Praia do Inatel – the #1 guide
Praia do Inatel is a spacious, golden-sand beach right on the edge of the town center of Albufeira, offering a relaxed escape without leaving the city. Backed by the well-known Inatel Hotel, it combines convenience with wide, open views of the Atlantic Ocean. Set between the bustle of Praia dos Pescadores and the calmer stretch of Praia dos Alemães, it strikes a balance that suits both locals and visitors. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike come here for the soft sand, swimmable waters, and easy access to restaurants and beachside bars. Read on for everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia do Inatel 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 Inatel
- City beach convenience – located right next to Albufeira’s center, it’s an easy stroll from most hotels and restaurants, making it ideal for a no-fuss beach day.
- Spacious and sandy – with nearly 800 meters of length and wide open space at low tide, there’s always room to spread out.
- Great for long walks – perfect for sunset strolls east to Praia dos Alemães or west to Praia dos Pescadores, all right along the shoreline.
- Swimmable and lively waters – expect moderate waves, great for a refreshing dip or fun in the surf (just be mindful of the occasional current).
- Plenty of amenities – from sunbeds and showers to bars and restaurants nearby, everything you need is right at hand.
In this short drone video you will get an idea of Praia do Inatel.
What to expect at the beach
Praia do Inatel is quite long, about 800 metres. The beach is also very wide, almost half a kilometre during low tide. This means that there is plenty of room to sunbathe. The sand on this beach is very nice and soft. The beach is quite clean and supervised by lifeguards. You can find many people enjoying a swim in the sea, which has nice waves here. Be careful with kids in the water, since the sea here can have strong currents and be quite rough on some days.
As Praia do Inatel is located very near the town of Albufeira, it can become quite a crowded beach, especially during the summer months. However, the beach is not as crowded as Praia dos Pescadores, the main Albufeira town beach.
The most crowded part of the beach is near the Inatel hotel. Many of its guests come here to enjoy the sun and swim in the sea. Since Praia do Inatel is within walking distance of many other hotels nearby, you will find many tourists on the beach. The beach is also popular with (Portuguese) families with children. Kids love to play in the golden sands of this beach. You can also find plenty of shells on this beach.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia do Inatel like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Walk east (to the left side) for more space. Most visitors stay near the Inatel Hotel. Head east toward Praia dos Alemães for a quieter stretch, perfect for reading or a nap.
- Go early for the best spot. By 10:30 am in high season, the central area fills up. Arrive before then to claim the softest sand and a sunbed with a view.
- Sunset from the rocks. At the eastern end of the beach, there’s a rocky rise with an epic view. Few tourists go here, but the golden hour light is unbeatable for photos.
- Evening beach walks are underrated. After dinner, stroll west toward Praia dos Pescadores to see the lights of old Albufeira reflected in the waves. Peaceful and romantic.
- Grab a drink at the hotel terrace. The Inatel Hotel’s terrace is open to non-guests and offers one of the best value drinks-with-a-view combos in the area.
The Inatel Hotel
Praia do Inatel gets its name from the Inatel Hotel, which is located right on the beach. This was the first building directly on the beach. Inatel is a Portuguese hotel chain of social tourism. The hotel dominates the beach and it is quite popular. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court and a sun-lounger terrace. They provide several activities, ranging from diving to karaoke. Even if you are not a guest of the hotel, you can still go here for lunch or a quick drink.
You can even recognize the Inatel hotel when looking at the town beaches of Albufeira from a distance.
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.
Beach walks
From Praia do Inatel you can either walk east to Praia dos Alemães or west to Praia dos Pescadores. Also the old town of Albufeira is within walking distance from the beach (a 10 minute walk). The best time of the day for a nice walk along the beach is at the end of the afternoon. If you walk east and take the stairs, then you will have a beautiful view over the beach from the rocks.
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 get to Inatel beach, use the address of the Inatel hotel: Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, Albufeira. The beach is located right behind the Inatel hotel. There is no dedicated parking for this beach, but you will find parking spots on the streets nearby.
Best restaurants near the beach
Our favourite restaurants near Inatel beach are:
- Ristorante Pizzeria La Terrazza Del Mare. This pizzeria has good pizzas and a terrace with a terrific view, overlooking the sea. The staff is very friendly and makes you feel welcome. Also great for a quick drink.
- Spice Lounge. This Indian restaurant has great food for a reasonable price. Lovers of spicy food will not be disappointed.
- Restaurante Dom Carlos. This Portuguese restaurant offers a fine dining experience. The food is exceptional, but also more expensive than in most other places.
Top excursions nearby
The good thing about staying near Albufeira is that there are many things to do. You can also enjoy several excursions, to get to know the Algarve better. Think about exploring the coastline of the region by boat. Below you can see our selection of recommended excursions.
FAQ
Its wide stretch of golden sand, proximity to the town center, and good facilities make it a favorite for both locals and tourists. It’s less crowded than nearby Praia dos Pescadores but still central and accessible.
Yes, it’s a great beach for families. The sand is soft and clean, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. Just be cautious of waves on rough days.
Swimming is generally safe, though the sea can occasionally be rough with strong currents. Always check the flags and supervise children closely.
Natural shade is minimal. It’s advisable to bring your own umbrella or rent one on-site.
Yes, the beach is regularly maintained and holds a Blue Flag designation, indicating high environmental and cleanliness standards.
Yes, depending on the season, you may find activities like jet skiing or paddle boarding available nearby.
Yes, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the heart of the old town, making it very accessible for sightseeing and dining.
It can get busy during July and August, but it’s generally less packed than Praia dos Pescadores. Arrive early for the best spots.
Early morning and late afternoon are quieter and cooler. The light is also beautiful for photography at sunset.
Absolutely. Praia dos Alemães is to the east, and Praia dos Pescadores is to the west. Both are walkable within minutes.
Beach facilities
Near the beach you can find several restaurants, bars and pubs. Also, there are plenty of facilities on this beach.
Facilities in Praia do Inatel:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: yes
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: yes, near Avenida Infante Dom Henrique
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes