Although it’s right to the east of very popular Quarteira, this is a very calm, uncrowded beach. Also known as Praia do Cavalo Preto, it’s frequented by Portuguese families and couples, but few foreign tourists.
It’s quite beautiful, with a backdrop of pinewoods at the top of low ocher cliffs and the waters of a lagoon at the mouth of the Almargem River. Swimming in the lagoon is prohibited, but the landscape attracts nature lovers and birdwatchers. The shade of the pines invites families for picnics.
On the golden sand are sunbeds, loungers, wicker parasols, and water sports equipment for rent. On windier days, it’s a kite and windsurfing beach. There’s also a restaurant with outdoor seating, for meals and sea views. The specialty is grilled fish but there are other options.
The water is usually calm and always clean (as indicated by the Blue Flag), but you should pay attention to the warning flags, as conditions can change quickly. There’s lifeguard supervision in the summer.
Location: Loulé
Beach for: Families, Nature Lovers
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia do Almargem
No public transportation passes by this beach, despite its proximity to Quarteira. Walking from the beach in Quarteira takes between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your starting point. By car, it’s less than 10 minutes from the center of Quarteira and about 20 minutes from the center of Loulé. There are two parking lots on both ends of the beach.
Beaches by Praia do Almargem
You can be at the beach of Quarteira in about 15 minutes if you walk to the west (to the right when facing the sea). To the east, but accessible by car, are the beaches of Loulé Velho (10 minutes), Vale do Lobo (15 minutes) and Garrão (less than 20 minutes).
Hotels by Praia do Almargem
Dom José Beach Hotel
This beachfront hotel in Quarteira is the best choice for those who want to stay close to Praia do Almargem. About half of the rooms have a sea view. Although rated just 3 stars, it offers an outdoor pool, a gym, massage services, a restaurant of international cuisine, a mini golf course, and a private area with loungers on the beach.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Dom José Beach Hotel
Zodiaco Hotel
You can walk to Praia do Almargem from this hotel, taking about 15 minutes. It’s on one of the main roads that lead to Quarteira and has spacious rooms. The best feature is the outdoor swimming pool. It doesn’t have a restaurant, but you’ll find many within walking distance.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Zodiaco Hotel
Solgarve Aparthotel
If you prefer apartments, stay at this property which has 1-bedroom apartments with balconies. They accommodate as many as four people, with a double bed or twin beds, plus a sofa bed. There are two outdoor pools, one for adults and another for children. The closest beach is Quarteira, but you can also walk to Praia do Almargem in less than 20 minutes.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Solgarve Aparthotel