Praia do Amado is on the more deserted southern end of Costa Vicentina, but has become a popular destination, especially among surfers. On some summer days (especially on weekends), it can actually be relatively crowded. Most people in the water are on surfboards, while Portuguese families sunbathe on the sand. You won’t find many foreign tourists, except for a few surfers.
It stretches for one kilometer (close to two thirds of a mile) and is backed by valleys and cliffs, which provide some protection from the winds. Wooden stairs take you to the top of the cliff on the northern end, from where you have a panoramic view over the beach. Here you’ll also see a boardwalk, which is the starting point of a trail that goes to the beach of Bordeira to the north (“Trilho do Pontal da Carrapateira”). This trail covers 10.5km (6.5 miles) and takes about three hours to complete. However, if you just follow the coast for 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) between the two beaches (skipping the town of Carrapateira), it should take about one hour. This is a recommended hike, with lookout points along the way.
Also on the northern end of the beach, you’ll find rocks in unusual colors (pink, red and ocher). On the quieter southern side are dark, schist rocks, and this is where you’ll want to stay on the more crowded days.
There are big waves throughout the year, so national and international surf competitions are often held here, even in winter. Many consider it to be one of Portugal’s best surfing beaches. While it’s great for pros, it’s also suitable for beginners, except in winter when the water is much rougher. If you want lessons or to rent equipment, you can do so at the surf schools at the beach -- the Amado Surf Camp and the Algarve Surf School. Sometimes, schools in Sagres also bring their clients here.
When you get hungry or thirsty, you can head to the bar above it, open in the summer. In the bathing season there are also lifeguards on duty and parasols for rent.
Note that there is another Praia do Amado in Algarve. That one is in Portimão, while this one is by the village of Carrapateira, which belongs to the parish of Bordeira, Aljezur. Remember that when looking for it on maps or GPS.
Location: Aljezur (Costa Vicentina)
Beach for: Surfers, Families
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia do Amado
There is no public transportation to Praia do Amado. It’s about 15 minutes by car from Vila do Bispo and 25 minutes from Aljezur. Just head in the direction of Carrapateira and then follow the signs. From the center of Carrapateira, it’s just 5 minutes. There’s a large parking lot above the beach. If you follow the aforementioned trail, you can also walk from Praia da Bordeira.
Beaches by Praia do Amado
If you’re just not into hiking, you can always go to Praia da Bordeira by car. It’s less than 10 minutes away. Further north (about 25 minutes) is Praia de Vale Figueiras, another beach attracting surfers and Portuguese families. To the south are the wild beaches of Murração and Barriga, and the surfing beaches of Cordoama and Castelejo (it could take 25 to 30 minutes to reach these beaches).
Hotels by Praia do Amado
Monte da Vilarinha
In just 15 minutes from this highly-rated property, you can be at Praia do Amado. It’s in the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park, and offers entire farmhouses with one, two or three bedrooms, or bright double rooms or apartments. While the exteriors maintain the traditional architecture, the interiors are contemporary. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool and a children’s playground.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Monte da Vilarinha
Carrapateiramar Guest House
Just 5 minutes by car from Praia do Amado, this highly-rated property has fully-equipped studios. They accommodate as many as four adults, and are in traditional houses facing a swimming pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Carrapateiramar Guest House
Monte Velho Retreat Center
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, stay at this “herdade” (country estate) located 10 minutes from Praia do Amado. It’s surrounded by the countryside and has double and family rooms. Guests can enjoy a vegetarian breakfast and relax on the terrace.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Monte Velho Retreat Center
Casa da Estela
It has a very central location in Carrapateira, so it’s just 5 minutes from Praia do Amado. It’s a good-value guesthouse and also scores points for the welcoming host.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Casa da Estela
Casa Fajara
You can be at Praia do Amado in less than 10 minutes from this hotel. Every room is different, but features a rustic interior. Facilities include a sauna, an outdoor swimming pool and a tennis court.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Casa Fajara