This beach is located between two of Algarve’s most picturesque towns (Ferragudo and Carvoeiro) and is also frequented by the people of Portimão. It’s quite popular in the summer, and even at other times of the year, due to its restaurant which offers seafood and sea views.
When the tide is low, you can go around the cliff on the western end and continue to another beach called Praia do Torrado. It will look like one long beach, but at high tide the two beaches are separated by the cliff. Praia do Torrado can only be accessed from the sea or from Praia dos Caneiros and is actually the main reason to visit Caneiros. It’s very beautiful and peaceful, with caves, sea stacks and clear waters.
The sea stack right in front of Praia dos Caneiros, about 200 meters (650 feet) from the coast, is called Leixão das Gaivotas. Its surroundings are environmentally protected because it’s the habitat of sea birds. To the right, at the top of the headland, you see a lighthouse known as Farol da Ponta do Altar. It dates from 1893, but the 10m(33 feet)-tall tower you see from the beach is much more recent. Although the interior of the lighthouse is closed to the public, you can go to the top of the headland by car and enjoy a view of the coast and over the city of Portimão.
The beach is backed by cliffs and has golden sand. It’s very clean, which is why it has earned its Blue Flag distinction. The sea is often calm enough in the summer to offer good swimming, snorkeling and diving conditions. There are lifeguards in the bathing season, as well as paddle boats, kayaks, sunshades and sunbeds for rent by the restaurant.
You should never stay too close to the cliffs, due to the risk of rockfall. The rocks you see on the eastern (left) side of the beach are the result of a landslide. Now they trap water when the tide rises, creating tidal pools. They’re fun for the kids, but the rocks can be slippery.
It’s worth staying for the sunset, especially when the restaurant organizes parties with guest DJs. This isn’t a “party beach” but the restaurant does give it a livelier atmosphere than other beaches on the Lagoa coast, and it’s a nice spot to relax at the end of the day.
Location: Lagoa
Beach for: Couples
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia dos Caneiros
Vamus bus 110 goes between Lagoa and Portimão, and stops by Praia dos Caneiros in about 20 minutes from either direction. However, there are only eight buses on weekdays and four on weekends, so it’s better to go by car or Uber. From May to October, there’s also bus 52, which goes between Alvor and Armação de Pêra every two hours, seven days a week, stopping in Praia dos Caneiros on the way. By car from Portimão, the journey takes about 15 minutes and from Carvoeiro it’s about 10. There’s parking on the road above the beach, but it’s very difficult to find a spot if you don’t go early in the day. You can’t really see the beach from the road and parking area. It’s hidden by the cliffs, but you just have to go down the wooden staircase by the restaurant and you’re there.
Beaches by Praia dos Caneiros
Praia dos Caneiros is one of the beaches on the Trail of the Headlands. If you walk over the cliffs for about 90 minutes, you reach the end of the trail at Praia do Paraíso in Carvoeiro. On the way, you’ll see small hard-to-reach beaches like Praia do Vale da Lapa and Praia dos Três Castelos (these beaches are completely inaccessible at high tide). Other beaches can be found to the north – Praia Grande do Ferragudo and its neighbor Praia da Angrinha (5 minutes by car). If you also go by car to Praia do Carvoeiro, to the west, you’ll be there in 10 minutes.
Hotels by Praia dos Caneiros
Caneiros Luxury House & Suites
One of the best hotels in the area is a 5-minute walk from Praia dos Caneiros. It has twin rooms and suites (some of them with a sea view), an outdoor swimming pool, and a spa with an indoor pool. There’s no restaurant, but it serves a delicious breakfast.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Caneiros Luxury House & Suites
Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa
Surrounded by the Carvoeiro countryside and just 10 minutes by car from Praia dos Caneiros, this is a peaceful resort with 80 townhouses. It’s quiet even in the high season, offering an outdoor and an indoor pool, a spa, and two restaurants which use ingredients from the organic garden.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa
Hotel Casabela
This hotel is just three minutes by car or about 15 on foot from Praia dos Caneiros. It’s surrounded by palm trees and a tropical garden, and has rooms with balconies, some with a sea view, others facing the garden. There’s an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court, and a restaurant with panoramic views.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Casabela