Measuring just 180 meters (close to 600 feet) in length and 50 meters (165 feet) in width, Praia das Furnas is relatively small but very much worth the trip. It’s in a remote location and reached via an unpaved road, but is quite beautiful, surrounded by small caves that gave it its name. It’s essentially a beach for naturists and those who enjoy wilder landscapes away from the crowds. It remains relatively unknown and is many regular visitors' well-kept secret.
The series of caves almost looks man-made but was carved by nature. These caves make a visit to this beach a unique experience, with most people choosing to stay inside them. They provide shade for your belongings or if you prefer to stay out of the sun. You just have to be lucky to find one that’s not yet occupied when you arrive. If you really want the experience of relaxing in a cave, listening to the sounds of nature, you have to go early in the morning. However, even this is not a guarantee, as many people camp here and stay in the caves. You’ll see many campervans parked behind the beach and a ruined house (the only construction by this beach) occupied by campers. Staying overnight is actually illegal. Occasionally police will show up and ask campers to leave and may even fine them. Unfortunately, many campers often leave trash in the area around the house. The beach, however, is very clean, and you should keep it that way. There are no facilities, so you should bring water and food, and never forget to take all the trash with you when you leave. In case the caves are occupied and you really prefer shade, bring a parasol, as there are no rentals here.
The beach lies in a valley between two cliffs covered with Mediterranean vegetation, and the caves are on the one on the eastern side (the left, when facing the sea). Unless you’re staying in a cave, you’re advised to keep some distance from the cliffs, due to the risk of rockfall. That’s especially the case on the western side, although this side is inaccessible when a stream flows into the sea here.
The water is calm most of the time, but you should always be careful when swimming, since there are no lifeguards.
At high tide, the water often reaches the caves on the eastern end and the beach becomes even smaller. At low tide, you can continue over the rocks to a couple of coves. In the opposite direction, over the cliffs to the west, you can follow a trail to the beaches of Zavial and Ingrina. This is quite a long hike, taking over one hour, but there are beautiful views along the way.
Location: Sagres
Beach for: Naturists
Lifeguards: No
Bathrooms: No
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: No
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia das Furnas
There’s no public transportation to Praia das Furnas. By car, it’s 20 minutes from Sagres and about 30 from Lagos. If you’re using a GPS, note that this is the Praia das Furnas that belongs to the municipality of Vila do Bispo, and not the beach with the same name by Vila Nova de Milfontes on the Alentejo coast. If you don’t have a GPS, just remember to exit road N125 (from Lagos or Sagres) at the village of Figueira (follow the sign to Figueira on the roundabout) and a few feet later you’ll see a sign pointing to Furnas. You’ll have to go down a narrow road, so drive slowly. At the end you’ll need to turn to an unpaved road, and about 2.5km (1.5 miles) later, you arrive at the beach, where there’s parking.
Beaches by Praia das Furnas
About 15 minutes away by car, to the east, is Salema, a small fishing village with a family-friendly beach, while to the west is Praia do Zavial, a surfing and unofficially naturist beach (just over 10 minutes by car).
Hotels by Praia das Furnas
Hotel Mira Sagres
It’s located in the center of Vila do Bispo, about 15 minutes from Praia das Furnas, and offers twin and double rooms, some of them with a terrace. Although it’s rated three stars (it doesn’t have a restaurant but does serve breakfast), it features a spa and an indoor pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Mira Sagres
Good Feeling Hostel & Guest House
This good-value hostel is less than 15 minutes by car from Praia das Furnas. It has mixed and female dorms, plus double and quadruple rooms with shared or private bathrooms. All guests may relax outside on hammocks or at the pool, or inside in a lounge.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Good Feeling Hostel & Guest House
Hostel on the Hill
You can be at Praia das Furnas in just 10 minutes from this hostel. As you can deduce from the name, it’s up on a hill, so it offers a good view of the countryside. It’s divided into double or twin rooms with shared bathrooms and mixed dorms. It’s possible to prepare meals in the shared kitchen and it serves a good breakfast. The garden is a peaceful place to chill out and socialize with other guests.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hostel on the Hill