Praia da Amoreira – the #1 guide
Praia da Amoreira is one of the wildest and most scenic beaches on the Costa Vicentina. Located near Aljezur, it offers a raw, natural beauty you won’t find in the resort-heavy parts of the Algarve. With dramatic cliffs, soft golden sand, and a lagoon that appears at low tide, it’s a favourite among surfers, nature lovers, and families alike. Backed by dunes and the Aljezur River, this beach invites you to slow down and experience the Algarve in its most unspoiled form. In this guide, we’ll help you make the most of your visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia da Amoreira 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 Amoreira
- Raw natural beauty – backed by dunes and cliffs, this beach offers a wild, untouched landscape that feels worlds away from built-up resorts.
- Dual swimming options – swim in the Atlantic or the calm waters of the Aljezur River lagoon, which forms at low tide. Ideal for families with small children.
- Peaceful and uncrowded – even in summer, Praia da Amoreira rarely feels busy, offering plenty of space to relax or explore in peace.
- Great for surfers – with consistent waves and a local surf school, it’s a fantastic spot for both beginners and experienced surfers.
- Stunning viewpoints – walk up to the cliffs for panoramic views of the coastline, river mouth, and rolling hills of the Costa Vicentina.
If you would like to see a sneak preview of Praia da Amoreira, then watch the video below.
What to expect at the beach
Praia da Amoreira is a big beach and stretches for about 580 metres. This makes it one of the largest beaches around Aljezur. The beach is also quite wide and goes far inland.
Praia da Amoreira is backed by large sand dunes. On both sides of the beach, there are cliffs and rock formations.
The sand on the beach is soft and feels great to walk on.
It is a good beach for swimming. You actually have two options:
- Swim in the sea. Make sure to check out the waves beforehand. On some days, the waves can get quite big.
- Swim in the river. This is what most people do. The water here is calm and slightly warmer.
When swimming in the sea, beware for the rocks on the right side of the beach.
Praia da Amoreira itself is unspoiled and very peaceful. Usually there are only a few people on the beach, mostly families and surfers. It never gets really crowded here. Praia da Amoreira is a great beach if you want to escape mass tourism.
When the tide is low, there is a shallow lagoon on the beach.
This lagoon is popular with kids and very safe to play in.
You can see that this lagoon covers a big part of the beach during low tide.
When the tide starts swelling, the lagoon slowly becomes bigger. The water in the lagoon is at that point still very calm and great to walk in.
As you can see, the lagoon disappears completely during high tide.
Aljezur River
The southern end of Praia da Amoreira is the mouth of the Aljezur River. This is one of the most unique characteristics of the beach. The Aljezur River (in Portuguese Ribeira de Aljezur) runs for almost 10 kilometres, from the village of Aljezur to the southern end of Praia da Amoreira.
This means that you can swim both in the river and in the sea. In general, the water of the sea here is quite cold and the water in the river is warmer. Moreover, there can be strong currents and rocks in the sea, especially on the northern part of the beach. The current can also be strong near the mouth of the river, especially at high tide. That is why it is best to swim a bit further in the river instead of the sea.
There is a great beach area along the banks of the river.
Also, there are no waves in the river, which makes it a perfect place to play with children. The beach alongside the river goes quite far inland and it is very safe here.
The blue river winding through the green valley behind the beach is truly a beautiful sight. You can also see some animals living in this area, like otters and beautiful birds. If you like birdwatching, you will love this area. Make sure to bring your binoculars though.
Sleeping giant rock formation
According to locals, the black rock formation on the northern side of the beach looks like a giant lying down. The smaller rock on the left side is the head of the giant (with a pointy nose) and the big cliff to the right is its belly.
This rock formation is what characterizes this beach.
When you come closer, you will see that there are many rocks in the water in front of the sleeping giant. Watch out when swimming or walking here.
Surfing
Praia da Amoreira is a good spot for surfing. There are good waves here, especially at high tide. In general, the beach is exposed to the swells and the winds. Surfing here is suitable for all skill levels.
There is a surf school right on the beach called Atlantic Riders. Here you can learn how to surf or just rent surf equipment.
Southern viewpoint
On the cliffs on the southern side is a viewpoint. From here you have a beautiful view over the beach. This point is only a 15 minute walk from Praia de Monte Clérigo. However, you cannot easily reach Praia da Amoreira from here. The only way is to walk through the river, which is not recommended during high tide.
Hiking
It’s nice to walk on the cliffs near Praia da Amoreira. It gives you a great view over the beach.
If you prefer more serious hiking, there is a part of the Rota Vicentina trail in this area. It is called the Fishermen’s trail. It takes you through beautiful nature, as well as spectacular viewpoints. If you want, you can walk all the way towards Praia da Carriagem, which is the first beach north of Amoreira. Along the way you might even see some fishermen on top of the cliffs. This is quite dangerous, because the cliffs are very high.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia da Amoreira like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Arrive two hours before low tide. That’s when the beach reveals its stunning lagoon. The shallow water warms quickly, creating a dreamy natural swimming pool perfect for kids, paddleboarding, and sunset reflections. It’s a completely different experience than high tide.
