There are many quiet beaches between Sagres and Lagos, and this is one of the easiest to reach, through good, paved roads. When you arrive, you see an abandoned warehouse of an 18th-century fishing community, but everything else in sight is pristine nature. It’s flanked by cliffs and there are many rocks just before you reach the sand. Fortunately, there are no rocks in the water, which is usually calm in the summer, so this is a good beach for swimming. Just note that it has no lifeguards, so you should always be careful.
You won’t find any facilities here, so bring water and food. The nearest villages are Burgau to the east and Salema to the west. Most people who visit this beach are tourists staying in these two villages, plus campers who find the available parking space convenient. It’s never crowded, despite being just 150 meters (close to 500 feet) long.
The name literally translates to River Mouth Beach and it refers to the mouth of the Ribeira de Budens river on the eastern side. It flows through a valley to the ocean, but there are days when it doesn’t quite reach the Atlantic and forms a small lagoon by the beach. If you follow it inland, you just might spot an otter or two, while cows often graze on the river banks.
If you hike over the cliff on this eastern side of the beach, you’ll see a ruined fort named Forte da Boca do Rio or Forte de Almádena. It dates from 1632 but was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1755. Walking over the cliff to the west instead, you’ll have a beautiful view over the beach and will eventually reach Salema. In between, you’ll see traces of frescoes and mosaics in an archaeological site which unearthed the remains of a Roman villa and port.
Not far from the coast is a shipwreck from 1759, which you can dive to. It’s a French ship named L’Océan, which was attacked by the British and seeked help from the forts in this area, but ended up sinking. If you wish to explore it, contact the PuraVida dive center in Sagres.
Location: Sagres
Beach for: Families
Lifeguards: No
Bathrooms: No
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: No
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia da Boca do Rio
You can actually walk over the cliffs to this beach from the village of Salema, in about 25 minutes. By car, the journey is just five minutes. If you drive from Burgau it takes 10 minutes, and from Sagres it’s about 20 minutes. You just have to follow road N125, exit at Budens and continue in the direction of the sea for about three kilometers (close to two miles). There’s parking right by the beach. There is no public transportation to anywhere within a reasonable walking distance.
Beaches by Praia da Boca do Rio
The closest beach is that of Salema to the west. To the east is the similar Praia de Cabanas Velhas, which can be reached in about 7 minutes by car. For a beach with lifeguards and places to eat, head to Burgau, about 10 minutes away.
Hotels by Praia da Boca do Rio
Salema Beach Village
The best place to stay close to Praia da Boca do Rio is this resort village in Salema. It consists of 2- and 3-bedroom townhouses, all with three bathrooms and some with a sea view. All guests have access to an outdoor swimming pool with a bar serving light meals.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Salema Beach Village
Hotel Burgau Turismo de Natureza
Well located up on a hill in Burgau, this hotel is within walking distance of just about anywhere in the village and its beach. Praia da Boca do Rio is ten minutes away by car. Some of the rooms on the top floor offer a sea view, and there’s an outdoor swimming pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Burgau Turismo de Natureza
AlmaVerde Village & Spa Resort
Less than 15 minutes by car from Praia da Boca do Rio, this resort village is a good choice for groups of friends or families. Its fully-equipped villas accommodate six to eight people and have swimming pools.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: AlmaVerde Village & Spa Resort