This is probably the liveliest beach in all of Costa Vicentina. It’s popular with the people of the region and surfers, and offers plenty of space, with dunes stretching for half a kilometer.
It’s home to a hamlet cascading down a hill and there are restaurants facing the beach. Here you also find a surf school, which rents equipment in addition to providing lessons. The beach has good surfing conditions for all levels, but on days with bigger waves, it should be just for the more experienced. You should also beware that the currents change frequently. There’s lifeguard supervision in the bathing season, which here is the months of July, August and September. This is a Blue Flag beach, so safety and cleanliness is guaranteed. It’s also accessible to the disabled.
When the sea is calmer, it’s actually a good beach for snorkeling. The water is cold but clear. Rock pools form at low tide, much enjoyed by children, who also love seeing a variety of sea creatures near the cliffs on the southern side. There can be starfish, crabs, and even octopuses. If you walk up to the top of the cliffs, on the southern or northern ends, you have a magnificent view over the beach. Many people stop to photograph on the side of the road, for the panoramic view of the hamlet and the beach.
There are no parasols for rent, so if you want shade, bring your own. It can be windy in the middle section, but the cliffs shelter the northern and southern sides.
Location: Aljezur (Costa Vicentina)
Beach for: Surfers, Families
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia de Monte Clérigo
Praia de Monte Clérigo is 10 minutes by car from Aljezur. There’s no public transportation and it’s not within walking distance from any town. There’s parking right behind it and up on the hill, above the hamlet.
Beaches by Praia de Monte Clérigo
You can walk to Praia da Amoreira, to the north, in 15 minutes. By car, you’re there in less than 5. The very popular surfing beach of Arrifana is 15 minutes away by car, to the south. To the north is Praia do Vale dos Homens (25 minutes).
Hotels by Praia de Monte Clérigo
Vicentina Hotel
You can be at Praia de Monte Clérigo in just 10 minutes from this hotel. It’s centrally located in Aljezur, with double and twin rooms, studios, and 1-bedroom apartments, some of them with balconies and views of the castle. There’s an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Vicentina Hotel
Utopia Guest House
Here you have not one but two swimming pools, plus a tennis court and a large garden. For a day at the beach, you just need to drive for about 10 minutes to Monte Clérigo or Arrifana. The rooms are bright and decorated with soft colors, and some of them have a balcony or terrace.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Utopia Guest House
Arrifana Destination Boutique
It’s located above Arrifana Beach, but you can also be in Monte Clérigo in less than 15 minutes. Its elegant rooms are great for couples, and many of them offer a sea view. It has an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Arrifana Destination Boutique