Praia da Figueira is quite secluded but not difficult to reach. It’s right to the west of the popular village of Salema and not far from Sagres. Once frequented by just a few naturists, it’s now a favorite of families and young couples, although naturism is still common on the western end. Tourists have yet to discover it, so it’s never crowded.
It’s surrounded by a wild landscape that includes fig and olive trees and cliffs covered with Mediterranean vegetation. It can only be reached via a narrow footpath, as cars must be parked about 800 meters (half a mile) away. Although it’s quite an easy walk from the parking lot, it takes almost 10 minutes and may not be suitable for the elderly or those with mobility issues.
Make sure you bring plenty of water and food, as there are no facilities of any kind. Also don’t forget an umbrella if you prefer shade, since there are no rentals. Don’t count on shade from the surrounding cliffs, because not only do they not provide shade, it’s also mandatory that you keep a safe distance from them, due to the risk of rockfall. At the top of the cliff on the eastern side are the ruins of a 17th-century fort. Although there’s not much left of the monument, you have a good view over the beach from there.
The water is often calm and clear in the summer, so it’s good for swimming, but you should always be careful, as there is no lifeguard supervision.
Location: Sagres
Beach for: Naturists, Couples
Lifeguards: No
Bathrooms: No
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: No
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia da Figueira
By car, Praia da Figueira is less than 20 minutes from Sagres and about a half hour from Lagos, following road N125. As mentioned above, there’s a parking lot close to the beach, and from there you have to walk for about 10 minutes to the sand. A bus (number 47, operated by Vamus) runs between Sagres and Lagos, and stops in the village of Figueira (in less than 10 minutes from Sagres, and in about a half hour from Lagos). By the bus stop in Figueira, you’ll see a sign pointing to the beach. You just have to walk down that road (Rua Praia da Figueira) for about 20 minutes to reach the beach.
Beaches by Praia da Figueira
Although there are no other beaches within walking distance, the beach of Salema is just about 15 minutes away by car, to the east. To the west are the similarly wild beaches of Furnas (10 minutes) and Zavial (15 minutes). Salema is recommended for families, while Furnas and Zavial are better options for naturists.
Hotels by Praia da Figueira
Salema Beach Village
The closest hotel to Praia da Figueira (about 10 minutes) is in Salema. It’s very recommended for its location, cleanliness and facilities. It’s made up of townhouses with two or three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and has an outdoor swimming pool with a bar serving drinks and light meals throughout the day.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Salema Beach Village
The View - Santo António Villas Golf & Spa
You can be in Praia da Figueira in just over 10 minutes from this property located on a clifftop above Salema. It features villas with 2- and 3-bedroom apartments, all of them with a balcony and some with ocean views. You can also see the ocean from the outdoor swimming pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: The View - Santo António Villas Golf & Spa
Hotel Residencial Salema
Located right in the center of Salema, facing the beach, this hotel has twin and double rooms with a simple, classic décor and private balconies with sea views. Praia da Figueira is less than 15 minutes away by car.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Residencial Salema
Vila Valverde Design Country Hotel
If you prefer 5-star service, stay at this stylish hotel located about 25 minutes to the east of Praia da Figueira. It’s a renovated 19th-century manor house with contemporary additions on the peaceful countryside. It has well-designed rooms, a restaurant, a spa, and indoor and outdoor pools.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Vila Valverde Design Country Hotel