Praia de Monte Clérigo – the #1 guide
Praia de Monte Clérigo is where the wild beauty of the Costa Vicentina meets the laid-back charm of a tiny fishing village. Just a short drive from Aljezur, this wide sandy bay is backed by dunes and colorful cliffside houses, creating a postcard-perfect setting. At low tide, rock pools appear, making it a favorite for families and kids to explore, while surfers enjoy the exposed Atlantic waves year-round. Add in breathtaking viewpoints, golden sunsets, and a relaxed local vibe, and you’ve got one of the Algarve’s most authentic west coast escapes. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia de Monte Clérigo 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 de Monte Clérigo
- Wild natural setting – backed by cliffs, dunes, and the Costa Vicentina landscape, Monte Clérigo offers a raw, unspoiled feel.
- Rock pools at low tide – families love exploring the natural pools that appear among the rocks, full of crabs, starfish, and marine life.
- Perfect for surfers – with exposure to northern swells, the waves here are consistent and powerful, attracting surfers of all levels.
- Village charm – colorful houses perched on the hill and a few seaside restaurants give the beach a unique, welcoming atmosphere.
- Space and tranquility – even in summer, the wide bay never feels overcrowded, making it a peaceful alternative to southern Algarve beaches.
If you would like to experience the beach of Praia de Monte Clérigo, then watch the video below.
What to expect at the beach
Praia de Monte Clérigo is a relatively big beach, which stretches for about 500 metres.
The beach is backed by a combination of cliffs and dunes. The cliffs are on both sides of the beach, and are gently sloping to sand dunes in the middle part of the beach. It is relatively unspoiled and one of the best beaches in the area. The sand on the beach is soft and golden.
The water here is clear, which is good for snorkeling. However, the water is very cold. If you do decide to get in the water, it is recommended to wear a wetsuit. Furthermore, watch out for some rocks in the water. It can be easy to hurt yourself against them. Also beware that the sea here can be ferocious on some days and that the current can be strong here.
Praia de Monte Clérigo is characterized by the small fishing village of Monte Clérigo. This village has lovely colourful houses, which are located on a hill on the southern side of the beach. It also has a very chill vibe to it. The view of the beach with the village in the background is just beautiful.
Praia de Monte Clérigo is popular among local families, partly because of the pools you can find near the rocks during low tide. You can also find some surfers here. Usually it is one of the more quiet beaches in the area.
During Summer, the beach is visited by more people. However, it never gets really crowded and there is enough space for everyone.
From the cliffs on the northern side you have a great view over the beach. You can actually walk north from here to Praia da Amoreira, which is only a short walking distance away. It is also great to see the sunset from the top of the cliffs here.
When you walk around in this area, you will find that there is plenty to explore. For example, you can find some amazing but strange looking rock formations nearby.
Near the cliffs on the southern side of the beach, you can find a variety of marine life betweens the rocks. You can see many crabs, starfish, shrimp and even octopus here. It is great to come and explore these places with kids. If you walk up the cliffs on this side you also have a beautiful view over Praia de Monte Clérigo.
Surfing
Praia de Monte Clérigo is a popular spot for surfing. The swell here is strong and more exposed to the northern swells than Praia da Arrifana. This means that waves here are generally higher than in Arrifana. Additionally, beware that the sand banks often move places, which also causes current to change frequently. Surfing here is best when the wind is from south/southeast.
Praia de Monte Clérigo is a good surfing beach for all skill levels. During high season (July, August and September) you can take surf classes here from Boa Onde Surf School. It is a great beach to learn how to surf. However, when the sea gets ferocious here, this place is only for experienced surfers.
Rock pools
At low tide, you can see rock pools near the water. At some places during low tide, the water stays between the rocks, forming a small lagoon. Kids love to explore these pools and it is part of the reason why this beach is so popular among families.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia de Monte Clérigo like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Plan around the tide. Low tide is when Monte Clérigo really shines: wide sandy stretches, rock pools for kids, and calmer wading spots. High tide shrinks the beach and can make the waves rougher.
- Don’t miss the rock pools. Come equipped with water shoes and a small bucket for kids. At low tide, you’ll spot crabs, starfish, and tiny fish.
