Praia do Pinhão – the #1 guide
Looking for a beach in Lagos that feels like a local secret? Praia do Pinhão is small, scenic, and relatively calm. It’s perfect for anyone craving natural beauty without the tourist chaos. Flanked by dramatic cliffs and rock formations, this beach offers clear waters, sea caves, and one of the most peaceful atmospheres on the Algarve coast. Whether you’re into swimming, snorkeling, or just soaking up the view, this guide shows you exactly why Praia do Pinhão might be your favorite beach in Lagos.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia do Pinhão 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 Pinhão
- Secluded and scenic – hidden from view, this beach feels like a secret escape just minutes from the center of Lagos.
- Ideal for peaceful swims – clear waters and natural rock walls offer calm conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
- Great for explorers – discover sea arches, mini caves, and hidden corners during low tide. Kids and adults love the adventure.
- Less crowded than nearby beaches – while other nearby beaches draw the crowds, Pinhão stays under the radar, even in high season.
- Natural and unspoiled – with no restaurants, sunbeds, or loud music, it’s pure sand, sea, and serenity. Exactly how a beach should be.
Would you like to see more of Praia do Pinhão? Then watch the following short video.
What to expect at the beach
Praia do Pinhão is a relatively small beach, located in a small bay. It is surrounded by beautiful rock formations that extend into the sea, which protect the beach from strong winds. Praia do Pinhão is located between Praia da Dona Ana and Praia dos Estudantes.
The sand on Praia do Pinhão is a bit hard and coarse, but less than on Praia dos Estudantes. The water is clear and suitable for swimming.
However, the water can be a bit cold though. Also, the conditions here are excellent for diving and snorkeling. During high tide there is a spot on the left side of the beach where you can go cliff jumping.
Even though Praia do Pinhão is relatively close to the centre of Lagos, this beach is not so crowded. It is a great alternative to the more crowded urban beaches near the centre of Lagos. Praia do Pinhão is popular with locals and families with children, but in general, it is a relatively calm beach.
The part of the beach near Dona Ana is usually more crowded than the part of the beach near Estudantes Beach. If you truly want to enjoy Praia do Pinhão, it is recommended to go early, because you will probably be alone (or with very few people) on the beach.
If you like a beach walk, you can walk from Praia do Pinhão via Praia dos Estudantes all the way to Praia da Batata. This is a pretty beach walk. You will also find arches and caves on Praia do Pinhão, which are places that kids usually love to explore.
Two parts of Praia do Pinhão
Praia do Pinhão consists of two parts. The first part is the area underneath the staircase. This part consists of a small strip of sand and is actually quite small. During high tide, this part completely disappears.
The second part is on the other side of the rock formation. This part is larger than the first part. On the right side of this beach you can see a lot of stones in the water.
These stones are placed there since the Praia da Dona Ana beach reconstruction in 2015. In the photo below, you can actually see the beach of Praia da Dona Ana behind the stones.
There is a tunnel in the rocks connecting both sides of Praia do Pinhão.
You can only use this tunnel during low tide, because the first part of Pinhão Beach is completely swallowed by the sea during high tide.
Staircase
You can access Praia do Pinhão via a long staircase with a series of terraces that is built into the cliffs. The stairs are frankly in poor condition, since some steps are uneven and there are no hand rails. Moreover, the stairs are covered with graffiti, which is not good for the visiting experience.
During high tide, there is no more sand on this part of the beach. This means that you can jump straight into the sea from the staircase during high tide. Beware that the water here is not deep. So you can actually only use this staircase during low tide.
There is a viewpoint on top of the cliff above the staircase, from which you have an amazing view over Praia do Pinhão.
When watching from the water, you can see how big the staircase structure actually is.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia do Pinhão like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Time your visit with the tides. Praia do Pinhão has two beach sections, and the first disappears at high tide. Arrive 1-2 hours before low tide to walk through the natural tunnel, explore both sides, and claim the best spot before anyone else even arrives.
- Walk in from Estudantes for the full cinematic reveal. Skip the stairs and take the low-tide route from Praia dos Estudantes. You’ll pass sea arches, hidden coves, and dramatic rock formations. It’s like walking through your own private episode of a nature documentary.
- Arrive early for extra silence. Before 9:00 am, Praia do Pinhão feels like a sanctuary. You’ll often have the entire beach to yourself, with only the sounds of the tide and birds above the cliffs. It’s one of the rarest experiences on the Algarve coast.
