Praia do Castelo: the #1 guide
Praia do Castelo in Albufeira is one of the Algarve’s most scenic and peaceful beaches, perfect for those seeking a quiet escape with a touch of adventure. With golden cliffs rising behind the sand and several small coves nearby to explore, it’s a great spot for swimming, shell collecting, and quiet walks. The beach gets its name from a rock formation that looks like the top of a castle, and you can still find ruins of an old coastal watchtower close by. Read on to find out everything you need for a perfect day at Praia do Castelo.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia do Castelo 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 do Castelo
- Golden cliffs and calm atmosphere – the surrounding rock formations create a stunning setting and help block the wind, making it one of the more peaceful beaches in the region.
- Hidden coves to explore – just beyond the main beach, you’ll find smaller, quieter coves that offer a sense of discovery and extra privacy.
- Clear, swimmable water – the sea here is usually calm and crystal clear, perfect for a refreshing swim or light snorkeling.
- Fewer crowds, more locals – it’s less busy than Albufeira’s central beaches, especially outside of peak season. A great place to relax without the tourist rush.
- A touch of history – named after a rock that resembles a castle, this beach also features the ruins of a 16th-century watchtower, adding a historic charm to your visit.
If you would like to see Praia do Castelo and its surroundings, then check out the awesome video below.
What to expect at the beach
Praia do Castelo consists of one main beach and several smaller coves. The main beach is about 200 metres in length, so it is a relatively small beach. Praia do Castelo forms a small bay and is surrounded by high cliffs.
On the western side of the beach (on the right side, when looking at the sea), you can see several smaller cliffs in the sea. Some of these cliffs seem to be separated from the rest. This makes Praia do Castelo easy to recognize.
Literally, Praia do Castelo translates as Castle beach. The name comes from the big rock in the water on the eastern side of the beach, which looks like the battlements of a castle (with some imagination). Moreover, in the 16th century, there was a watchtower on this beach, which protected the coast of Albufeira against pirates in medieval times. Near the entrance of the beach you can actually still see some remains of this tower. It fits well with the castle theme.
The sand on this beach is soft and golden. You will also see many shells on the beach. It is a great beach for collecting shells. In peak season, a big part of the main beach is taken over by sunbeds though. However, there is always space to put your own towel without having to pay.
The water of the sea here is crystal clear and good for swimming. Snorkelling is good here as well. Watch out for some rocks in the water, although there are fewer rocks than in nearby Praia do Evaristo.
Although Albufeira attracts many tourists, this part of Albufeira does not attract that much people. In summer, the beach is not as crowded as the urban beaches of Albufeira town. Praia do Castelo is mainly popular among Portuguese people, although you can see some tourists as well.
From above you can see the beautiful surroundings of the beach.
Fallen rocks
The high cliffs protect the beach against strong winds, so there is not a lot of wind on this beach. However, the cliffs on this beach are a bit unstable. Don’t sit underneath these cliffs. You can see evidence of fallen rocks everywhere on the beach.
Cliff walk
You should definitely explore the area up on the cliffs. There are pathways which are safe to walk. You will see little bays and hidden coves that you can’t see when standing on the beach. During the walk you will also smell the fresh scent of pine trees, which are abundant in this area.
Some nearby beaches where you can walk to are Praia do Evaristo in the west and Praia da Coelha in the east.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia do Castelo like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Skip the sunbeds, head left for a quieter slice of paradise. Most visitors stick to the center. Walk left along the beach or over the rocks at low tide to find quieter corners with a more local, untouched feel.
- Bring reef shoes for the hidden coves. There are small rocky inlets nearby that are incredible to explore, but only if you have water shoes. Locals know these are the best spots for snorkeling and solitude.
- Hike east to Praia da Coelha for a beach-hopping adventure. Bring some food and water. This easy cliffside trail gives you epic views, pine-scented air, and a chance to experience two of Albufeira’s finest beaches in one afternoon.
- Explore the cliff ruins. Most people walk right past it. Just before the staircase to the beach, look for the remnants of the 16th-century watchtower. It’s an underrated photo spot with serious historical flair.
- Don’t sit under the cliffs. Really, this isn’t just a warning. The cliffs here do crumble. You’ll see fallen rocks if you look closely. For safety (and sun), stay center or closer to the waterline.
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. It is quite straightforward to reach Castelo beach. Take exit 9 on the A22 and follow the N395 towards Albufeira. Turn right on the M526 in the direction of Sesmarias. At some point you will see signs indicating the beach. There is a small car park on top of the cliffs, about 50 metres from the beach entrance. Access to the beach is via a wooden staircase.
Beach restaurant
There is a beach restaurant called O Pic-Nic. They offer fish and seafood, as well as more simple food. From the restaurant you have a great view over the beach and sea. The restaurant has mixed reviews though. We recommend to read the reviews before deciding to go eat here.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia do Castelo? 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:
- Hapimag Apartments Resort. This resort offers several studios and apartments. There is an outdoor pool and children’s playground. Moreover, the location is awesome: it is only a couple minutes of walking to the beach.
- Hotel Baia Grande. This four star hotel offers everything you need for a nice holiday in the Algarve. There is an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool, a games room and a hot tub. The rooms are spacious and some rooms have sea view.
- Torre Velha. This guest house in Sesmarias offers good value for money. While the price is relatively cheap, it has good rooms and friendly service. There is a nice outside terrace with a swimming pool. Some rooms have sea view as well.
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, the calm waters and smaller size make it a good choice for families. Just be cautious with young children near the cliffs and rocks.
Yes, there is a small free parking area on top of the cliffs near the beach entrance. In summer it fills up quickly, so arrive early if possible.
Yes, scenic cliff walks lead to Praia do Evaristo (west) and Praia da Coelha (east). Both are within 15–20 minutes on foot.
Yes! The clear water and rock formations make it a great spot to see small fish and underwater scenery. Just watch out for currents and sharp rocks.
No, Praia do Castelo is not a water sports beach. It’s more suited for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
Definitely. The cliffs, sea views, and rock formations offer great photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.
“Praia do Castelo” means “Castle Beach.” It’s named after a rock that resembles a castle turret, and also references an old watchtower nearby.
Yes, there are walking paths along the cliffs that offer amazing views. Just stay clear of the edge and avoid walking under unstable cliff sections.
Very little. Bring your own umbrella if you’re not renting a sunbed.
Beach facilities
Praia do Castelo is a Blue Flag beach, which means it meets certain environmental and safety criteria. Furthermore, there are lifeguards in summer and there are plenty of sunbeds for hire. However, the beach is not accessible by wheelchair.
Facilities in Praia do Castelo:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: no
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
