Compared to other beaches in the Lagoa region, Praia de Albandeira remains a secret. To get there, you need to go down a narrow road and there’s just one hotel nearby. However, photos of its rock formations shared on social media bring more tourists every year. Condé Nast Traveler magazine also once placed it on its list of best beaches in Europe, so the number of visitors is likely to keep increasing.
It’s a small beach, measuring just 80 meters (262 feet), so it can feel crowded with just a couple dozen people. Much of its golden sand disappears when the tide rises. There are days when the water can get rough, but in the summer it’s usually calm and good for swimming, snorkeling and even diving. Just watch out for the rocks on the right side and note that there’s lifeguard supervision only between mid-June and mid-September.
It’s actually divided into two sections by a rocky outcrop. You arrive on the left side and that’s where most people stay, but there are stairs on the rocks leading to the smaller right side.
A small tunnel on the right side leads to the most famous feature of this beach -- an arched cliff in the water, shaped by thousands of years of erosion. This other side of the tunnel is actually considered a separate beach, called Praia da Estaquinha, but the arch is known as Arco de Albandeira (“Albandeira Arch”). You can only go through the tunnel and access this beach when the tide is low. If you choose to stay here, return to Praia de Albandeira when the tide starts to rise.
When the sea is calm, you can swim around and under the arch. It’s also possible to walk on top of it -- just keep walking to the right over the cliff when you arrive at the beach. There are beautiful views from here. If you enjoy coastal hikes, continue walking west (to the right) over the cliffs and you can go all the way to the famous Praia da Marinha.
When choosing the right spot to spread your towel, remember to keep a safe distance from the cliffs, as rocks may fall. If you prefer shade, bring an umbrella, since there are no rentals. The only facility here is a bar which only opens in the summer (there have been summers when it remained closed). It is always a good idea to bring water and snacks if you plan to spend some time at this beach.
Because you need to go down stairs to reach the sand, this is not an accessible beach for those on wheelchairs or with mobility issues.
Location: Lagoa
Beach for: Social Media
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia de Albandeira
There’s no public transportation to Praia de Albandeira. It’s 20 minutes by car from Carvoeiro, 15 minutes from Armação de Pêra and a half hour from Albufeira. There’s free parking on the sides of the road by the beach.
Beaches by Praia de Albandeira
As mentioned above, it’s possible to hike over the cliffs to Praia da Marinha. Before it, you find Praia do Barranquinho. About 15 minutes by car to the east is Praia da Senhora da Rocha.
Hotels by Praia de Albandeira
Vila Alba Resort
This is the only hotel by Praia de Albandeira. It offers direct access, plus sea views from some of its classically-styled suites, from the restaurant, and from the large swimming pool surrounded by peaceful gardens. There’s also a spa and a fitness room.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Vila Alba Resort