Praia de Santa Eulália – the #1 guide
Praia de Santa Eulália is one of the most peaceful and picturesque beaches in the Algarve. Just 4 kilometers from the center of Albufeira, it combines soft golden sand, calm clear waters, and a backdrop of pine-covered cliffs that create a serene, natural setting. It’s ideal for couples, families, and anyone seeking a more relaxed Algarve experience, with great access, beach bars, and scenic walking paths. Read on for everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia de Santa Eulália 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 Santa Eulália
- Green and scenic setting – surrounded by cliffs and pine trees, the beach feels like a peaceful retreat into nature.
- Perfect swimming conditions – calm, clear waters and a gentle slope make it ideal for a safe, refreshing swim.
- Great for families – clean sand, lifeguards in summer, and shallow water make it a reliable choice for kids.
- Close to Albufeira, but calmer – just minutes from town, but far enough to escape the busy crowds.
- All-day comfort – with sunbeds, beach bars, and easy parking, you’ve got everything you need for a full day by the sea.
To get an idea of Praia de Santa Eulália and its surroundings, watch the short video below.
What to expect at the beach
Praia de Santa Eulália is quite wide during low tide, which provides a lot of space. It’s a medium-sized beach, big enough to feel spacious, but compact enough to feel cozy. We would say it is just the right size. It is also great for walks along the sea, especially during low tide. Praia de Santa Eulália has the reputation of being one of the best beaches around Albufeira. The beach is also highly rated on TripAdvisor. Reading the reviews of this beach will make you want to pack your bags and catch the first flight to the Algarve.
The beach is clean and well-maintained. In the summer, there are lifeguards patrolling the beach. You can also enjoy different sorts of water sports here, including jet ski, parasailing or banana boats. In addition you can hire sunbeds on the beach.
The sand is fine and gold-coloured. The sea is crystal clear and usually calm. This makes the beach not so great for surfing, but it is good for swimming. The sea doesn’t get deep quickly. This makes Praia de Santa Eulália also a good beach for families with children. Kids love to make sandcastles from the gold-coloured sand and it is safe to play in the smooth water.
Hear the sound of the waves and imagine you are already here.
Because it is outside the town of Albufeira, it is relatively more quiet than the urban beaches in the town. However, in the summer months the beach still attracts many tourists, partly from the nearby hotels. Thus, the beach can be quite busy in the touristic peak season. To have the best experience of this beach, it is advised to go early in the morning.
Flora and fauna
Praia de Santa Eulália is a very green beach. You will find many colourful flowers and typical pine tree surrounding the beach.
Cliff views
To the right of the beach you will find some rocks, with cliffs befind them.
There is also a walking path right on these cliffs.
From there, you have a spectacular view of the beach.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia de Santa Eulália like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Skip midday: come early or late. The beach gets busiest between 11 AM and 3 PM. Come at sunrise for total calm or late afternoon for golden light and room to spread out.
- Walk east toward hidden coves. If you’re up for a short beach walk at low tide, head east. You’ll discover quieter spots framed by cliffs — ideal for reading, photos, or just disappearing for a while.
- Watch the sunset from the cliff path. Walk the trail above the western edge of the beach just before sunset. It’s peaceful, quiet, and the best photo spot no one talks about.
- Bring water shoes for rock pools near the cliffs. At low tide, you can explore shallow pools filled with marine life. It is great for kids or curious adults. Water shoes make it way more comfortable.
- Bring a picnic and sit in the pine-shaded garden. Just above the beach, there’s a peaceful green area with pine trees and benches. It’s the perfect shady escape when the sand gets too hot, and barely anyone uses 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. To visit this beach, you can enter the following address in your GPS: Ac. à Praia de Santa Eulália. The beach is easily accessible, as there is a car park behind the beach. Parking near the beach can be difficult during the high season. When the car park is full, you can park your car for free on the side of the road.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia de Santa Eulália? 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:
- Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa. This 5 star hotel is located right next to the beach and has a terrace overlooking the sea. There are several swimming pools and welness facilities. It is one of the highest rated hotels in the area. Even if you are not a guest of this hotel, you can walk in to enjoy its restaurant.
- Alfagar Aparthotel. This 4 star aparthotel has a complete outdoor water slide park, which kids will love. The hotel overlooks the beach and the sea. Highly rated.
- Alfagar Village. This 3 star resort is a small village, complete with a mini market and swimming pools. Everything you need for a great holiday in the Algarve. The village has a direct path to 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.
Best restaurants near the beach
There is a nice fish restaurant right on the beach, called A Esplanada Do Pescador. Another option is to eat in the restaurant of the Grande Real Santa Eulália 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, it’s excellent for families. The calm waters, soft sand, and lifeguard presence during summer make it a safe and fun spot for kids.
Very clean. It’s a Blue Flag beach, meaning it meets high environmental and quality standards, with well-maintained facilities.
Natural shade is limited. Pine trees are available near the back, but bring your own umbrella if you want consistent shade.
Early morning for peace and shade, or late afternoon for golden sunsets. Avoid mid-day during peak season if you want quiet.
No, it’s better for swimming than surfing. The waves are typically too calm, and the bay is sheltered from big swells.
It’s a mix: families, couples, and relaxed solo travelers. It’s quieter than central Albufeira, making it more laid-back.
It can get busy in July and August, especially near the beach access. For more space, walk a few minutes east or west.
There are beach bars with lounge-style seating and music, but it’s not a party beach. Perfect for chill drinks with a view.
Yes. You’ll find jet skis, banana boats, and parasailing in the summer months. Equipment is rented near the waterline.
The water is clear, and near the rocks you might spot small fish. It’s not a top snorkeling spot, but still worth exploring with goggles.
Beach facilities
Near the beach there is a leisure resort. There are art galleries, bars and a beach club.
After you parked your car, there is a boardwalk to the beach. This boardwalk also enables people in a wheelchair to visit this beach.
Facilities in Praia de Santa Eulália:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: yes
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
