Praia do Garrão

Praia do Garrão beach guide, how to get there and where to stay


Praia do Garrão

Praia do Garrão is about one kilometer long (just over half a mile) and is divided into two sections-- Nascente (East) and Poente (West). The west has low, red and golden cliffs that stretch to Vale do Lobo, while the east is backed by dunes that go all the way to Quinta do Lago and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. The dunes are covered with thyme and are protected by boardwalks, which also provide access to the disabled (on the western end). The cliffs are topped by pine trees. The town of Quarteira can be seen in the distance, to the west, and there’s also a lagoon (the Lagoa das Dunas Douradas) about 200 meters (650 feet) away, where a variety of bird species can be seen.

Praia do Garrão, Algarve

Many of the people at this beach are tourists staying at the luxury hotels in Vale do Lobo, but residents of the Loulé region also come for the beachfront restaurants, which have wonderful views (especially at sunset) and above-average prices.

Praia do Garrão, Algarve, Portugal

It’s a calm, clean, Blue Flag beach, with parts covered with loungers and parasols for rent. It’s also possible to rent water sports equipment such as jet skis, pedal boats and banana boats. The water is generally calm in the summer and there are lifeguards in the bathing season (from June to September).

Praia do Garrão, Loulé

Never packed, it’s a good destination for those looking to escape the crowds of Quarteira.

Praia do Garrão, Loulé, Algarve

Location: Loulé
Beach for: Families
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes

How to Get to Praia do Garrão


You can walk to Praia do Garrão from Vale do Lobo or go by car. There’s no public transportation to this beach. By car, it’s 20 minutes from the center of Loulé, less than 20 minutes from Quarteira, and about a half hour from Faro. There’s parking right by the beach.

Beaches by Praia do Garrão


The closest beach to Praia do Garrão is that of the Vale do Lobo resort, which you can reach by walking west (to the right when facing the sea). There’s also the similar beach of Ancão to the east, which you can also reach on a long walk by the sea. Also to the east, but better accessible by car, is the beach of the luxury resort town of Quinta do Lago (about a 15-minute drive).

Hotels by Praia do Garrão


Dunas Douradas Beach Club, Algarve

Dunas Douradas Beach Club

Praia do Garrão is about a 5-minute walk from this resort with villas and apartments, many of them with a sea view. The villas have four bedrooms, while the apartments have one, two, or three. There are three outdoor pools (one of them for children), a restaurant and a spa. Between May and October, the resort provides sunshades at the beach.

SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Dunas Douradas Beach Club


Ria Park Hotel & Spa, Algarve

Ria Park Hotel & Spa

You can walk to Praia do Garrão from this hotel, taking about 10 minutes. Rated 5 stars, it offers classically-decorated rooms of different sizes, some with a sea view and overlooking a tropical garden. It has a lagoon-style swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, and an indoor pool connected to the spa. At the restaurant there’s the choice of Portuguese or international cuisine.

SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Ria Park Hotel & Spa


Ria Park Garden Hotel, Algarve

Ria Park Garden Hotel

A 4-star alternative to the luxury hotels and resorts in the area, this hotel is just over 5 minutes from Praia do Garrão by car or the hotel’s shuttle (walking takes about 20 minutes). It’s divided into standard rooms and family suites, and has an outdoor swimming pool, a children’s playground, two tennis courts, and a restaurant.

SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Ria Park Garden Hotel