrapateira, this is a huge and beautiful beach. It stretches for over 3 kilometers (about 2 miles), making it the largest in Costa Vicentina. It used to feel quite remote, frequented by just a few naturists and fishermen on the vertiginous cliffs. Now it’s a major surfing destination and very popular with Portuguese families. Although the Portuguese Naturist Federation lists it as a beach where nude sunbathing is tolerated or common, that has become rare. Only occasionally do you see naturists on the northern end, by the rocks.
In addition to surfing, it’s great for long walks by the sea. Because it’s so wide, the surrounding cliffs don’t provide much protection from the wind, so it can feel cooler than at other beaches in the region. The water is also very cold and currents can be strong, so it’s not great for swimming. There are lifeguards on duty in the bathing season.
This is essentially a beach to relax surrounded by natural beauty or to surf. Many surf schools bring their clients here. There are days when you see more people in wetsuits than in bathing suits. The sea can be very rough in autumn and winter, so only pros should surf here outside the spring and summer months. In the warmer seasons, however, the waves are good for beginners. The northern side (the right, when facing the sea) is where experienced surfers should go, as the waves here are usually bigger. You can rent surfing equipment at the beach, from the surf school connected to the bar. This bar is open in the summer and is the only facility at the beach. There are years when it also rents wicker parasols.
Those not looking to ride waves, simply enjoy walking around or sit admiring the wild and unspoiled setting with dunes stretching inland all the way to the village of Carrapateira. On the southern end you see a river (the Ribeira da Carrapateira or Ribeira da Bordeira), which sometimes forms a lagoon as it reaches the Atlantic. Because it’s shallow and calm, it’s perfect for children. Above it, on the clifftop, is a viewpoint with a breathtaking panorama. There’s a boardwalk which leads down to the sand. This is the main access to the beach from the parking lot.
Nearby, in Carrapateira, you might want to visit the Carrapateira Sea & Land Museum (“Museu do Mar e da Terra da Carrapateira”). It’s a small contemporary space covering the past and present of the region, mostly through photographs. It explains the daily life of the locals and the creatures that live under the sea. There’s a view over the beach in the distance from a window.
Location: Aljezur (Costa Vicentina)
Beach for: Surfers, Families, Naturists
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia da Bordeira
There’s no public transportation to this beach. It’s about 3 hours from Lisbon, 25 minutes from Sagres and Aljezur, and 40 minutes from Lagos. The parking lot above the beach is free.
Beaches by Praia da Bordeira
The closest beaches to Praia da Bordeira are Praia do Amado (less than 15 minutes by car to the south) and Praia de Vale Figueiras (less than 30 minutes to the north). Both are just as great for surfing, and Vale Figueiras is also nudist-friendly. You can also reach Praia do Amado by walking over the cliffs -- it’s quite a beautiful hike and should take about one hour.
Hotels by Praia da Bordeira
Carrapateiramar Guest House
These highly-rated studios are a short walk from the beach (less than 10 minutes). They’re fully equipped, in traditional houses with a patio with a swimming pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Carrapateiramar Guest House
Monte da Vilarinha
One of the best places to stay in all of Costa Vicentina is just around 15 minutes by car from Praia da Bordeira. It consists of traditional farmhouses, renovated with contemporary interiors. There are houses with one, two or three bedrooms, or you can simply book a double room or apartment. It’s in a peaceful location, surrounded by the natural park of Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, and features a swimming pool and a children’s playground.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Monte da Vilarinha
Casa Fajara
A 5-minute drive from this rustic-style hotel takes you to Praia da Bordeira. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, and a tennis court. Each room is different, accommodating between two and four people.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Casa Fajara
Quinta das Alfambras
Less than 20 minutes from Praia da Bordeira, in the countryside, you find this property consisting of townhouses. They have one or two bedrooms, and face a swimming pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Quinta das Alfambras
Monte Velho Retreat Center
It’s a place for peace and quiet, away from it all, but still a 10-minute drive from Praia da Bordeira. Here you wake up to views of the countryside and are served a vegetarian breakfast. After a day at the beach, you can relax on the terrace.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Monte Velho Retreat Center