Beaches
The surroundings of Vale de Agua and Aljezur offer some of the best beaches in Portugal. Within a swift 10-20 minute drive you have a selection of six major beaches and a number of smaller, hidden and romantic ones. If you are prepared to drive more than 20 minutes you can find many more, mainly to the south but also to the north. Described below our recommendations with additional information, details, food & other tips, and directions how to get there, if you click on the embedded links
Odeceixe
Odeceixe (15km north), also called „one of Europe’s hidden treasures“, is one of the most beautiful beach of the Western Algarve. Two recommendable surf schools are at / near the beach, as well as 3 very nice beach cafes. We recommend Agapito for a snack before or after the beach.
Arrifana
Arrifana (8km southwest) is the most popular beach nearby. Simple reason is that it has excellent surf conditions, with a smooth and steady swell and great green waves. It is most surfers’ favorite spot but it can get a bit crowded, relative to the other more relaxed beaches
Amoreira
Amoreira (10 km west) is another beautiful beach close to Aljezur with very good surf conditions and lots of space. Recommended access is via the northern side of the river mouth, not the south. The south side has a nice cafe, though, overlooking the beach
Bordeira
Often described as the Caribbean beach due to its endless fine white sand along a 3 km long and 150-600m wide beach, Bordeira is not only the longest but also one of the deepest beaches of the Western Algarve. Situated 19 km south of Vale de Agua
Amado
Amado (20 km south) is another large beach with excellent waves. It offers, together with Arrifana, the best - however more challenging - surf conditions. Here is where you spot many pros - not only during its annual surf competition. It is fun just watching them from the top of the cliffs for a while
Monte Clérigo
Monte Clérigo (10km west) is a nice, unspoiled and usually quite empty beach nearby. Surf conditions vary, sometime great but sometimes too rough and with strong currents. Always, fantastic for enjoying the sun in the fine sand and just taking a bath
Vale Figuerias
Vale Figuerias (15km southwest) has a length of >1km with a width of 50-100m. It is not as easy to access given its surrounding cliffs. But once there, it offers a nice and peaceful beach experience and the waves tend to be very good and steady for surfing
Cordoama
Together with Praia da Barriga (to its north) and Praia do Castelejo (to its south), Praia do Cordoama (35km south of Aljezur) stretches for >3 km along the coast, nicely framed by huge rock formations. A bit further on you can also check Ponta Ruiva
In addition to these bigger and more famous beaches, close to Vale de Agua you can also find some smaller, hidden and secluded beaches, like Vale dos Homens or Carriagem
In case you are interested in a few more good videos about the nearby beaches, here are a few more worth watching...