Praia Verde – the #1 guide
Praia Verde is a peaceful escape where pine forests meet soft white sand, tucked away in the eastern Algarve. Known for its relaxed vibe and wide, uncrowded beach, this hidden gem is ideal for couples, families, and anyone seeking calm. Whether you’re lounging under a parasol, enjoying a long lunch with sea views, or strolling through the dunes, Praia Verde is all about slow living. Dive into our guide to uncover why this beach is worth the detour.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia Verde 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 Verde
- Laid-back atmosphere – Far from the crowds, this beach invites you to truly relax.
- Natural surroundings – Fragrant pine trees, sand dunes, and calm sea create a perfect escape into nature.
- Ideal for families – The shallow water and clean, spacious beach make it safe and welcoming for kids.
- Stylish beach dining – Praia Verde is home to one of the region’s top beach restaurants, perfect for a lazy lunch or sunset cocktail.
- Eastern Algarve charm – Discover a quieter side of the Algarve, close to Castro Marim, Vila Real de Santo António, and the Spanish border.
Curious about Praia Verde? Watch the short video below and see why this serene beach belongs on your Algarve list.
What to expect at the beach
Praia Verde has beautiful white sand, which is extremely fine. Its rock-free soft sand makes it a joy to walk on the beach barefoot. The beach is also very wide, flat and clean. In some places you can find lots of sea shells.
The name Praia Verde actually translates to Green Beach. This name is chosen because of the abundance of green trees and bushes that surround the beach. There are no cliffs on this beach, in contrast to some of the other beaches in the Algarve. Praia Verde is situated in eastern Algarve, in between the popular towns of Monte Gordo and Tavira. It is only a 10 minute drive to the Spanish border. Its neighbouring beaches are Praia da Alagoa in the west and Praia do Cabeço in the east. The beach of Praia Verde is highly rated on TripAdvisor.
The sea here is calm and the water is crystal clear. The water is warmer here than in many other parts of the Algarve. This is because it is closer to the Mediterranean Sea. It makes Praia Verde a great place to swim. The combination of warm water and white sand makes this one of the best beaches in the region.
Praia Verde is known for its peaceful and unspoiled nature. The beach is surrounded by green pine trees and bushes. The green scenery around the beach is fantastic. This area is also environmentally protected. It is a great place to relax for a day. Make sure to stay on the beach to watch the sunset. The sunset here is very beautiful.
Praia Verde is one of the least developed beaches in the eastern part of the Algarve. Compared to other beaches in the Algarve, this beach is not as commercialized. Behind the dunes is a small holiday resort village. You can find restaurants, bars and shops there, but the feel of the area is much less touristic than many other parts of the Algarve.
A great place to escape the crowds
In summer, the beach attracts quite a few visitors. But due to the size of the beach, it never feels crowded. Praia Verde is actually much less crowded than many of the other beaches in the Algarve. It is a great place to escape the big crowds. The combination of relaxing nature and the possibility to make long beach walks makes this a perfect place for couples. Praia Verde is also a wonderful beach for families with children. During low tide there are small pockets of water in the sand, where kids can play. Many of the tourists that visit Praia Verde are from Spain, since the beach is close to the Spanish border. The beach is also popular with locals, especially on the weekends.
Wooden stairway
Praia Verde beach is accessed via a long wooden stairway. It is a beautiful walk downhill through the green forest. During the walk you can already see the blue sea, inviting you to come and swim.
Beach walk
The size of Praia Verde makes it a perfect beach for long walks. It is very peaceful to walk here along the sea. You can either walk to the east, in the direction of Monte Gordo, or walk to the west, towards Fábrica and Tavira. You can walk in both directions for several kilometres. The sand stretches as far as the horizon.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia Verde like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Head to the eastern end near Praia do Cabeço for near-total solitude. Walk 15 minutes past the main beachgoers and you’ll hit a stretch with almost no one around, even in peak season. Perfect for couples or solo travelers chasing quiet.
- If you’re into photography, shoot from the upper boardwalk at 7:30 AM. The early morning light filtering through the pine canopy onto the sand is surreal. You’ll get portfolio-worthy shots while everyone else is sleeping.
- Book Pézinhos n’Areia at golden hour. The view from this beachfront restaurant is surreal at sunset. Ask for a front-row table and pre-book by 11 AM or risk missing the Algarve’s most romantic dinner spot.
- Park uphill, even if closer spots seem tempting. The free lot near Clube Praia Verde is shaded, spacious, and safer from sand-clogged exits. Plus, it lets you end your beach day with a peaceful forest walk.
- Don’t miss the beach shell pockets near the low-tide pools. Especially after windy days, the tide leaves behind rare shells and bits of coral that make for unique keepsakes.
Best restaurants near the beach
Towards the end of the wooden stairway close to the beach, you can choose to go either left or right. The main entrance to the beach is on the left. You will also see the elegant restaurant Pézinhos n’Areia on your left side.
Pézinhos n’Areia provides great views over the beach and has excellent food. The restaurant focuses on fresh fish and seafood. It is one of the best restaurants in the area, but it is also quite expensive. A sensational dining experience, right on the beach. The restaurant is also perfect for lunch or cocktails. If you want to guarantee a good spot in the restaurant, it is recommended to make a reservation.