- Try a sunset swim in the lagoon. As the light softens, the still water of the river becomes almost mirror-like. It’s warm, shallow, and completely still. A surreal, golden-hour experience that feels private, even in peak season.
- Bring both surf and snorkel gear. You’ll rarely find a beach that offers both. Catch waves on the ocean side in the morning, then float in the calm, clear lagoon by afternoon. It’s like getting two beaches in one.
- Climb the south viewpoint for golden hour. Most visitors miss this 15-minute walk. But those who don’t are rewarded with one of the most cinematic sunsets in the Algarve, as the cliffs turn orange and the lagoon glows.
- Look for the ‘sleeping giant’ rock formation. On the north end of the beach, locals say the cliffs resemble a giant lying down. Once you spot the head and belly, you’ll never unsee it.
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 Amoreira is quite easy to reach. Take the EN120 towards Aljezur. Then go towards Rogil and just follow the signs to Praia da Amoreira. There is a car park on top of the cliffs, on the northern side of the beach. The car park is not that big. In case it is full, you can park your car on the side of the road. From the car park you can access the beach via a wooden boardwalk. There is also a car park near the viewpoint on the southern cliff, but it is harder to reach Praia da Amoreira from there.
Best restaurants near the beach
Right on the beach you can find the restaurant of Paraíso do Mar. However, the restaurant receives mixed reviews. On the cliffs on the left side of the beach, you can find another restaurant, Taberna do Gabriel, but this one also receives mixed reviews. Moreover, this restaurant is located on the other side of the river, and is thus easiest to reach from the other side. So while Taberna do Gabriel overlooks Praia da Amoreira, it is not easy to reach the restaurant directly from the beach. If you are willing to drive a bit, it might be worthwhile to drive to Aljezur or Rogil, where you have more choice. For example, Pizza Pasta & Compagnia or Onda Natural Vegetariano are highly rated places.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia da Amoreira? 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:
- Hotel Alcatruz. This hotel offers colourful rooms and a lovely garden. Some of the rooms have a balcony or a terrace. The staff is friendly and especially the breakfast is amazing.
- Casa do Sol. This holiday home offers comfortable rooms and a kitchen to cook your own meals if you want to. There is a garden with barbecue facilities. Good hotel if you are with a group or family.
- Quinta da Bunheira. This home in the countryside is simple, but at the same time it has all you need to enjoy your holiday. The surroundings are calm and quiet. Great place to relax and enjoy your holiday.
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 combination of river and sea, cliffs and dunes, and complete lack of large developments makes this beach feel wild and pure. It’s peaceful and scenic, perfect for people who want nature over nightlife. Few places in the Algarve feel as untouched as this one.
Yes, the beach is good for swimming, but with caution. The ocean side can have strong currents and waves, especially during high tide. For safer swimming, especially for children, head to the lagoon area formed by the Aljezur River at low tide. The river water is calmer and usually warmer than the sea.
Absolutely. Praia da Amoreira is a great beach for families, thanks to its natural lagoon and soft sandy shore. Children can safely play in the shallow waters of the river while adults relax nearby. The wide beach gives everyone plenty of space.
The beach features fine, golden sand that’s soft underfoot. It’s ideal for beach walks, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. The sand stretches inland during low tide, creating large areas to explore.
Praia da Amoreira is relatively uncrowded, even in the summer. It’s more popular among locals and surfers than tourists. You can usually find a quiet spot, especially if you walk a bit away from the main access points.
Yes, Praia da Amoreira is a well-known surf spot on the west coast of the Algarve. It offers consistent waves and is suitable for all skill levels. There’s also a surf school on the beach where you can take lessons or rent equipment.
There is very little natural shade on the beach. It’s advisable to bring your own umbrella or beach tent. The cliff sides provide limited shelter depending on the time of day.
There is very little natural shade on the beach. It’s advisable to bring your own umbrella or beach tent. The cliff sides provide limited shelter depending on the time of day.
Yes, there’s a stunning viewpoint on the southern cliffs, offering panoramic views over the beach and river mouth. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Praia de Monte Clérigo. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
Wild camping is not allowed due to environmental protection rules. However, there are designated campsites near Aljezur and Rogil. These provide facilities and are only a short drive away.
Spring and early autumn are ideal times to visit. You’ll enjoy warm weather without the summer crowds. The beach is also beautiful in winter, though colder and windier.
Yes, but the Atlantic can be rough, which limits visibility. The calm river lagoon is better suited for beginner snorkelers. Bring your own equipment, as there are no rentals.
Beach facilities
Praia da Amoreira has the most important facilities on-site. You can find toilet facilities in the Paraíso do Mar restaurant on the beach. The beach is also patrolled by lifeguards during the Summer. Moreover, this is a Blue Flag beach.
Facilities in Praia da Amoreira:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: no
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
