Praia do Zavial is halfway between two popular tourist destinations (the towns of Sagres and Salema), but remains a rather quiet beach. It’s mainly known as a surfing beach, although sometimes (in the summer) the water lacks the waves for the sport. It’s also naturist-friendly, so when the surfers are not riding waves, they’re sunbathing nude.
It’s not a huge beach, but it’s relatively long, and its 400 meters (over 1300 feet) are more than enough for the number of people who visit it. It’s surrounded by a green landscape (a small eucalyptus forest where people sometimes camp) and close to farmland. This gives it a very peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, but it was once the site of a violent episode -- in 1759, as they crossed each other at this beach, French and British ships fired at each other, and the French ship sank in flames.
The cliffs that surround it don’t offer much protection from the wind, but the eastern side (to the left when facing the sea) is more sheltered. This is where the naturists tend to stay, close to the rocks (just keep some distance from the cliffs, due to the risk of rockfall). Here you’ll also see a lifeguard and parasols and loungers for rent in the bathing season (between June and September). However, this side becomes quite narrow at high tide, and sometimes it even disappears.
At low tide, a small lagoon is occasionally formed on the western side. Even when there are waves, the water is good for swimming, although a bit cold. It is clean, as indicated by the Blue Flag.
There’s a restaurant overlooking the beach, but you might want to bring water and snacks.
Location: Sagres
Beach for: Surfers, Naturists
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia do Zavial
Praia do Zavial can only be reached by car. It’s about 15 minutes from Sagres, 10 from Vila do Bispo, 15 from Salema, and about a half hour from Lagos. The closest village is Raposeira, where there are signs to the beach. There’s parking right behind it and a boardwalk leads down to the sand.
Beaches by Praia do Zavial
Praia da Ingrina is a small beach about a 3-minute drive or 10-minute walk to the west. To the east (less than 15 minutes by car) is Praia das Furnas, a naturist-friendly beach. On a clifftop between Zavial and Ingrina are the scant ruins of an 18th-century fortification called Bateria do Zavial, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755.
Hotels by Praia do Zavial
Nature Beach Resort Quinta Al-Gharb
In about 5 minutes by car (or 30 minutes walking) from this “nature resort” you can be at Praia do Zavial. Surrounded by countryside, it consists of bungalows and villas, accommodating three to five adults. From a couple of them, you can see the ocean in the distance. The outdoor areas include small fields where guests can play soccer or volleyball.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Nature Beach Resort Quinta Al-Gharb
Good Feeling Hostel & Guest House
Less than 10 minutes by car from Praia do Zavial, this hostel has mixed and female dorms, and double and quadruple rooms with private or shared bathrooms. Guests can relax on hammocks outside or at a lounge, and join yoga classes. It’s possible to cook in the shared kitchen and enjoy meals in the large dining room. If you’re on a budget, it’s a good value.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Good Feeling Hostel & Guest House
Hostel on the Hill
Praia do Zavial is a 5-minute drive from this hostel, down a road that goes through the countryside. As indicated by the name, it stands on a hill. It’s divided into mixed dorms and twin or double rooms with shared bathrooms. It serves a good breakfast and you may also use the shared kitchen. The garden is a great place to relax in peace and quiet, and to socialize with other guests (many of them are surfers).
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hostel on the Hill