Praia da Coelha – the #1 guide
Looking for a quieter beach escape in the Algarve? Praia da Coelha, just a few kilometers west of Albufeira, offers a stunning mix of golden cliffs, soft sand, and turquoise waters. Surrounded by nature and far less crowded than the urban beaches nearby, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful swim, scenic cliff walk, or a lazy afternoon collecting seashells. Whether you’re visiting for the views, the calm sea, or the charming beach café, Praia da Coelha has something special for everyone.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia da Coelha 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 Coelha
- Small and scenic – A sheltered cove with golden cliffs and a peaceful vibe.
- Perfect for couples and chill-seekers – Quieter than many Albufeira beaches, ideal for laid-back sunbathing.
- Short nature walk – Access via a lovely trail lined with wildflowers and olive trees.
- Great beach café – Enjoy fresh food, drinks, and sea views without leaving the sand.
- Clean and well-kept – With clear water, soft sand, and facilities like sunbeds and lifeguards in summer.
Thinking of visiting Praia da Coelha? Watch the short video below and see why it’s one of hidden gems in the Algarve.
What to expect at the beach
Praia da Coelha is a wide and beautiful beach. It actually consists of several parts. The picture below shows this clearly.
The beach has the shape of a small bay. Literally, Praia da Coelha translates as beach of the female rabbit. This name is a bit strange, since you won’t see any live rabbits on the beach. Still, when you enter the beach, you can see a man-made sign of a rabbit.
Praia da Coelha is surrounded by big rock formations. This also protects the beach against strong winds, so it is a relatively sheltered beach. However, keep some distance from the cliffs, as sitting right underneath them can be dangerous. Furthermore, there are some remote sections on the beach, especially on the west side. If you explore the beach, you will find small hidden coves.
On the west side of the beach there is also an interesting natural arch. This rock characterizes the beach.
If you go through the arch during low tide, you will see the other side of the beach.
The sand on the beach is especially soft and feels great to walk on. Moreover, you will find plenty of shells on the beach. If you love collecting shells, this is your beach.
You can find shells almost across the whole length of the beach.
Furthermore, the water here is calm and clear. Praia da Coelha is a great beach for both swimming and snorkelling. If you have any snorkelling gear, make sure to bring it to this place. After all, there is plenty of sealife to discover underwater here.
It is best to swim in the middle and eastern section of the beach. Watch out for some rocks in the water on the western end of the beach, near the natural arch.
Even though the beach is in Albufeira, it feels a bit secluded, However, Praia da Coelha can be quite crowded, especially in the summer. However, the beach is less crowded than the urban beaches in Albufeira town. The beach is mostly visited by young people and families. Praia da Coelha is popular among locals, who visit this beach often during the weekend.
Cliff walk
There are some pathways on top of the cliffs surrounding the beach. From here you have a beautiful view over the beach and the sea. It is highly recommended to walk here and see Praia da Coelha from another perspective. Moreover, it is great to watch the sunset from the cliffs as well.
From the cliffs you can also walk to nearby beaches. A nice beach to the west is Praia do Castelo.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia da Coelha like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Arrive before 10:00 AM to enjoy the beach at its quietest and score prime shade from the cliff shadows. No need for an umbrella if you time it right.
- Turn left at the shore and walk west at low tide. You will find secluded coves and a natural rock arch few tourists ever reach. This is where the best photos and moments happen.
- Bring snorkelling gear. Seriously. Just offshore, near the rocks, you will spot more marine life here than at many popular Algarve snorkel sites.
- Stay for sunset on the cliffs above the beach, not the sand. Walk the upper trail 15 minutes before golden hour and claim a spot facing west. It’s one of the Algarve’s most underrated sunset views.
- Look for the hand-carved rabbit sign at the beach entrance. It’s easy to miss, but it gives Praia da Coelha its name (Coelha = female rabbit) and makes for a quirky photo opportunity.
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 A22, take exit 9. Continue on the N125 and then the N395 in the direction of Albufeira. At the big roundabout, turn right on the M526 and follow the signs towards the beach. There is a car park about 400 metres from the beach. This means you still have to walk a bit after parking. It is a nice walk however, where you will see olive trees and carob trees. Just follow the walking trail. At the end of the trail you will see a wooden stairway, which leads to the beach.
Beach restaurant
There is a restaurant right on the beach, with the rather obvious name of Restaurante Praia da Coelha. It is the only beach restaurant here. The restaurant specializes in fish and seafood, but you can also get small refreshments, such as drinks, snacks or ice cream. The food is good and prices are reasonable. Moreover, from the restaurant you have a great sea view.
Best hotels near the beach
Praia da Coelha is relatively close to Praia do Castelo. Thus we recommend the same hotels as you can find in the article about Praia do Castelo.
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
Make your trip truly unforgettable by booking one of the top-rated excursions in the area. Whether you dream of cruising along the Algarve’s stunning coastline, exploring the famous Benagil cave, or spotting dolphins at sea, these handpicked experiences are the best of the best. Don’t miss out. Secure your spot now, before they sell out! Check out our top recommendations below.
FAQ
Yes, Praia da Coelha is family-friendly. The water is usually calm, the sand is soft, and there are lifeguards on duty in summer. However, parents should keep children away from the cliffs for safety.
Compared to central Albufeira beaches, Praia da Coelha is quieter, especially outside of July and August. It can still get busy on summer weekends, mainly with locals and families. Arrive early for the best spot during peak season.
Public transport options are limited. A bus may take you to nearby Sesmarias, but you’ll still need to walk 15–20 minutes. Renting a car or using a taxi is far more convenient.
There’s very little natural shade on the beach, as it’s an open sandy cove. If you’re not renting an umbrella, consider bringing your own sun protection.
Yes, it’s a great beach for swimming. The water is clear and generally calm, especially in the middle and eastern parts. Watch out for rocks near the western side by the arch.
Absolutely! The clear, calm waters and rock formations make it a good spot for snorkelling. Bring your own gear, as there are no rentals on-site.
Visit in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and softer sunlight. Spring and early autumn offer a perfect mix of warmth and quiet. Sunset views from the cliffs are especially beautiful.
It’s not recommended to sit directly under the cliffs, as rockfalls can occur. Lifeguards and local signs usually warn visitors to keep a safe distance. Always follow safety advice.
It’s not recommended to sit directly under the cliffs, as rockfalls can occur. Lifeguards and local signs usually warn visitors to keep a safe distance. Always follow safety advice.
The sand is soft and golden, perfect for walking barefoot. Shell collectors will also enjoy the beach, as it’s often scattered with small, beautiful shells.
Beach facilities
Praia da Coelha is a Blue Flag beach. There is a restaurant on-site where you can get refreshments and there is a lifeguard on duty in summer. Basically, the beach is well-maintained and it has the most important facilities.
Facilities in Praia da Coelha:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: no
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
