Campers, hippies and naturists discovered it a long time ago, but this wonderful beach remains one of Algarve’s secrets. Its remote location and access via an unpaved road keeps the crowds away, and it lacks the big waves typical of western Algarve to attract surfers. Most people who come here are those who enjoy wild beaches and being surrounded by nature. Some people bring their dogs to run around freely.
In the summer, the water is usually calm and clear, which would be ideal for swimming, if it weren’t so cold. Although the cliffs, hills and green valleys surrounding the beach provide some shelter from the winds that are so common in this part of Algarve, it can still be a little windy. For more protection, regular visitors have used rocks to create circular shelters on the northern side. These are often used by campers, who park their vans and enjoy the beach for several days in the warmer months.
It’s a 200m(650 feet)-long bay and quite wide, especially at low tide, with dunes on the western side. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and many people sunbathe nude. If you prefer shade, you need to bring an umbrella, as there are no rentals. In fact, there are no facilities of any kind or even lifeguard supervision. Make sure you bring enough water and snacks, and take all the trash with you when you leave.
Location: Sagres
Beach for: Naturists
Lifeguards: No
Bathrooms: No
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: No
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia do Barranco
Praia do Barranco is 20 minutes from the center of Sagres and about 15 from Vila do Bispo. There’s no public transportation. The paved road ends at the village of Raposeira, so from there to the beach you have to drive down a dirt road for about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). You’ll have to use a GPS, as there are no signs pointing in its direction. There’s plenty of space to park by the beach. Alternatively, park by the beach of Ingrina nearby and walk west (to the right when facing the sea) over the cliffs. However, this is quite a hike, of about 40 minutes.
Beaches by Praia do Barranco
About a 10-minute drive to the east is the small Praia da Ingrina. Continue east from there, for about three minutes, and you reach the bigger Praia do Zavial, frequented by surfers and naturists. About 25 minutes to the west is the family favorite Praia do Martinhal.
Hotels by Praia do Barranco
Nature Beach Resort Quinta Al-Gharb
Located about 10 minutes from Praia do Barranco, this property consists of villas and bungalows. It’s surrounded by countryside, and you can see the ocean in the distance from some of the bungalows. The biggest ones accommodate as many as five adults. There’s a small sports field where guests may play soccer or volleyball.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Nature Beach Resort Quinta Al-Gharb
Good Feeling Hostel & Guest House
This hostel is in Raposeira, about 15 minutes from Praia do Barranco. It has mixed and female dorms, as well as standard double rooms with shared or private bathrooms. It’s possible to cook in the shared kitchen and relax on hammocks outside.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Good Feeling Hostel & Guest House
Hotel Mira Sagres
Centrally located in Vila do Bispo, this hotel is less than 20 minutes from Praia do Barranco. There are double and twin rooms, some of them with a balcony or terrace. Although rated just three stars, it has a spa and an indoor pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Mira Sagres