- Watch the sunset from the southern hill. Walk up the hill just south of the village, above the cluster of houses. From this spot, you get a clear west-facing view over the entire bay as the sun sinks into the Atlantic. It’s the most scenic and peaceful way to end a day at Monte Clérigo.
- Combine a beach visit with Aljezur. Stop in the historic town before or after your beach day. Its cobbled streets, castle views, and small cafés add a cultural highlight to your trip.
- Pair your beach visit with a hike. From the cliffs you can follow trails north to Praia da Amoreira or south toward Arrifana. It’s part of the Rota Vicentina, one of Europe’s most stunning coastal routes.
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 de Monte Clérigo is located a bit more than 8 kilometres from Aljezur and is actually quite easy to reach by car. When coming from the south, drive on the N120 towards Aljezur. Before you reach the village, turn left and follow the signs towards Praia da Arrifana and Monte Clérigo.
There is a car park behind the beach. Parking is free of course. From here you can walk direct onto the beach.
There is also a wooden boardwalk near the middle of the beach. This is a more scenic way to arrive.
Best restaurants near the beach
The good thing about Monte Clérigo is that there are several restaurants within a short walking distance from the beach. We recommend the following ones:
- A Rede. This Portuguese restaurant is a good place for lunch. The food is tasty and prices are reasonable. The staff is great: they do their best to make customers happy.
- O Sargo. This fabulous restaurant is the perfect place for a lovely dinner. The menu is creative and the food looks awesome. Prices are slightly higher than other restaurants, but you also pay for the experience.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia de Monte Clérigo? 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:
- Utopia Guest House. This guest house has two outdoor swimming pools and a large garden. Some rooms also have a balcony. The place feels really cosy and the owner does everything to make you feel welcome.
- Amar o Mar Guest House. This guest house has everything you need for a great holiday in this part of the Algarve. The owner is very friendly and will give you lots of local tips. There is a kitchen so you can cook your own meal if you want to. Located between Praia de Monte Clérigo and Praia da Arrifana. Highly rated.
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.
FAQ
The beach stretches for around 500 metres. It’s a wide sandy bay with plenty of room, even in summer. Cliffs border both ends, while the middle opens into soft sand dunes.
Yes, it’s one of the more family-friendly west coast beaches. At low tide, rock pools form, which kids love to explore safely. Lifeguards are on duty in summer, making it a secure option for families.
Swimming is possible, but the Atlantic here can be rough. The waves and currents can get strong, so always pay attention to the lifeguards’ flags. On calm days, swimming can be refreshing and enjoyable.
Yes, it’s popular among surfers year-round. The beach faces northwest, picking up consistent swells that create reliable waves. Surf schools sometimes operate in high season, offering lessons for all levels.
Yes, but only when conditions are gentle. On small days, Monte Clérigo is a great place to learn. When the surf gets bigger, beginners should try nearby Arrifana, which is more sheltered.
It’s one of the few beaches where a small fishing village is built right on the sand. The mix of colorful houses, dunes, and surf culture gives it a special charm. It feels authentic and less touristy than many Algarve beaches.
It’s busier in July and August, but rarely feels packed. The bay is wide enough to find space even on busy days. Compared to southern Algarve beaches, Monte Clérigo stays much more relaxed.
In the rock pools at low tide, you’ll often spot crabs, shrimp, small fish, and even starfish. Some visitors have also seen octopus in the tidal pools. It’s a great hands-on nature experience for kids.
Yes, but only on calm days. The water is clear, but waves and currents often make it challenging. For better snorkeling conditions, it’s best to go when the sea is flat.
Summer offers the warmest weather, lifeguards, and restaurant openings. Spring and autumn are quieter, with mild temperatures and fewer visitors. Winter is peaceful but often too windy and rough for swimming.
Public transport is very limited. There are occasional buses, but they don’t run frequently. A rental car is the easiest way to get here.
Yes, you can hike north along the cliffs to Praia da Amoreira. It’s a scenic walk with great coastal views. The southern cliffs also connect to longer Costa Vicentina trails.
Beach facilities
Praia de Monte Clérigo is a Blue Flag beach, which means it complies with international standards regarding safety and facilities. There are lifeguards overlooking the beach here during Summer. Between the car park and the beach you can also find public toilets. Furthermore, the beach is also accessible to disabled people.
Facilities in Praia de Monte Clérigo:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: no
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
