Praia da Mareta – the #1 guide
Praia da Mareta is the main beach of Sagres and one of the most accessible stretches of coastline on the southern Algarve. Just a short walk from the town center, this wide, sheltered bay offers calm waters, scenic cliffs, and golden sand. The beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking in the Atlantic breeze. It’s the kind of beach where you can start your day with a coffee, dive into the sea before lunch, and end with dinner overlooking the waves. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning to spend the whole day, Praia da Mareta combines convenience with the raw charm Sagres is known for.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia da Mareta 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 da Mareta
- Sheltered and sunny – set in a wide south-facing bay, Praia da Mareta is protected from strong winds, making it one of the warmest and calmest beaches in Sagres.
- Ideal swimming conditions – the sea is usually calm here, with a gentle slope and fewer waves than on the west coast. Perfect for a relaxed dip.
- Close to town – just a short walk from the center of Sagres, the beach is ideal if you want a quick escape without needing a car.
- Family-friendly – its soft sand, seasonal lifeguards, and nearby restaurants make it an easy and safe choice for visitors with children.
- Watersports and views – from kayaking and windsurfing to scenic views of the Fortaleza de Sagres, there’s more to do here than just sunbathe.
If you are curious to see this beach, then watch the short video below.
What to expect at the beach
Praia da Mareta stretches for more than 700 metres, making it the largest beach in the area of Sagres. It is a good beach to visit for a couple hours, for example after visiting Fortaleza de Sagres or the Cape of St. Vincent.
The sand on the beach is fine, which is great for walking.
However, on the back of the beach you can find many small stones on the beach.
On the right side of the beach you can also see evidence of fallen rocks.
The water is relatively calm, compared to other beaches of Sagres. The beach is flanked by cliffs on both sides, which protect the beach against waves. The sea only gets deeper slowly, which is good for swimming. The water can be very cold though. Also watch out for some rocks in the water.
When standing on the beach, you can see enormous cliffs on both sides of the beach. It is quite an impressive sight.
On the cliffs on the right side of the beach (when looking at the sea) you can see the Fortaleza de Sagres.
On the east side of the beach there is a large cliff, which goes into the sea. If you would follow the cliff all the way to the other side, you end up at the harbour of Sagres and Praia da Baleeira. The cliffs on both sides of the beach form a small bay, making Praia da Mareta quite sheltered. This shelter provides protection from the wind. It is usually less windy on this beach than on other beaches nearby, which is great for sunbathing.
Praia da Mareta is the closest beach to the town of Sagres. This makes the beach usually more crowded than the other beaches of Sagres.
The beach is especially popular with families. But since Praia da Mareta is also the biggest beach in the area of Sagres, it doesn’t feel crowded very quickly. Outside the summer months, there are usually only a few people on the beach.
Prainha das Poças
To the west of Praia da Mareta there is a small beach called Prainha das Poças.
The beach is very small and backed by cliffs. The beach is usually completely empty. You can visit this beach by boat or by swimming there. When the tide is out, you can actually walk along a sand bank near the rocks to get here.
Water sports
There are several water sports available on Praia da Mareta, including kayaking and windsurfing. There are some underwater caves nearby to explore, so diving is quite popular as well. In the winter the waves are bigger, which means that you will find people surfing here as well.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia da Mareta like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Arrive by 9:30 AM for golden lighting and empty sand. Most people roll in around 11. If you show up before then, you’ll get the softest light for photos, first pick of sunbeds, and a calm, almost private beach experience. It’s the sweet spot between sunrise serenity and midday crowds.
- Position yourself near the western cliffs for less wind. Praia da Mareta is naturally sheltered, but the western side (the right side when looking at the sea) gets noticeably less breeze on most days. It’s warmer, quieter, and ideal for reading, napping, or sipping a drink without getting sandblasted.
- Skip the main stretch, walk 10 minutes to Prainha das Poças. When the tide is low, you can walk to this tiny cove west of Mareta via the rocks. No tourists, no umbrellas, just you and a slice of wild Algarve coast. Bring water shoes and a dry bag. It’s worth it.
- Go snorkeling right after lunch when the sun is overhead. Between 1-3 PM, the sun lights up the underwater rocks just off the east end of the beach. Visibility peaks here, and you’ll often spot schools of fish or even an octopus if you’re lucky. Few people snorkel here, so you’ll likely have it to yourself.
