Praia do Vale do Olival: the #1 guide
Praia do Vale do Olival is a beautiful, cliff-backed beach located near Armação de Pêra, in the heart of the Algarve. Known for its golden sand, calm swimming conditions, and distinctive rock formations, including a natural stone arch, this beach is a favorite among both locals and travelers. Whether you’re here for a relaxed day in the sun, a scenic coastal walk, or a lunch with a sea view, Vale do Olival delivers a perfect mix of comfort and natural beauty. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia do Vale do Olival unique
- Tips for swimming, walking, and exploring the beach
- Where to eat, stay, and enjoy the view
- Practical advice on parking, getting there, and avoiding the crowds
- Hidden spots and must-see highlights nearby
Why visit Praia do Vale do Olival
- Golden cliffs and a scenic setting – framed by warm-toned cliffs and shaped by the sea, this beach offers that quintessential Algarve beauty in a more relaxed setting.
- Safe and inviting for swimming – with shallow entry, generally calm waters, and lifeguards on duty in summer, it’s a great place for a refreshing and worry-free dip.
- Perfect for families – the soft sand, easy access, and nearby amenities make it ideal for children, couples, and multi-generational beach days.
- Right next to Armação de Pêra – enjoy the convenience of town just a short walk away, while still soaking up a quieter, more natural beach vibe.
- Facilities without the fuss – sunbeds, beachside restaurants, showers, and toilets are all available—so you can stay all day without missing a beat.
If you wish to see a preview of this beach, then watch the following video.
What to expect at the beach
Praia do Vale do Olival is a small sandy beach and is surrounded by beautiful cliffs. The beach is located to the west of Praia de Armação de Pêra, which belongs to the municipality of Silves. From Vale do Olival you can clearly see the seaside resort town of Armação de Pêra. A rock formation marks the border between Vale do Olival and Praia de Armação de Pêra.
The cliffs on this beach are heavily eroded and quite fragile. Always keep a safe distance from the cliffs, since there is the danger of rocks falling. Nevertheless, you can spot some very strange looking rocks on this beach.
The water is good for swimming and shallow at first. The waves are small and there is not a lot of wind. However, watch out for the rocks on the beach and in the water. It is easy to hurt yourself against these rocks.
Praia do Vale do Olival is usually quite crowded. During summer, the hotels and apartments you can see in the background of the beach are always full with tourists. Many tourists are Portuguese, but there are plenty of foreigners as well. Almost all of these tourists visit either Praia do Vale do Olival or its neighbour Praia de Armação de Pêra. The beach is popular among people of all ages, but with families and couples in particular. In general, the beach is good for children as well. Just watch out with the rocks on the beach.
Usually it is possible to find a spot to sit, but in summer you will probably sit close to other people on the beach. On the western side of the beach you can find some quieter spots, even in the height of summer. During low season it is much more quiet on the beach.
Praia do Vale do Olival is great for long beach walks. You can walk via Praia de Armação de Pêra, Praia Grande and Praia dos Salgados all the way towards Praia da Galé in Albufeira. As you walk towards the east, the cliffs gradually become smaller.
Arch rock formation
On the eastern side of Praia do Vale do Olival there is a big rock formation with an arch. This is one of the easiest ways to recognize this beach.
You can walk underneath the arch during low tide. During high tide this is more difficult.
Beach walk
There is a walking trail on top of the cliffs from Praia do Vale do Olival towards Praia dos Beijinhos. Praia dos Beijinhos is quite small and offers a lot of privacy. The only thing you can do on this beach is enjoy the sun and swim in the sea. There are no facilities here. During the cliff walk towards Beijinhos beach you will see spectacular views of the area and the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the fragile rocks in this area, do not go near the edge of the cliffs.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia do Vale do Olival like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
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- Claim your spot early, especially on the west side. The western end of the beach stays quieter even in peak summer. Arrive before 10 AM and you’ll have a prime location with natural shade and fewer neighbors.
- Time your beach walk with the tide. During low tide, you can walk all the way to Praia da Galé along the sand, no cliffs, no interruptions, just raw coastal beauty. This is one of the Algarve’s most rewarding walks.