During the day, it is also possible to rent beach chairs from Pézinhos n’Areia. With a button you can call a waiter to your chair and enjoy the service while sitting on the beach. From the beach, you can also see the restaurant.
If you take the stairway to the right, you will see another restaurant there. This used to be a sushi restaurant called Well. However, this restaurant is closed since 2017.
Up on the hill, there are other great restaurants with beach view. There is the restaurant of Infante Panorâmico. The food here is tasty and the service is good. Prices are reasonable. Even more important, the view from this place is lovely.
Another popular restaurant is Guarita Terrace. This restaurant offers panoramic views in a modern setting. The staff here is very friendly. Guarita Terrace is also a great place to watch the sunset. Moreover, it is also a wedding location. The green nature in combination with the beach makes it the perfect choice for couples who like to have an outdoor wedding in the Algarve.
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. When driving on the main road (the N125), you will see the beach signposted. Just take the exit and follow the road from there. Otherwise, you can enter the following address in your GPS: Rua de Real Village – Praia Verde, Castro Marim, Portugal.
There are two places where you can park your car:
- In a paid car park, right near the beach. This costs about € 1 per hour. However, this car park is quite small. There are not many parking spaces available.
- Up on the hill. Here, you can park for free and there is plenty of space. But during summer, these spaces also fill up quickly. From here, it is a 5-10 minute walk downhill to the beach via the boardwalk. During the walk you will pass a square with a number of excellent restaurants, shops and a club called Clube Praia Verde. Make sure to arrive early, to guarantee a good spot. Otherwise, you will have to park even further and walk much more to reach the beach.
Best hotel near the beach
For the best hotel accommodation, stay in the Praia Verde Boutique Hotel. This four star hotel resort sits in perfect harmony with its preserved natural environment. It offers rooms with a lot of light and a great sea view. There is a swimming pool outside, surrounded by green pine trees. The hotel was completely renovated recently and is the most highly rated hotel in the area.
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.
Castro Marim
Praia Verde belongs to the town of Castro Marim. This is a cute little town, which is definitely worth visiting. So when you are in Praia Verde, make sure to visit Castro Marim as well. We recommend to see the following things in Castro Marim:
- The main church (Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Mártires). The white church was built in the 18th century and has a beautiful bell tower.
- The castle. This is a medieval castle that overlooks the town. Entrance is only € 1,20. It is a very interesting place to visit. From the castle, you have great views over the town. Every year in August, there is also a medieval fair inside the castle.
- The fort of São Sebastião. This fort was built in the 17th century and was meant to defend the town of Castro Marim. The area around the fort provides a nice view over the castle. However, it is not necessary to go inside the fort. There are not that many things to see inside.
- The natural reserve of Sapal (Reserva Natural do Sapal). This is an ecological area of salt pans. You can find many flamingos here, as well as many other birds and animal species. The area is perfect for birdwatching.
If you have the time, also visit Vila Real de Santo António, which is the town that sits aside the river that separates Portugal from Spain.
Top excursions nearby
Want to turn a beach day into a truly unforgettable Algarve adventure? The eastern Algarve is filled with local secrets, authentic food, charming villages, and nature most tourists never find. We’ve handpicked the absolute best excursions to help you discover it all, effortlessly. These are the tours we’d recommend to our closest friends. Click below to discover them now.
FAQ
“Praia Verde” means “Green Beach” in Portuguese. It’s named after the lush pine forests and vegetation that surround the beach.
Yes, it’s ideal for families. The beach has calm, shallow waters and soft sand, with tide pools forming at low tide, perfect for little ones to play safely.
Yes, Praia Verde’s water is warmer than many Algarve beaches because it’s closer to the Mediterranean. In summer, the sea temperature is usually very pleasant for swimming.
Yes, in the summer, you can rent jet skis, pedal boats, or stand-up paddleboards. These activities are located near the restaurant area.
It can get busy in peak summer months, but the beach is wide and long, so it never feels packed. Early morning or weekdays are best for a quieter visit.
Yes, you can walk for several kilometers in either direction, towards Monte Gordo or Altura. It’s a great beach for long, uninterrupted strolls.
The waters are clear, but there are few rocks or reefs, so marine life is limited. It’s better for swimming than snorkeling.
Late spring and early autumn offer warm weather and fewer crowds. For birdwatching or romantic walks, early morning or golden hour is perfect.
Unlike the cliff-backed beaches in the west, Praia Verde is surrounded by pine forests and offers tranquility, soft white sand, and warmer waters. It’s a nature-lover’s dream without the heavy tourist crowds.
Yes, Castro Marim is just a short drive away and worth a visit for its medieval castle, historic churches, and salt flats.
Beach facilities
Even though Praia Verde is not as touristic as many other beaches in the Algarve, it has plenty of facilities. There are sunbeds for hire and lifeguards overlook the beach during the summer. There are also several water sports available here, including jet skiing, pedal boats or stand-up paddle boards. You can even have a Thai massage near the beach.
Facilities in Praia Verde:
- Restaurants: yes
- Bars: yes
- Club: yes
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: yes
- Free parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: no
