Praia Nova: the #1 guide
Praia Nova is one of the Algarve’s best-kept secrets: a spacious, golden-sand beach with dramatic cliffs just west of Porches. Despite being right next to one of the region’s most iconic landmarks, the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha, Praia Nova remains remarkably peaceful and uncrowded. It’s perfect for those seeking a quiet beach day, scenic walks, or a swim in crystal-clear water. With its hidden tunnel, fossil-filled cliffs, and local vibe, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to keep all to yourself. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia Nova 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 Nova
- Cliffside serenity without the crowds. Praia Nova offers the kind of peaceful, wide-open beachscape that’s becoming rare in the Algarve. With no bars, no beach clubs, and few tourists, it feels like a hidden retreat, even in summer.
- Direct access to one of the Algarve’s most iconic chapels. The beach sits just below the clifftop chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha, one of the most photographed landmarks in the region. A short walk takes you to this historic whitewashed viewpoint with sweeping ocean panoramas.
- A secret tunnel that feels like an adventure. Praia Nova connects to the neighboring beach via a 60-meter tunnel cut straight through the cliff. Inside, you’ll find fossil-rich rock walls and an almost cinematic entrance that opens to the sea.
- Ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The water here is crystal clear and typically calm, protected by tall cliffs on both sides. Bring your own snorkel gear to explore the rocky edges. Chances are you’ll spot small schools of fish in the shallows.
- Unfiltered, natural Algarve. With no sunbeds, restaurants, or commercial noise, Praia Nova delivers a raw, authentic beach experience. It’s the kind of place where locals go to read, swim, or just enjoy the silence between sea and sky.
Are you ready to see the unique surroundings of the beach? Then check out the video below.
What to expect at the beach
Praia Nova is a relatively big beach, stretching for about 300 metres in length. The beach is backed by tall rock formations. Literally, the name means New Beach. Since this beach is just as old as the other beaches nearby, it is unknown where this name comes from.
The sand here is golden and the sea is usually calm. The water is crystal clear, which is great for swimming and snorkelling.
Praia Nova is located just west of Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha. There is a big cliff separating these two beaches. However, there is a 60 metre long man-made tunnel in the cliff, which connects Praia Nova to Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha. It is best to use this tunnel during low tide. In the walls of the tunnel you can actually see many fossils. On top of this cliff you can see the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha, which characterizes the beach.
On the picture below you can see Praia Nova on the left side and Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha on the right side of the promontory.
Praia Nova is usually not very crowded. The beach is quite large, which means there is a lot of space.
Since the beach is relatively unknown, few people visit it. The ones who do visit are mostly locals and guests of the nearby hotels.
Compared with Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha, Praia Nova is much bigger, less crowded and more quiet. Partly this is because the beach is slightly more difficult to access. Praia Nova is definitely a good choice to escape the crowds.
By the way, on the west side of Praia Nova there is another small beach, just around the corner of the cliff.
Beware that the cliffs on the beach can be unstable in some places. Always keep some distance from the cliffs. You can actually see there was a landslide on the beach.
The chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha
To the east of the beach you can see the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha. When you are standing on Praia Nova, you can see it on your left side.
This chapel also characterizes the beach of Praia Nova. Make sure to go up the cliff and visit the chapel.
From the chapel you also have a good view over the beach.
This chapel is one of the most iconic landmarks of the Algarve. To read more about the chapel, see our article about Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha. By the way, during sunrise you can take amazing photographs here.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia Nova like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Photograph the beach from inside the tunnel. Most visitors rush through the tunnel to get to the sand, but if you pause halfway and look back, you’ll catch a perfectly framed view of the sea and archway entrance. Early morning or late afternoon light makes it glow.
- Look for fossil imprints in the tunnel walls. The man-made tunnel was carved through fossil-rich limestone. If you look closely, you’ll spot spiral-shaped marine fossils from millions of years ago. It is a fascinating detail that most beachgoers walk right past.
- Don’t underestimate the westward coastal path. It’s not just a dirt trail, it leads to even more secluded viewpoints and rocky coves. If you’re up for light hiking, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered your own private Algarve.
- Explore the hidden cove west of Praia Nova. At the far end of the beach, a narrow path winds around the rock face to a tiny, secret beach that’s often completely empty. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking a quiet spot to sunbathe or read.
- Bring snorkel gear, you’ll be surprised. The eastern side near the rocks offers surprisingly clear water and rocky outcrops where small fish hide. Early morning is best, before the sun stirs up sediment and shadows grow too harsh.
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 national road EN125, take the exit Porches and continue on the M530-1 towards Armação de Pêra. At some point, you will see signs indicating Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha and turn right. You can park your car on top of the cliffs. To reach Praia Nova, follow the footpath to the west. There is a staircase near the centre of the beach, about 200 metres from the car park. Another way to reach Praia Nova is by going to Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha and take the tunnel through the cliff.
Best hotels near the beach
Praia Nova is relatively close to Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha. Thus we recommend the same hotels as you can find in the article about Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha.
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
Going on an excursion is a great way to discover the Algarve. For example, we definitely recommend to see the amazing coastline near Lagoa, with its spectacular rock formations and the impressive Benagil cave. You can book some excursions already online, which saves you time. Below you can see our favourite excursions in the area.
FAQ
Yes, but with a bit of walking. You can either reach it via a stairway from the clifftop or through a tunnel from Praia da Senhora da Rocha. The path is unpaved and slightly steep in places, so wear decent footwear.
Yes, especially for families looking for a quiet and spacious beach. Just keep an eye on children near the cliffs and avoid the tunnel at high tide.
Absolutely. The water is usually calm and clear, making it excellent for swimming. However, always be cautious, as there are no lifeguards on duty.
Very little. There are no trees or permanent shade structures, so bring an umbrella or sun shelter if you plan to stay a while.
Yes, there’s a tunnel carved through the cliff that connects the two beaches. It’s walkable at low tide and adds a sense of adventure to your beach day.
Yes, but it’s best to go through during low tide. The path is stable, and you’ll often spot fossilized shells embedded in the walls.
Its natural setting, lack of commercial development, and connection to one of the Algarve’s most iconic chapels make it a peaceful and authentic coastal escape.
Yes. The rocky sides of the beach attract small fish and marine life. The water is usually clear enough for decent visibility.
Rarely. Even in summer, Praia Nova is much quieter than nearby beaches. It’s a favorite among locals and guests from nearby resorts.
Yes. The chapel is just above the cliffs on the eastern side of the beach. It’s a short walk with breathtaking views.
No rentals are available directly on Praia Nova. You’d need to bring your own gear or rent from a nearby beach like Praia da Marinha or Praia de Benagil.
Beach facilities
There are no facilities on Praia Nova. For example, there is no restaurant or toilet on the beach. It is best to take some food and drinks with you. However, if you are really hungry or thirsty, you can always visit the restaurant on Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha. You can reach this beach by using the tunnel through the cliff on the eastern side of the beach.
Facilities in Praia Nova:
- Restaurant: no
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: no
- Shower: no
- Water sports: no
- Sunbeds: no
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: no
- Blue Flag beach: no
