The beach of Senhora da Rocha is relatively small (it measures just 100 meters or 328 feet in length and about 40 meters or 130 feet in width) but is one of the most famous in Algarve. That’s because it is next to a headland topped by a 16th-century chapel that illustrates many tourist guides of the region. It’s mostly frequented by tourists staying at the hotels nearby, but is also visited for the headland.
The name “Lady of the Rock” refers to an image of the Virgin inside the chapel. The monument only opens on certain religious days, but you can see the Virgin through the window. On the first Sunday of August, the image is taken from the chapel in a procession to the beach, following a centuries-old tradition. This was already a place of worship when the Visigoths and the Moors ruled these lands, and the chapel was part of a fortress that protected the coast from pirates. The fortress was destroyed in an earthquake in 1755 but the chapel survived and still preserves Visigothic columns from the 3rd or 4th centuries. The building has a simple, all-white exterior, and the only decoration is a set of tile panels at the entrance. The panoramic views from here are extraordinary.
A cliff walk is recommended. There are some wonderful views, and if you continue walking west for about 45 minutes, you reach the famous Praia da Marinha.
The beach is protected from the winds and often packed in July and August. Fishing boats on the sand also take up space. Luckily, when it’s just too crowded, you can walk to the neighboring beaches. A tunnel on the right side, for example, leads to the larger Praia Nova on the other side of the headland. Senhora da Rocha is more picturesque because of the boats. It’s also a small fishing harbor, and there are huts where fishermen store their belongings. These huts are next to a restaurant which offers fresh fish along with views over the beach.
The sea here varies greatly, depending on the season, tides and currents. It can be very rough or perfectly calm and great for swimming, kayaking and jet skiing. You’ll find many shells mixed with the golden sand, brought by the waves.
Sunshades and sunbeds are available for rent in the summer. In the bathing season there are also lifeguards on duty.
Location: Porches (Lagoa)
Beach for: Couples, Families
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia da Senhora da Rocha
Praia da Senhora da Rocha is located 25 minutes from Albufeira, 20 minutes from Carvoeiro and less than 10 minutes from Armação de Pêra. There’s parking on the streets above the beach. Bus 13, operated by Vamus, runs between Albufeira and Portimão, with a stop in Armação de Pêra and also by this beach. However, this only happens half a dozen times on weekdays, and only twice on weekends. There is also bus 51 that runs between Albufeira and Lagos, stopping in Armação de Pêra and close to Praia da Senhora da Rocha (also only half a dozen times on weekdays and two or three times on weekends, depending on the season). Between May and October there’s also bus 52, which passes by every day (including weekends) on its route between Alvor and Armação de Pêra (it also stops at Praia da Rocha in Portimão and in the center of Carvoeiro). See the Vamus website for schedules.
Beaches by Praia da Senhora da Rocha
As mentioned above, you can take a tunnel to Praia Nova from Praia da Senhora da Rocha. This neighboring beach can also be reached from the top of the cliff, via a staircase. The beach of Cova Redonda is also within walking distance (less than 10 minutes). The must-see Praia da Marinha is 15 minutes by car, to the west.
Hotels by Praia da Senhora da Rocha
Pestana Viking Beach & Spa Resort
From many of the rooms and the large outdoor pool of this hotel you can see the Senhora da Rocha headland. It stands above the beach and has rooms with sea views, a restaurant, a gym, and a spa with an indoor pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Pestana Viking Beach & Spa Resort
Vilalara Thalassa Resort
This beautifully-landscaped resort is a 15-minute walk from Praia da Senhora da Rocha. It’s considered one of the world’s top thalassotherapy centers and there are sea views from the two refined restaurants, from the swimming pools and from some of the spacious suites.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Vilalara Thalassa Resort
Be Live Family Palmeiras Village
If you’re traveling with children, you’ll want to stay at this all-inclusive hotel about a 10-minute walk from the beach. It has family rooms decorated with murals that will delight the little ones. Outside is a swimming pool with slides for kids and a larger pool for adults. Also for grownups there’s a fitness center and a bar. The three restaurants serve different world cuisines.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Be Live Family Palmeiras Village
Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
According to Condé Nast Traveler magazine, this is one of the world’s top spa resorts. It focuses on wellness, and the location alone (on a clifftop above the sea) offers peace and relaxation. The 5-star service includes 10 restaurants (one of them distinguished with two Michelin stars) and swimming pools surrounded by tropical gardens. Senhora da Rocha Beach is about a 15-minute walk away.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
White Shell Beach Villas
This eco-friendly resort is just a 3-minute walk from Praia da Senhora da Rocha. You can book an entire villa with three bedrooms or choose an apartment with one, two or three bedrooms. It focuses on relaxation and wellness, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center and a spa.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: White Shell Beach Villas