- Pack a picnic and climb up to the Fortaleza at golden hour. Just before sunset, take the easy walk to Fortaleza de Sagres with some snacks and a bottle of vinho verde. The views over the cliffs and Mareta below are some of the most cinematic in Portugal, and few tourists think to bring a sunset picnic.
Best restaurants near the beach
There are two restaurants right on the beach of Mareta. One is called Raposo. The other one is called O Telheiro do Infante. Both restaurants serve fresh fish and seafood. Both are quite good, although we prefer O Telheiro do Infante. If you are looking for more options nearby, try the restaurants Chiringuito or Babugem, both of which are very good and within a short walking distance from the beach.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia da Mareta? 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:
- Pousada de Sagres. This hotel offers comfortable rooms with and good service. All rooms have a private bath, which is great to relax. It also has a swimming pool, which offers a fabulous view over the Atlantic Ocean.
- Pontalaia Apartamentos Turísticos. These apartments offer everything you need for a great holiday in Sagres. Each apartment has a well equipped kitchen and a large balcony with a nice view. A supermarket is around the corner. Located 5 minutes walking from Praia da Mareta.
- Mareta View – Boutique Bed & Breakfast. This four star boutique hotel has a peaceful tropical palm garden with a hot tub. Rooms are comfortable, and the staff makes you feel welcome. Great location as well, right near the beach.
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.
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. Praia da Mareta is easily accessible by car. Coming from the N268, drive in the direction of Fortaleza de Sagres. At the final roundabout, turn left and follow the signs. There is a car park about 150 metres from the beach, with plenty of space. Parking is free. Another way to access Praia da Mareta is on foot. From the town of Sagres it is only a couples of minutes walking.
Top excursions nearby
Want to experience the Algarve beyond the beach towel? The best way is with a local guide who knows every hidden path, secret viewpoint, and story behind the coastline. Whether it’s exploring the wild west coast, watching the sunset from a cliff only locals know, or uncovering places no rental car ever reaches, these tours turn your holiday into something unforgettable. Booking online takes seconds, guarantees your spot, and often saves money compared to booking last minute. Below are our absolute favourite excursions, handpicked for impact.
FAQ
Yes, Praia da Mareta is excellent for swimming. The beach is in a south-facing bay, protected by cliffs, so the sea tends to be calmer than on the west coast. There are fewer waves here, which makes it safer and more enjoyable for swimmers of all levels.
Yes, it’s one of the most family-friendly beaches in Sagres. The gentle slope of the beach, calm waters, and proximity to restaurants and amenities make it ideal for a day out with kids. It also tends to have a more relaxed and peaceful vibe.
Praia da Mareta can get busy in July and August, especially because it’s so close to town. However, since it’s the largest beach in Sagres, there’s usually enough space to find a quiet spot. Outside the peak season, it remains fairly peaceful.
The sand is fine and light in color, perfect for sunbathing and beach games. Toward the back of the beach, there are areas with small pebbles and stones. The beach is generally clean and well maintained.
Snorkeling is possible, especially near the cliffs where you’ll find rock formations and some marine life. The water is clear on calm days, though it’s not considered one of the top snorkeling spots in the Algarve. Still, it’s a fun and easy activity here.
Absolutely. The beach is just a few minutes on foot from central Sagres. It’s one of the most conveniently located beaches in the region.
While it’s not a prime surf beach, you can catch small waves here, especially in winter. For more consistent surf, head to Praia do Tonel or Praia do Zavial nearby. Surf schools in Sagres can also guide you to the best daily conditions.
Natural shade is limited on Praia da Mareta. You can rent umbrellas or bring your own for protection. The cliffs cast some shade early in the morning or late afternoon, depending on the season.
No, it’s not technically part of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, though the surrounding areas are. The beach does have a natural feel and is bordered by dramatic cliffs, which gives it a scenic backdrop.
Yes, there are cliffside trails leading from Praia da Mareta toward the Fortaleza de Sagres and further around the coastline. The views are dramatic and well worth exploring if you enjoy walking.
Early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 5 PM) are the quietest and most scenic times. These hours offer better lighting, cooler temperatures, and easier parking. For swimming, midday tends to be warmest.
Beach facilities
There are two restaurants right on the beach, and several others within a short walking distance. You can find toilet facilities there. During summer, there are lifeguards overlooking the beach. You can rent sunbeds as well, but prices are slightly expensive (about € 12 for an umbrella for the day). Praia da Mareta is not accessible by wheelchair.
Facilities in Praia da Mareta:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
