Praia da Cova Redonda: the #1 guide

Welcome to Praia da Cova Redonda, one of the Algarve’s most picturesque and peaceful beaches. Framed by dramatic cliffs and hidden just enough to feel like a secret, this golden-sand cove near Lagoa offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and family-friendly comfort. With calm turquoise water, gentle waves, and a signature rock rising from the sea like a sculpture, it’s no wonder this beach is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re looking to relax, swim, or simply enjoy the view, Praia da Cova Redonda delivers the kind of Algarve experience you’ll want to return to again and again.

In this article you will find:

• What makes Praia da Cova Redonda 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 Cova Redonda

• One of the most scenic beaches in the Algarve – framed by high sculpted cliffs and emerald waters, Praia da Cova Redonda delivers a dramatic backdrop in every direction. It’s a place where nature and serenity combine into the perfect coastal setting.
• Ideal for families and slow-paced relaxation – the beach is sheltered, the waves are gentle, and the slope into the sea is gradual—making it safe and enjoyable for children and relaxing for parents.
• That signature rock formation – rising from the sea like a beached vessel, the offshore rock is iconic and instantly recognizable. It’s the kind of natural landmark that sticks in your memory, and your camera roll.
• Peaceful, even in summer – despite being near popular resorts, the beach retains a calm, laid-back vibe. If you walk past the sunbeds, you’ll find open sand, quiet corners, and space to unwind.
• Hidden behind cliffs, but worth the steps – the staircase down might feel long, but the descent rewards you with a cinematic entrance. You don’t just arrive, you reveal the beach, step by step, like a secret unfolding.

Are you ready to visit Praia da Cova Redonda? Check the short video below to see a preview of the beach.

 

What to expect at the beach

Praia da Cova Redonda is a medium-sized beach located in a bay between two rocky cliffs. Some cliffs are heavily eroded and have strange shapes. The rocks provide shelter against the wind, making this a sheltered beach. Praia da Cova Redonda almost looks like the sea gave the cliffs a big bite, leaving only the golden sand.

Praia da Cova Redonda is also known as Praia das Gaivotas (Beach of the Seagulls) or Praia do Vila Lara, named after the luxurious Vilalara Thalassa Resort, which is situated right above the beach. From the resort you have a fabulous view over the beach.

Besides Vilalara Thalassa Resort, there are many other holiday apartments and tourist resorts in the area behind the beach.

Praia da Cova Redonda is located east of Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha and west of Praia dos Tremoços. You can see that the cliffs divide the area into several smaller coves. Always make sure to not stay close to the cliffs, always keep some distance. On the picture below you can see the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha on the second-last cliff.

The water at Praia da Cova Redonda is calm and gets deeper only slowly. This makes it a great beach to visit with young children. Moreover, you can find many shells on both ends of the beach. In general, the beach is quiet and peaceful. It is always possible to find a spot. In summer, the beach is mostly visited by families who stay in the nearby holiday apartments or resorts. Praia da Cova Redonda is an amazing beach for families.

The most unique feature of Praia da Cova Redonda is a big rock formation in the water, near the eastern side of the beach. This rock kind of looks like a vessel or a big whale. You can see some vegetation on the rock and often also sea birds.

From above you can even better see how distinctive this rock is (on the left side of the picture).

When you are standing on the beach, you can see how big the rock formation is.

Our tips

Want to experience Praia da Cova Redonda like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:

• Watch the sunset from the cliff next to the big rock. It’s one of the most underrated golden hour views in the Algarve. Most visitors miss it entirely because they’ve already gone back up the stairs.
• Skip the stairs, take the scenic shortcut. To enter the beach, go through the Vilalara Resort garden path (publicly accessible). It’s a quiet and lush route that delivers a jaw-dropping first view of the beach.
• Time your arrival for mid-morning light. The beach catches golden sunlight between 10:00 and 11:30 AM. Perfect for photos without harsh shadows, and before the midday heat sets in.
• Walk east (to the left when looking at the sea) along the sand at low tide. When the tide is out, you can reach hidden corners of the beach and spot seashell clusters that most visitors never see.
• Bring reef shoes for shell hunting. The beach edges are full of polished shells and small tide pools, but the rocks can be sharp. This is where kids (and photographers) find hidden treasures.

Beach kiosk and restaurant

There is a small kiosk on the beach, near the entrance. Here you can get basic snacks, drinks and ice cream. However, if you are looking for a proper lunch, the nearest restaurant is on top of the cliff. It is called Palmeiras. This restaurant / snack bar has good food for an affordable price.

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 EN125 national road, take the exit at Porches and continue on the M530-1 in the direction of Armação de Pêra. Turn right towards Alporchinhos and Vila Lara. You will then see signs indicating the beach. You can park your car along the road, about 200 metres from the beach. The entrance to the staircase can be a bit hard to find. It is next to the road, on the west side of the beach. Past the Pestana Viking Beach Hotel you will see a sign indicating the beach.

Access to the beach is via a long staircase with more than 100 steps. However, the steps are long and not steep, so it is relatively easy. Even though you cannot see the beach from the top of the stairs, the descent is beautiful with lots of green vegetation on either side. When you reach the bottom of the stairs, the beach looks quite small. But when you turn around the corner of the cliff, you will see the rest of the beach.

Best hotels near the beach

Looking for a great place to stay near Praia da Cova Redonda? 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:

• Pestana Viking Beach & SPA Resort. This four star resort offers several rooms with a beautiful view over the Atlantic Ocean. It has many wellness facilities, including several swimming pools, a gym, a sauna and various massages. Moreover, the resort has direct access to the beach.
• Vilalara Thalassa Resort. This five star hotel offers nothing but the best. There are 6 outdoor swimming pools and 2 restaurants on-site. In addition you can follow a yoga class, hit the gym or enjoy a wellness treatment, such as a hot stone massage. And the service of this hotel is outstanding. Highly rated.
• Be Live Family Palmeiras Village All-Inclusive. This all-inclusive hotel focuses on families. There is a children’s playground and rooms are decorated in a way that children will love. Of course there are plenty of activities for parents as well, such as a pool bar and evening entertainment.

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

Don’t just visit the Algarve; experience it from the water. The coastline around Lagoa is one of the most spectacular in all of Portugal, with sea caves, towering cliffs, and turquoise coves you simply can’t see from land. The best way to take it all in? A boat trip that brings you right into the heart of it. These handpicked excursions are the ones we recommend to family and friends, and they’re available to book online right now. Don’t wait until it’s fully booked. Secure your spot below.

 

Beach facilities

You can find some facilities on Praia da Cova Redonda, but not all of them. For example, there is a small kiosk where you can get refreshments, but there is no toilet on the beach. There are lifeguards on duty and sunbeds for hire. Furthermore, you can get a massage on the beach.

Facilities in Praia da Cova Redonda:

• Restaurant: yes
• Bar/club: no
• Toilet: no
• Shower: no
• Water sports: no
• Sunbeds: yes
• Parking: yes
• Lifeguards: yes
• Blue Flag beach: no