Due to its remote location, this beach attracts few visitors except for those who’ve heard that it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys being surrounded by nature. As it’s part of the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park, its landscape is protected, so it’s very much a wild beach. Its surroundings are farmland and pine forests, and it’s backed by schist cliffs.
It has lifeguard supervision in the summer, but there are no facilities of any kind. Always bring water and snacks, and an umbrella if you prefer shade. The more secluded spots between the rocks on the northern end are sometimes frequented by naturists.
It’s about 50 meters (165 ft) wide and half a kilometer (about a third of a mile) long. It becomes quite narrow when the tide rises (it even disappears on some autumn and winter days), and there are rock pools when the tide is low. Sometimes these pools trap starfish, crabs and mussels. You should be careful when walking over the rocks, as they can be slippery.
The waters are clean but rough, so you shouldn’t come to this beach with swimming in mind. Unlike almost all other beaches on this coast, it’s not a surfing destination. It’s more common to see fishermen on the rocks than surfers in the ocean. Still, outside the summer, a few surfers do sometimes make it an alternative to the more popular surfing beaches to the south.
No one really knows the origin of the name (“Valley of Men”), but a legend says that it derives from the arrival of seven caravels carrying slaves in the late 16th century.
Location: Aljezur (Costa Vicentina)
Beach for: Naturists
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: No
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: No
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia do Vale dos Homens
Even though it’s in a remote location, Praia do Vale dos Homens is relatively easy to reach. There’s a road that goes directly to it from the village of Rogil, to the north of Aljezur. The drive from Aljezur takes less than 15 minutes, while from Odeceixe it’s between 15 and 20. There’s plenty of parking above the beach. You then have to go down a wooden staircase with 285 steps to the sand, so this is not a beach for the disabled or those with mobility issues.
Beaches by Praia do Vale dos Homens
There are no beaches within reasonable walking distance, but Amoreira and Monte Clérigo are less than 25 minutes away, to the south. Heading north, you can be at the beaches of Odeceixe and Adegas in about 20 minutes.
Hotels by Praia do Vale dos Homens
Hotel Alcatruz
This hotel is just 5 minutes by car from Praia do Vale dos Homens. It has beach-themed rooms with balconies or terraces where breakfast is served, as there is no restaurant. The garden is a good place to relax in the sun or after a day at the beach.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Alcatruz
Quinta da Bunheira
For easy access to the road to the beach, stay at one of these good-value houses in the village of Rogil. They have one or two bedrooms, and are fully equipped for you to prepare meals and do laundry.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Quinta da Bunheira