- Swim near the arch, but only during calm conditions. The iconic rock arch is not just for photos. When the tide is right and the sea is still, swimming beneath or near the arch is a surreal experience, but stay alert and cautious.
- Explore the cliff trail to Praia dos Beijinhos. This short walk rewards you with secluded viewpoints that rarely appear in travel guides. Bring water, wear proper shoes, and you’ll unlock one of the most underrated stretches of coastline.
- Bring your own snorkel gear. While not a major snorkeling hotspot, the water around the rocks can surprise you with darting fish and clear visibility. Most people don’t bring gear here, so you’ll have the reef to yourself.
How to get there & parking
The easiest way to move around in the Algarve is by car. If you don’t have one, make sure to rent a car. Take exit 7 on the A22 and go on the N125 towards Alcantarilha. Take the N269-1, continue on the M530-1 and then follow the signs towards the beach. There is plenty of space for parking. Alternatively, you can walk towards Praia do Vale do Olival from Armação de Pêra.
Beach restaurants
There are two restaurants right on the beach:
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- Calixtos a Rocha. This restaurant offers good food with a view. They offer a variety of fish, seafood and meat dishes. The service is friendly as well. Great option for lunch. This is our favourite restaurant on the beach.
- Sardinha Assada. This restaurant specializes in grilled fish (especially sardines) and they do it very well. They also have other options though, such as grilled chicken. From the restaurant you have a great view over the beach.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Vale do Olival beach? We’ve selected our favorite hotels in the area based on location, comfort, and guest reviews. The Algarve has become extremely popular, and the best places tend to sell out fast, especially in peak season. To avoid missing out, we recommend booking your hotel as early as possible. Our favourite hotels near the beach are:
- By the Sea – Rooftop pools. This luxurious apartment near the beach offers spacious rooms and outdoor swimming pools. They even have barbecue facilities and a children’s playground outside. Highly rated.
- Holiday Inn Algarve. This four star hotel has everything you need to enjoy your stay in the Algarve. They have an outdoor swimming pool, two restaurants and a fitness centre. Good value for money.
Transfer to the hotel
Whatever hotel you choose, it is important to think about how to get there. If you don’t have a car, make sure to rent a car. Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer from Faro Airport directly to your hotel.
Top excursions nearby
This stretch of the Algarve coastline is filled with unforgettable sights, and the best way to experience it all is by joining an excursion. Whether it’s a boat tour to the world-famous Benagil Cave or a scenic coastal cruise, these trips show you the Algarve at its most breathtaking. The best part? You can book your spot online right now and skip the queues. Below are the excursions we trust and recommend. Secure your place before they sell out.
FAQ
Yes, the water is usually calm and shallow near the shore, which makes it suitable for swimming. Just be cautious of submerged rocks in some areas.
Yes, the shallow waters and sandy shore make it suitable for families. Just keep children away from the cliffs and rocks.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and get the best light for photos. Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends.
In summer, it can get quite busy, especially midday. But you can often find quieter spots on the western edge of the beach.
Yes, you can walk east towards beaches like Praia de Armação de Pêra, Praia Grande, and Praia da Galé via a long, scenic walk. Or you can walk west towards Praia dos Beijinhos.
The large rock arch at the eastern end is the standout feature. You can walk underneath it during low tide.
It can be, especially near the rocks. But visibility and marine life aren’t as impressive as at some other Algarve beaches.
This beach is not known for surfing due to its generally calm waters. Surfers should head to west coast beaches.
Yes, Armação de Pêra has shops and a promenade, and boat tours to Benagil caves leave from nearby.
No, there are currently no water sports rentals on this beach. For that, you’ll need to visit nearby beaches like Praia da Galé.
Beach facilities
There are plenty of facilities on Praia do Vale do Olival. For example, there are lifeguards on duty and there are sunbeds for hire. The beach is also accessible by wheelchair. This is a Blue Flag beach.
Facilities in Praia do Vale do Olival:
- Restaurants: yes
- Bar/club: yes
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: no
- Sunbeds: yes
- Free parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
