This beach is the western end of a long stretch of sand backed by a tall cliff (the eastern end is Praia dos Três Castelos). It has several yellow and red rocks rising up from the sand and the sea, and is quite beautiful. Although these rocks provide shade, you should never spread your towel or stand around them, as there’s always the risk of rockfall.
There are no parasols for rent, so if you prefer shade, you need to bring your own. You should also bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities, although you can always walk to Praia dos Três Castelos for that. Here you don’t have lifeguards either, but they’re nearby, at Três Castelos.
This is where the Portimão coast gets quieter, and it’s never as crowded as the beaches to the east. Because it’s accessed via a staircase, it’s not a beach for those with mobility issues and it’s frequented by a younger crowd.
A cobbled promenade and a boardwalk run along the top of the cliff, offering panoramic views of the beach and the coast.
Note that there’s another beach named Praia do Amado in Algarve, a surfing beach on Costa Vicentina, to the west.
Location: Portimão
Beach for: Families, Social Media
Lifeguards: No
Bathrooms: No
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: No
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia do Amado
A steep staircase takes you down to this beach from the coastal road (Rua da Falésia). You find it a few steps to the left (when facing the sea) from a parking lot. It’s also accessible from Praia dos Três Castelos, and about a 15-minute walk from Praia da Rocha.
Beaches by Praia do Amado
When the tide is low, Praia do Amado is connected to Praia dos Careanos to the west, which is always accessible via a staircase from the road. As mentioned above, to the east of Praia do Amado is Praia dos Três Castelos. Further east, on the other side of a cliff topped by a viewpoint, is Portimão’s biggest and most famous beach, Praia da Rocha. From Praia do Amado it’s also possible to walk west to Praia do Vau, Praia do Alemão, and Praia de Boião.
Hotels by Praia do Amado
Hotel Luar
This is the closest hotel to Praia do Amado, standing on the promenade where you find the staircase that goes down to the beach. Rooms are dated but functional, and all have balconies, many of them with a sea view. There’s a large outdoor pool, which you don’t always get at a 3-star hotel.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Luar
Turim Presidente Hotel
Located between Praia do Amado and Praia dos Careanos, this is a budget-friendly hotel. It has spacious apartments with balconies, many of them overlooking the Atlantic. It includes a restaurant serving international cuisine, a bar, a game room, and an outdoor pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Turim Presidente Hotel
Jardim do Vau
This family-friendly hotel has direct access to Praia do Vau, and that means that it’s also within walking distance of Praia do Amado. It consists of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens, but also has a restaurant offering regional and international cuisine. Outside are swimming pools for adults and children, and inside is another pool, that’s part of the wellness center, which includes a fitness center and a sauna. A free shuttle takes guests to the center of Portimão.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Jardim do Vau
Hotel Alcaide
The best budget option in the area is this 3-star hotel located about a 10-minute walk from Praia do Amado. It’s an excellent value, with rooms with balconies and an outdoor swimming pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Alcaide