When the popular Praia da Senhora da Rocha becomes too crowded, everyone walks through a 60-meter(almost 200 feet)-long, fossil-covered tunnel on the cliff to this beach. It’s bigger and quieter, and also offers a view of the iconic chapel on top of the headland. In fact, the views are even better from here, especially from the top of the cliff behind it.
No one seems to know how it got its name (“New Beach”). Perhaps a better name would be Senhora da Rocha-West, since its main characteristic is the view of the chapel. Make sure you head to the monument for a panoramic view over the beach. The monument only opens on certain religious days, but you may peek through the window to see a cherished image of the Virgin that gives it its name. This was considered a mystical or holy site as far back as the 4th century, when the Visigoths ruled these lands. The chapel was part of a fortress that was destroyed in an earthquake in 1755. It has a simple, all-white exterior and preserves Visigothic columns.
Praia da Senhora da Rocha is more picturesque because of the fishing boats, but Praia Nova offers more space. It stretches for about 300 meters (almost 1000ft) and is backed by tall ocher cliffs. Unlike its neighbor, however, it has no restaurant or facilities of any kind. You can always get water and snacks at the cafés and restaurants nearby, but it’s a good idea to bring refreshments. Also don’t forget an umbrella if you prefer shade, as there are no rentals. Keep a safe distance from the cliffs, because there’s always the chance of rockfall.
The sea varies from day to day, but when it’s calm it’s turquoise and wonderful for swimming and snorkeling. However, there is no lifeguard supervision, so you should be careful.
It’s never crowded, and most people here are guests of the hotels in the vicinity plus a few locals.
Location: Porches (Lagoa)
Beach for: Families, Couples
Lifeguards: No
Bathrooms: No
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: No
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia Nova
As mentioned above, you can reach this beach through a tunnel in Praia da Senhora da Rocha. There is also access from the top of the cliff, via a steep staircase slightly hidden near the center of the beach. It’s a 20-minute drive from Carvoeiro, about 10 minutes from Armação de Pêra and 25 from Albufeira. There’s parking right above it. By bus, you have three options -- there’s number 13, which runs between Albufeira and Portimão, stopping in Armação de Pêra and the headland of Senhora da Rocha, but only half a dozen times a day on weekdays and twice on weekends; number 51 connecting Albufeira and Lagos, with stops in Armação de Pêra and close to this headland, also only half a dozen times on weekdays and two or three times on weekends (depending on the season); the 52, in service between May and October, passing daily (including on weekends) by this beach on its route between Alvor and Armação de Pêra (it also stops in Praia da Rocha in Portimão and in Carvoeiro). All these buses are operated by Vamus, and you can check the website for the schedules.
Beaches by Praia Nova
In addition to Praia da Senhora da Rocha, you have the beach of Cova Redonda within walking distance (about 10 minutes). The famous Praia da Marinha is about 15 minutes by car, to the west.
Hotels by Praia Nova
Pestana Viking Beach & Spa Resort
You can see the chapel and the Senhora da Rocha headland from many of the rooms of this clifftop hotel. It’s a 10-minute walk from Praia Nova, and features a large outdoor swimming pool, an indoor pool connected to the spa, a gym, and a restaurant.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Pestana Viking Beach & Spa Resort
Be Live Family Palmeiras Village
This family-friendly property is a 10-minute walk from Praia Nova. It offers an all-inclusive service and has family rooms painted with colorful murals, a swimming pool for adults and another with slides for kids, three restaurants, a fitness center, and a bar.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Be Live Family Palmeiras Village
Vila Vita Parc Resort
Moorish Algarve was the inspiration for the architecture of this luxurious resort on a clifftop about a 15-minute walk from Praia Nova. The rooms and suites, however, are mostly contemporary. It features a world-class spa and a restaurant with two Michelin stars, and nine more casual restaurants. The swimming pools overlook the sea and are surrounded by tropical gardens.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Vila Vita Parc Resort
Vilalara Thalassa Resort
Another luxury resort within walking distance of Praia Nova (just over 15 minutes), this one is considered one of the world's best thalassotherapy centers. But it stands out for more than the spa - there are stunning sea views from the swimming pools and beautifully-landscaped gardens, two refined restaurants, and spacious suites.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Vilalara Thalassa Resort