Praia do Vau – the #1 guide
Praia do Vau in Portimão is where laid-back locals and well-informed travelers come for a quieter, more scenic Algarve experience. It sits between the better-known Praia da Rocha and the natural beauty of Praia do Alemão, and offers a peaceful stretch of golden sand, dramatic red cliffs, and calm, swimmable waters. It’s ideal for families, couples, and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy a classic beach day. With nearby restaurants, cliffside walks, and a relaxed vibe, Praia do Vau is the perfect base for a sunny escape. Dive into our guide to make the most of your visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia do Vau 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 Vau
- Sheltered by red cliffs – the beach is partly shielded from wind thanks to dramatic rock walls, creating a more comfortable spot to relax even on breezy days.
- Family-friendly vibe – calm water, clean sand, and lifeguards in summer make it ideal for kids and parents alike.
- Natural beauty meets convenience – golden sand, scenic cliffs, and rock pools, all within walking distance of cafés and restaurants.
- Less crowded than Praia da Rocha – just a short stroll away, but much quieter and more peaceful, even in high season.
- Perfect for long beach walks – at low tide, you can walk for kilometers along the coast, discovering nearby beaches and hidden coves.
Watch the video below to get an idea of Praia do Vau and its surroundings.
What to expect at the beach
Praia do Vau is surrounded by impressive red coloured cliffs, giving the visitors of this beach a spectacular view. The cliffs also block a part of the wind, making the beach a bit sheltered. The sand on Praia do Vau is fine and golden, just like on most of the other beaches nearby.
The sea here is clean and relatively calm. It is great for swimming, but the temperature of the water can be a bit cold. On a warm summer day, swimming can be very refreshing. Watch out for some rocks in the water, especially in front of the big standalone pinnacle rock.
In summer, Praia do Vau can be a bit crowded. During high tide, the beach is smaller and therefore feels extra crowded. However, the beach is quite big and thus it is often easy to find a spot on the beach. Praia do Vau is usually less crowded than Praia da Rocha. It is a great beach to escape the huge crowds that spend their summer in Praia da Rocha or the centre of Portimão.
Praia do Vau is very popular among Portuguese families, especially with children. Also tourists love the beach. Many visitors of Praia do Vau are staying in the hotels and resorts nearby. During low season, the beach is almost empty. When you visit the beach in the winter or spring months, there will be only a few people on the beach.
To the west of Praia do Vau is Praia do Alemão (on the right side, when looking at the sea). This beach has several natural rock pools, which are usually enjoyed by children. The water in these pools can get much warmer than the water temperature of the sea. There are also some hidden coves that kids love to discover. To the east of Praia do Vau is Praia dos Careanos.
Big rock on the beach
An easy way to recognize Praia do Vau is by the huge rock standing alone on the beach. There is a smaller rock just to the side of it.
The rock can provide some shade, but be careful. There is always the risk of rocks falling.
Beach walk
Praia do Vau and its neighbouring beaches are great for a long beach walk. From Praia do Vau you can walk east all the way to Praia da Rocha. Along the way you will pass Praia dos Careanos and Praia dos Três Castelos. The best time for this beach walk is during low tide. You can walk all the way to the end of Praia da Rocha and back. This is a walk of several kilometres, but is highly recommended. During this beach walk you will see stunning rock formations, both on the beach and in the water.
Cliff views
From Praia do Alemão, which is directly to the west of Praia do Vau, there is a path up the cliffs. From up on the cliffs, you can walk all the way to Prainha and Praia dos Três Irmãos. This walk really gives you stunning views over the rock formations there.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia do Vau like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Arrive before 10 AM. Early mornings mean softer light, cooler temps, and your pick of the best beach spots before the day-trippers arrive.
- Head west for more space. Most people stay near the main entrance. Walk a bit west toward Praia do Alemão (to the right when looking at the sea) for quieter areas and stunning natural rock pools.
- Go during low tide. At low tide, the beach is much bigger, and secret coves become accessible. It’s also the best time for beach walks and exploring tide pools.
- Snorkel by the cliffs on the right hand side. The waters near the cliff edges are surprisingly clear and full of sea life. Snorkel here mid-morning for the best visibility.
- Do a cliff walk towards Praia dos Três Irmãos. It’s one of the best coastal hikes in the area. You’ll pass sea caves, arches, and wild beaches that most people never see.
Best restaurants near the beach
You can find some restaurants right on the beach, or very nearby. Our favourite restaurants in the area of Praia do Vau are:
- Vau Steakhouse. This highly rated steak restaurant offers great views over the sea. Good food and great service.
- Jacaranda Restaurante & Bar. In this restaurant, the waiters will make you feel at home. The service is amazing and the food is great.
- O Rebelo. This restaurant is located right on the beach. The views from this place are stunning and the food is good as well.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia do Vau? 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:
- Jardim do Vau. This aparthotel is located near the beach and offers an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. It is possible to make your own meals in the kitchen of every room. There is a free shuttle service to the city of Portimão.
- Apartamentos Turisticos Coral do Vau. These apartments are only a one minute walking distance away from Praia do Vau. The apartment complex has a tennis court and two swimming pools.
- TURIM Presidente hotel. Located above the neighbouring Praia dos Careanos, this hotel has a nice swimming pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Highly rated, especially by couples.
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. When you come by car, you can enter the following address in your GPS: Estrada do Vau, Portimão, Portugal. There is free parking right behind Praia do Vau, but it can be hard to find a parking spot near the beach in the summer. It is easier to find a parking spot a bit further from the beach. From there, you walk to Praia do Vau in 5-10 minutes.
Top excursions nearby
Want to experience the Algarve beyond the beach? Start in Portimão, but don’t stop there. A boat tour along the coast, a trip to the castle of Silves, or a dolphin-watching adventure will show you the region’s real magic. These are the unforgettable moments that turn a good trip into a great one. Discover our top excursions below, and book your spot before they fill up.
FAQ
Praia do Vau has soft golden sand, calm waters, and dramatic red cliffs. It’s a mix of natural beauty and convenience, with enough space to relax even in summer.
Yes, it’s very family-friendly. The beach is sheltered, with shallow water for kids, and there are nearby cafés and restaurants to keep everyone happy.
Absolutely. The water is generally calm, clean, and safe for swimming. Just watch out for submerged rocks in a few areas.
Yes, you can rent paddleboards or pedal boats in summer. For more adventurous activities, Praia da Rocha nearby has more options.
It gets busy in peak summer months, especially mid-day. However, it’s usually less crowded than Praia da Rocha, and you can still find peaceful corners.
It gets busy in peak summer months, especially mid-day. However, it’s usually less crowded than Praia da Rocha, and you can still find peaceful corners.
Yes, you can walk to several nearby beaches, including Praia do Alemão and Praia da Rocha. It’s a beautiful coastal path with great views.
You’ll find a mix of Portuguese families, couples, retirees, and international travelers. It’s a calm, laid-back crowd.
Yes, there are some rocky areas where you can snorkel. The water is clear, and you may see fish near the rocks and tide pools.
Yes, sunsets are stunning here, especially in late summer and early autumn. It’s a great beach for watching the sky change colors.
Beach facilities
Basic facilities like restaurants, lifeguards and sunbeds are available on Praia do Vau. It is also possible do some water sports on this beach, like hiring a pedal boat or a stand-up paddle board. If you seek more facilities, you can find them in Praia da Rocha, which is within walking distance. There are many more restaurants, bars and clubs in the Praia da Rocha area.
Facilities in Praia do Vau:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: yes
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
