Praia dos Careanos

Praia dos Careanos beach guide, how to get there and where to stay


Praia dos Careanos

One of Portimão's smallest beaches is hidden below a tall cliff. This means that it’s a quieter beach and for those looking to escape the crowds. Outside the summer season, it’s often deserted. Many people find it on their way between the more popular beaches, following the promenade over the cliff. The view from here is stunning, and you can see the entire coastline, from the center of Portimão to the João de Arens headland.

Praia dos Careanos, Algarve

This beach has a small bar, which rents umbrellas and loungers in the bathing season. These umbrellas occupy about half of the beach and are your only way to get some shade. Never stay close to the cliffs, due to the risk of rockfall.

Praia dos Careanos, Portimão

The water is frequently calm and there are lifeguards on duty in the summer months. This is a good beach for children, but not for those with mobility issues, as it’s reached via a steep staircase.

Praia dos Careanos, Portugal

Like at the other beaches on this coast, there are large rocks, but here they’re only found on the eastern side. These separate it from the beach to the east, Praia do Amado, although it’s possible to walk between the two when the tide is low.

Praia dos Careanos, Portimão, Algarve

Location: Portimão
Beach for: Families, Couples
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes

How to Get to Praia dos Careanos


Praia dos Careanos is a 15-minute walk from Praia da Rocha, up the coastal road or promenade (Rua da Falésia). If you’re driving from the center of Portimão, it takes less than 10 minutes and there’s parking on the road above the beach (Estrada do Vau). Buses 14 and 35 depart twice per hour on weekdays from Largo do Dique, in central Portimão, and stop at Praia do Vau, less than a 5-minute walk from this beach. On weekends, there’s bus 1P, which covers the same route.

Beaches by Praia dos Careanos


As mentioned above, Praia do Amado is right next to Praia dos Careanos, to the east. This beach is connected to Praia dos Três Castelos, which is separated from Praia da Rocha by a cliff with a viewpoint. To the west of Praia dos Careanos are Praia do Vau, Praia do Alemão and Praia de Boião. All these are within walking distance. If you like to walk, you can continue from Praia de Boião over the cliff to the west, and go down to the “secret” nude beaches of João de Arens and Submarino.

Hotels by Praia dos Careanos


Hotel Luar, Algarve

Hotel Luar

This hotel faces the sea, on the promenade that links the beaches. The closest one is Praia dos Três Castelos, but Praia dos Careanos is less than 10 minutes away, walking west. The rooms are basic but have balconies, many of them facing the sea. Although this is a budget hotel, it has a large outdoor swimming pool.

SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Luar


Turim Presidente Hotel, Algarve

Turim Presidente Hotel

Located above Praia dos Careanos, this hotel has apartments with balconies, some of them with sea views. It’s one of the oldest hotels on this coast, but was upgraded in 2021 and is a good choice if you’re on a budget. Facilities include an outdoor pool, a game room, a restaurant serving international cuisine, and a bar.

SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Turim Presidente Hotel


Jardim do Vau, Algarve

Jardim do Vau

It faces Praia do Vau, but is also a short walk from Praia dos Careanos, and offers 1- and 2-bedroom apartments with balconies and fully-equipped kitchens. If you don’t want to prepare meals, you can always dine at the restaurant which serves regional and international cuisine. It’s a family-friendly property, with outdoor pools for children and adults and a kids’ club to keep the little ones entertained as the grownups relax at the sauna or in the indoor swimming pool, or work out at the fitness center.

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


Apartamentos Turísticos Coral do Vau, Algarve

Apartamentos Turísticos Coral do Vau

These apartments are behind Praia do Vau, meaning within walking distance of Praia dos Careanos. They have one or two bedrooms, and a few offer a sea view. The décor could use an update, but they’re a good value, when you consider the beachfront location and the services and facilities -- free parking, shuttle from the airport, swimming pool for adults and children, a tennis court, and a playground.

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


Hotel Alcaide, Algarve

Hotel Alcaide

If you’re on a budget and want to stay close to this beach, choose this three-star hotel. It’s quite a good value, offering bright rooms with balconies and an outdoor swimming pool. The walk to Praia dos Careanos takes less than 10 minutes.

SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Alcaide