Praia do Vau

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


Praia do Vau, Portimão, Algarve

It’s just three kilometers (less than two miles) from the center of Portimão, but feels a world away. Although there’s some development behind it, this beach has no tall buildings and preserves a natural landscape. On the eastern side you have the typical golden cliffs of this coast, and to the west you can see the pine-covered João de Arens headland.

Praia do Vau, Algarve

It’s not very big, especially at high tide, so it can get crowded in the summer, but the scenery still gives it a relaxing atmosphere. The cliffs shelter it from the winds and offer a panoramic view from the top.

Praia do Vau, Portugal

Just like the other beaches in the area, it has golden sand and the sea is relatively calm. On the calmest days, it’s good for swimming and safe for children. For this reason, it tends to attract local families, who also come for the restaurants. Unlike the neighboring beaches, however, it has no rock formations along the shore, except for one on the western end. Remember to not stay close to the rock, due to the risk of rockfall. For shade, take an umbrella or rent one, available in the summer. Other rentals include pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards.

Praia do Vau, Portimão

There are lifeguards on duty in the bathing season, and as indicated by the Blue Flag, you can be sure that this is a clean and safe beach. It’s also accessible to those on wheelchairs, thanks to a ramp. Behind the beach you see a wooden walkway and steps going up the cliff. They lead to Praia do Alemão, and even if you don’t plan to go to this other beach, you’ll definitely want to see it from above. In fact, the best part of visiting Praia do Vau just may be the stunning views from the top of this cliff and its exotic vegetation.

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

How to Get to Praia do Vau


Praia do Vau is a 30-minute walk from Praia da Rocha, following the pathways above the cliffs and the coastal road. It’s less than 10 minutes by car from the center of Portimão and there’s parking behind it, but you must go early to find a spot. Buses 14 and 35, departing on weekdays from Largo do Dique in central Portimão, stop at this beach in less than 20 minutes. On weekends, there’s bus 1P.

Beaches by Praia do Vau


As mentioned above, Praia do Alemão, to the west, is within walking distance. From that beach you can continue walking west to Praia de Baião, and up the cliff towards Praia de João de Arens and Praia do Submarino. To the east is the smaller Praia dos Careanos. Follow the coastal promenade in an eastern direction from there and you have the beaches of Amado and Três Castelos, before ending at the biggest and most popular beach in town, Praia da Rocha.

Hotels by Praia do Vau


Jardim do Vau, Algarve

Jardim do Vau

Offering direct access to Praia do Vau, this property caters to families, with fully-equipped apartments with balconies (those on the top floors overlook the beach), swimming pools for adults and children, and a kids’ club. Grownups also have access to the wellness facilities, which include a fitness room, a sauna and an indoor pool. The restaurant serves regional and international cuisine. A complimentary shuttle connects it to the center of Portimão.

SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Jardim do Vau


Hotel Alcaide, Algarve

Hotel Alcaide

It’s just up the road from Praia do Vau (about a 5-minute walk), and is one of the best budget options in the area. It offers bright rooms with balconies and an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers for sunbathing or relaxing in the shade of palm trees.

SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Alcaide


Interpass Vau Hotel Apartamentos, Algarve

Interpass Vau Hotel Apartamentos

Praia do Vau is less than 10 minutes from this hotel, which is divided into apartments with balconies (a few of them with a sea view), a restaurant, a bar, and indoor and outdoor pools. One of the two outdoor pools is for children, and there’s also a playground.

SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Interpass Vau Hotel Apartamentos


Apartamentos Turísticos Coral do Vau, Algarve

Apartamentos Turísticos Coral do Vau

These apartments are right behind Praia do Vau, and many of them have a sea view. Although the décor is dated, they’re a good value because of the location and the facilities and services available -- outdoor swimming pools for adults and children, a tennis court, a playground, free parking, and a shuttle from the airport.

SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Apartamentos Turísticos Coral do Vau