- Look for the cliff-jumpers, then choose wisely. At high tide, locals jump off the low ledges near the left side. If you’re adventurous, scope it out first. If not, just enjoy the show. It’s like a pop-up thrill sport you didn’t know you’d get.
- Take a picture from the hidden lookout. Before heading down the main staircase, walk 20 meters north along the cliff path. You’ll find a flat rock platform with panoramic views over both Praia do Pinhão and Praia da Dona Ana. It’s one of the best secret photo spots in Lagos.
Best restaurant near the beach
There are no restaurants or beach bars on Pinhão beach. Perhaps the nearest restaurant is Mar Restaurant & Bar, which is located on top of the cliffs of the neighbouring Praia dos Estudantes. If you do not want to go to a restaurant, it is best to bring your own food and drinks to Praia do Pinhão.
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 best to park your car in the large car park across the fire station (bombeiros) and walk from there.
Alternatively, when coming from the town centre, walk all the way to the top of Avenida dos Descobrimentos. There you will see an apartment building called Apartamentos Pinhão. Go left and follow the small road. At the end you will see the stairway leading down to the beach.
You can also reach this staircase from Praia da Dona Ana via a pedestrian trail on the cliffs. Another way to access Praia do Pinhão is by walking from Praia dos Estudantes. However, this is only possible during low tide.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia do Pinhão? 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:
Upscale
- Lagos Avenida Hotel. Immerse yourself in luxury by visiting this four star hotel. From the swimming pool you can see the ocean, which is pretty awesome. Furthermore, the staff is very friendly and the rooms are amazing. No wonder that this is one of the most highly rated hotels in the centre of Lagos.
Mid-range
- Aqualuz Lagos Hotel & Apartments – S.Hotels Collection. These apartments have everything you need for a great holiday in Lagos. They all have their own kitchen, so you can cook your own meals if you want to. Furthermore, there is a swimming pool, a gym and a rooftop terrace.
Budget
- Lagos City Center Guest House & Hostel. This hostel offers beds in mixed dormitory rooms, as well as private rooms. Prices are reasonable, which is perfect if you are travelling on a budget. Beds are comfortable and there is a great atmosphere in the hostel.
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
Want to see the Algarve at its most unforgettable? Then skip the guesswork and book a kayak or boat excursion. It’s the only way to reach the caves, cliffs, and secret beaches that made Lagos world-famous. We’ve handpicked the very best tours below, based on real reviews, local knowledge, and insider experience. Spots fill up fast, especially in summer, so secure yours now before they’re gone.
FAQ
Yes, but with caution. The beach is small, with no lifeguards or facilities, and access involves descending a staircase. It’s quieter than nearby beaches, which some families may prefer.
Yes, the water is generally calm and clear, though it can be cold. Swim cautiously, especially around submerged rocks.
Absolutely. The water is clear and the rocky coastline creates interesting underwater landscapes, perfect for snorkeling.
There is a spot used by locals during high tide for small jumps, but always check the water depth and look for rocks before attempting. It’s not officially recommended or supervised.
It’s less crowded than other beaches nearby, especially early in the morning or outside of July and August. It’s more peaceful than Praia da Batata or Praia da Dona Ana.
Yes, during low tide you can walk to Praia dos Estudantes and Praia da Batata via sand and rock tunnels. High tide makes these routes inaccessible.
Yes, there are small rock formations and arches along the beach that can be explored, especially by kids.
Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and to enjoy the beach at low tide. Weekdays are also quieter than weekends.
It’s not a surf spot. The waves here are generally small and the space is limited. For surfing, head to Praia do Amado or Porto de Mós.
Not directly from Praia do Pinhão, but many boat and kayak tours depart nearby, especially from Praia da Batata or Marina de Lagos.
Beach facilities
There are few facilities on Praia do Pinhão. There are no lifeguards, no shops and no restaurants on the beach. Moreover, there is no possibility to rent a sunbed. In that sense, this is not a very commercial beach. That is why you need to bring all the necessary facilities yourself: make sure to bring food, water and towels.
Facilities in Praia do Pinhão:
- Restaurant: no
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: no
- Shower: no
- Water sports: the conditions are good for diving
- Sunbeds: no
- Parking: no
- Lifeguards: no
- Blue Flag beach: no
