Praia do Camilo – the #1 guide
Just minutes from Lagos lies one of Portugal’s most iconic coastal gems: Praia do Camilo. Set between dramatic golden cliffs and accessed via a spectacular wooden staircase, this small yet unforgettable beach is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left. With crystal-clear waters, naturally sculpted rock formations and a hidden tunnel linking two sandy coves, it feels like you’ve stepped into another world. Whether you’re here to swim, snorkel, or simply take in the view, Praia do Camilo is a must-visit stop along the Algarve coast.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia do Camilo 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 Camilo
- Unforgettable scenery – dramatic limestone cliffs, sea arches, and turquoise waters make this one of the most photogenic beaches in the Algarve.
- Swim in clear, calm waters – sheltered by natural rock formations, the sea here stays remarkably calm, clean, and swimmable most of the year.
- Snorkeler’s paradise – the crystal-clear shallows and rocky coves create ideal conditions for spotting fish and marine life just offshore.
- Hidden twin coves – a hand-dug tunnel links two golden-sand coves, adding a sense of discovery and adventure to your beach day.
- Sunset perfection – the elevated cliffs offer panoramic sunset views over the Atlantic. Bring your camera and a bottle of wine.
See for yourself how beautiful this precious beach is in the following short video.
What to expect at the beach
Praia do Camilo is downright a beautiful beach. The sand is nice and soft. It feels great to walk here. A big beach walk won’t be possible though, since the beach is pretty small. Especially during high tide the beach loses half of its size.
The best thing to do is to visit this beach during low tide, otherwise there might be a lack of space. Beware that the tide can turn quite quickly (in a couple of hours).
Praia do Camilo can be visited all year round and is a real paradise in winter. During summer it is a very popular beach. Due to its relatively small size, it can get completely packed. You will not have a lot of space on this beach in the summer.
Whenever you go, make sure either arrive very early (to avoid the crowds) or to watch the sunset from the cliffs up above, which is absolutely stunning.
Swimming
Praia do Camilo is located between the other wonders the region has to offer: Praia da Dona Ana and Ponta da Piedade. The rock formations of Ponta da Piedade protect Camilo beach against waves from the southwest. This is why the sea here is very calm.
In addition, the sea is quite shallow and the water is not too cold.
The sea here is also exceptionally clean. The water has a superb green colour and is almost transparent. This is the perfect beach for swimming.
Snorkeling at Praia do Camilo
The calm and transparent sea makes Praia do Camilo also a great beach for snorkeling. You will be able to see several fishes when snorkeling. There is a whole world underwater that you can explore for yourself at Praia do Camilo.
Kayaking
Another great thing to do is kayaking on the amazing waters near the beach. You can rent a kayak on several places nearby. Kayaking in this area is a real experience. Make sure to go to Ponta da Piedade as well.
Rock formations
The rock formations surrounding Camilo protect the beach against the wind. That is why there is not a lot of wind on this beach.
Notice that some of the rocks on the beach have peculiar shapes. There is one famous rock on the left side of the beach, with an arch in it.
You can walk through the arch. This rock is one of the easiest ways to recognize Praia do Camilo.
On the beach you will discover several coves. They are a great place to take photographs.
The tunnel
Praia do Camilo consists of two small beaches that are connected through a cave hole tunnel. The tunnel can be found on the left part of the beach. You can see the tunnel on the left side of the picture below.
Watch what it is like to walk through the tunnel in the following short video.
Stairway to heaven
To get to Praia do Camilo, you have to descend a long wooden stairs of about 200 steps that makes for an incredible picture. From the top it just seems like an endless staircase:
The stairs allow you to access the beach safely, but it does require a bit of an effort. The more you walk downstairs, the more you will see the beauty of this beach.
Once you arrive downstairs, you will find that the effort has been worthwhile.
Cliff views
From the top of the cliffs, you have an amazing view over the beach and the bay of Lagos. Make sure to check out Ponta da Piedade as well. From Praia do Camilo, it is only a short walk to there.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia do Camilo like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Go really early (before 9:00 AM). By 10:00 AM in summer, the beach is packed and parking is chaos. Arrive before 9:00 to get a peaceful experience, soft morning light for photos, and your pick of the best spots.
- Visit during low tide to access both coves. Praia do Camilo has two beach sections, connected by a natural tunnel. At low tide, you can walk through to the second, quieter cove. Most people don’t know it exists.
