Praia da Ingrina is a small, shell-shaped beach where fishermen went into the sea looking for tuna, starting in the 16th century and until the decline of the tuna fishing industry in the mid-20th century. Today, it’s mostly visited by the people of the region, for some sunbathing and especially for its restaurant which offers fresh fish and seafood with sea views. There are tables outside shaded by palm trees, and right in front are parasols and loungers for rent in the summer. If you want to save some euros, bring your own parasol since there’s no natural shade at this beach.
Because it’s part of the protected Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park, it’s surrounded by nature. You can walk over the cliffs to the east (to the left when facing the sea) to the bigger Praia do Zavial, which is mostly frequented by surfers and naturists. On the way, you’ll pass by the ruins of a small 18th-century fort called Bateria do Zavial, which was destroyed in an earthquake in 1755. In the area you’ll also encounter megalithic monuments, particularly menhirs. If you like to hike, you can continue to the next beach, Praia das Furnas. From Ingrina to Furnas, the walk could take well over one hour. Hiking in the opposite direction (to the west) from Ingrina, you’ll reach Praia do Barranco, one of Algarve’s “secret” beaches.
Praia da Ingrina is just about 100 meters (330 feet) long, and a major storm in 2014 took most of its sand. Fortunately, the sand was back by the following year, but it’s still not a beach for those who like to keep a significant distance from other sunbathers. There are people who like to lie on the rocks on the west side, which is something of a natural pier.
The water is usually calm and clear, and there are interesting underwater rock formations, so diving and snorkeling are popular activities. It’s also possible to rent kayaks and paddle boards, and it’s one of the best beaches for swimming, in a region best known for its big waves and surfing. However, it can sometimes be a little windy. There’s a lifeguard on duty in the bathing season (from June to September). This is a Blue Flag beach, meaning that it meets all safety and quality standards.
Location: Sagres
Beach for: Families
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia da Ingrina
There’s no public transportation to Praia da Ingrina. It’s about 15 minutes by car from Sagres and Salema, just 10 minutes from Vila do Bispo, and just over a half hour from Lagos. You’ll see signs pointing in its direction by the village of Raposeira. There’s limited parking right by the beach.
Beaches by Praia da Ingrina
As mentioned above, you can walk to Praia do Zavial from Praia da Ingrina. The beaches of Furnas and Barranco are farther away but also possible to reach on a long but scenic hike over the cliffs. By car, Zavial is just 3 minutes away, Barranco about 10 minutes, and Furnas less than fifteen.
Hotels by Praia da Ingrina
Nature Beach Resort Quinta Al-Gharb
It’s possible to walk from this “nature resort” to Praia da Ingrina in less than 20 minutes, and by car it’s just 3 minutes. It’s in a quiet location, surrounded by countryside, and consists of villas and bungalows. They accommodate 3 to 5 people, and from some of them you can see the ocean on the horizon. There are also small fields for guests to play volleyball or soccer.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Nature Beach Resort Quinta Al-Gharb
Good Feeling Hostel & Guest House
You can be at Praia da Ingrina in less than 10 minutes by car from this hostel. It has mixed and female dorms, as well as double and quadruple rooms, with shared or private bathrooms. It allows guests to prepare meals in the shared kitchen and to relax on hammocks outside.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Good Feeling Hostel & Guest House
Hostel on the Hill
Praia da Ingrina is a 5-minute drive from this hostel. The name describes the location, and there’s a garden for guests to chill out surrounded by the peaceful countryside. It’s divided into dorms and double or twin rooms with a shared bathroom. There’s also a shared kitchen and it serves a good breakfast.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hostel on the Hill