- Stay for golden hour or sunset on the cliffs. Most people leave when the sun gets low. Big mistake. The cliffs above Praia do Camilo are among the best places in Lagos to watch the sky light up over the Atlantic. Pure magic.
- Combine your visit with a walk to Ponta da Piedade. The iconic headland is just a 10-minute walk away along the cliffs. Do the beach first, then stroll up for panoramic views and epic photo ops.
- Snorkel on the left side. While most visitors splash around the center, the rockier left edge (near the tunnel) is where you’ll find the clearest water and most sea life. Go early while the sea is still calm for the best visibility.
Restaurant O Camilo
On top of the cliffs there is the restaurant O Camilo, which gave the beach its name. The restaurant is quite popular among locals and serves many regional fish and seafood dishes. From the restaurant you have a great panoramic view. It is a good restaurant, but prices are slightly higher than average. The restaurant is open from 11 AM to 12 PM and is closed on Mondays.
Since there are no other restaurants near the beach, it is recommended to bring some water and several snacks with you.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia do Camilo? 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:
- Villas D. Dinis. This highly rated guest house is located near Ponta da Piedade. It has everything you need to guarantee a great holiday in the Algarve. This hotel is only for adults.
- Costa d’Oiro Ambiance Village. This 4 star hotel has a nice terrace with a swimming pool. They also provide many activities, so you can make the most out of your stay in Lagos.
- Cascade Wellness & Lifestyle Resort. This 5 star resort has a big outdoor terrace with an awesome swimming pool. They have many wellness facilities, including a jacuzzi, body treatments, massages and a personal trainer. Everything you need to relax during your holidays.
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.
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. Praia do Camilo is about a one hour drive to the west from Faro Airport. The nearest town is Lagos. The beach is on the road from the town of Lagos to Ponta da Piedade. You can enter the following address in your GPS to get there: Estrada da Ponta da Piedade, Praia do Camilo, 8600-544 Lagos, Portugal. There is free parking space available near the restaurant, but limited. During peak season it is advised to arrive as early as possible to find a parking spot. Otherwise you can always park your car next to the road. From the centre of Lagos, it takes about a 30 minute walk to get to Praia do Camilo.
Excursions
Don’t just stop at the sand. Explore the coastline around Praia do Camilo the way it was meant to be seen: from the water. Join a guided boat or kayak tour and glide past sea arches, grottoes, and secret coves while your expert guide shares stories you won’t find in any guidebook. Most tours include the iconic Ponta da Piedade, a must-see that’s even more spectacular from the sea. Spots fill up fast, so book now and make this the highlight of your Algarve trip.
FAQ
You can drive from Lagos in about 5–10 minutes or walk for roughly 30 minutes. There is limited free parking at the top near the restaurant O Camilo. Arrive early during peak season to secure a spot.
There are around 200 wooden steps leading down to the beach. It’s a scenic descent, but those with mobility issues should be aware it’s quite steep.
Yes, but with some caution. The beach is small and the staircase can be difficult for young children. Always supervise kids near the water and rocks.
Early morning for peace and photography or just before sunset for golden hour views. Low tide is ideal for exploring both beach sections and swimming.
Very crowded, especially midday in summer. Space becomes limited quickly, so arrive early or late for a more relaxed experience.
Yes! The water is calm, shallow, and crystal-clear—ideal for swimming and relaxing.
Don’t miss Ponta da Piedade’s cliffs and caves, just a short walk away. Praia Dona Ana and the historic center of Lagos are also close.
Absolutely. The clear, calm waters and surrounding rock formations offer excellent visibility and marine life.
No direct rentals on the beach, but kayaking is popular nearby. Several tour companies operate from Lagos or Ponta da Piedade.
Yes, but you must rent a kayak elsewhere. Many tours pass by Camilo, or you can rent in Lagos or near Ponta da Piedade.
A small manmade tunnel connects two sections of the beach. It’s only accessible during low tide and adds a sense of adventure to your visit.
Beach facilities
Other than the restaurant o Camilo on top of the cliffs, there are few facilities near the beach. It is recommended to bring your own parasol, food and drinks. In 2020, Praia do Camilo lost its status of being a Blue Flag beach.
For people who can only move around with the help of a walker or wheelchair, Praia do Camilo is not the best beach to access. There is no access for disabled people.
Facilities in Praia do Camilo:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: no
- Water sports: no
- Sunbeds: no
- Parking: yes, near the restauraunt, but limited
- Lifeguards: no
- Blue Flag beach: no (status lost in 2020)
