Praia Grande de Pêra: the #1 guide
Praia Grande de Pêra is one of the Algarve’s last truly wild beaches. Located near Silves and just east of Praia de Armação de Pêra, this vast stretch of golden sand feels worlds away from the resort crowds. Backed by sweeping dunes and bordered by the bird-filled Lagoa dos Salgados, it’s a place where nature takes the spotlight. With over two kilometres of shoreline, it’s ideal for long walks, quiet swims, and even discreet naturism. Whether you’re seeking solitude, scenery, or a slice of untouched Algarve, Praia Grande de Pêra delivers. Let’s discover this beach.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia Grande de Pêra 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 Grande
- Endless space and quiet – with over 2 km of shoreline, there’s always room to spread out, even in peak summer.
- Backed by nature – dunes, wetlands, and birdlife create a wild, untouched feel that’s rare on the Algarve coast.
- Ideal for long walks – flat, firm sand makes this beach perfect for peaceful strolls or extended hikes along the shore.
- Popular with naturists – the western section is known for discreet nude sunbathing in a respectful, low-key setting.
- No crowds, no noise – no high-rises, no loud bars, just open sky, golden sand, and the sound of the sea.
Are you ready to see more of this beach? Then check out the short video below.
What to expect at the beach
Praia Grande is a big beach, stretching for over 2 kilometres. This makes it one of the longest beaches in the Algarve. In fact, Praia Grande means big beach. It is also called Praia Grande de Pêra, because it is near the town of Pêra. The beach is backed by a lot of dunes, which can be 300 metres wide in some places. It is a very open beach, also due to the absence of large cliffs.
Praia Grande de Pêra is divided into a eastern and a western section, separated by a rock known as Pedra Amarela (yellow rock). The western part of the beach begins at the Ribeira de Alcantarilha, which is also where the town of Armação de Pêra ends. The eastern part of the beach starts at the lagoon Lagoa dos Salgados. Ironically this means that the beach is bordered by wetlands on both sides: Ribeira de Alcantarilha in the west and Lagoa dos Salgados in the east.
Praia Grande is just east of Praia de Armação de Pêra and west of Praia dos Salgados. This makes it great for long beach walks. For example, you can walk east all the way towards Praia da Galé or west all the way towards Praia do Vale do Olival.
The beach has golden sand and very clear water. The sea is usually calm and good for swimming.
This makes Praia Grande de Pêra also a great beach for families with children. Furthermore, the beach is also popular for some water sports, such as windsurfing.
Praia Grande de Pêra is less crowded than the beaches of Salgados or Armação de Pêra. It is a beach where you will find some peace and quiet. Due to its large size, it is very easy to find a spot, even in the peak of summer. There are never massive amounts of people on this beach. Praia Grande is mainly popular with families, nature lovers and naturists.
Make sure to stay for the sunset, which is quite beautiful on this beach.
Nude beach
Praia Grande is an unofficial nude beach. In fact, the practice of nudism is quite common on this beach. Especially the western section of the beach is popular among naturists.
Lagoa dos Salgados
Just east of Praia Grande you can find a lagoon called Lagoa dos Salgados. This lagoon hosts a variety of wildlife, mainly birds. This makes it a popular place for birdwatching.
There are walking trails around to explore the dune system and the nearby lagoon. It is great to walk here and enjoy the nature of the Algarve. If you want to read more about this lagoon, check out our article about Praia dos Salgados.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia Grande like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- The farther you walk, the quieter it gets. Skip the first 500 meters and you’ll leave the casual visitors behind. Head west for serious solitude, even in August.
- Start your beach day at Lagoa dos Salgados. Begin at the eastern end where the lagoon meets the sea. It has fewer people, more wildlife, and a feeling of complete escape. Bring binoculars and a birding app if you are into birdwatching, and a long lens if you’re into photography. You’ll likely see flamingos, purple swamphens, and spoonbills, especially at sunrise and sunset.
- Stay after sunset: it’s when the magic happens. Most people leave too early. The beach glows orange, birds return to the lagoon, and the silence is surreal.
- Use the dunes for natural wind protection. The beach can get breezy. Nestle behind a dune ridge for a calmer spot, just like seasoned locals do.
- Naturists: go west of the yellow rock. The western section near Ribeira de Alcantarilha is the quietest and most relaxed part of Praia Grande. Unofficially clothing-optional and very low-key.
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 A22 highway, take exit 8 and continue on the M524 towards Pêra. Then follow the signs until you reach the beach. There is plenty of parking behind the dunes. From the car park, there is a wooden walkway to the beach. From the boardwalk you have a good view over the dune landscape. Moreover, part of the boardwalk takes you straight to the lagoon.
Beach restaurant
There is kiosk in the middle of Praia Grande and a proper restaurant on the western side of the beach. The kiosk offers simple refreshments and snacks. The restaurant on the western part is called Restaurante Carlos. Here you can have a variety of food and drinks for lunch. However, the reviews of this place are mixed. There are other options that have better reviews in Praia dos Salgados or Praia de Armação de Pêra.
Best hotels near the beach
Praia Grande is relatively close to Praia de Armação de Pêra. Thus we recommend the same hotels as you can find in the article about Praia de Armação de Pêra.
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 stay on the sand. The area around Armação de Pêra and Albufeira is packed with experiences you won’t want to miss. Cruise along the Algarve’s iconic coastline, explore hidden sea caves by boat, taste local wines at family-run vineyards, or spend the day at a dolphin-filled marine park. These are the moments you’ll talk about long after your holiday ends. Scroll down to book the best excursions. Handpicked and worth every second.
FAQ
Praia Grande is not officially designated as a nude beach, but naturism is widely practiced, especially in the western section. Visitors who prefer textile-free sunbathing can do so comfortably and respectfully. The size of the beach allows plenty of privacy, and nudism is tolerated here by locals and regulars.
Yes, Praia Grande is a great option for families who prefer a quieter, more natural setting. The beach has calm, shallow waters that are generally safe for children. There are lifeguards present in the summer season and enough space for kids to play freely.
Praia Grande has fine, golden sand that is soft and comfortable to walk on. It stretches far and wide, making it ideal for long beach walks and lounging. The sand stays cool even in the heat of summer, thanks to the open surroundings and ocean breeze.
Yes, swimming at Praia Grande is safe and enjoyable. The water is usually calm and clear, especially in the summer months. Lifeguards are on duty during the high season, adding an extra layer of safety.
Praia Grande is unique for its combination of size, natural dunes, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s rare to find a beach in the Algarve that feels this wild and unspoiled. It also borders a lagoon filled with birds, making it ideal for nature lovers.
Absolutely. Just east of the beach is Lagoa dos Salgados, a well-known birdwatching hotspot. You can spot flamingos, herons, storks, and many migratory species, especially in spring and autumn.
Yes, Praia Grande offers stunning sunset views, especially from the western dunes. With no buildings or cliffs blocking the horizon, the sun sets directly over the sea. It’s one of the best beaches in the area for a peaceful golden-hour experience.
Yes, Praia Grande is a popular spot for light water sports like windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. You’ll need to bring your own gear, as rentals are limited. The calm waters and open space make it ideal for beginners.
Yes, Praia Grande is perfect for minimalist beach photography, drone footage, and bird photography near the lagoon. The low dunes, open sky, and wide shoreline offer dramatic natural lighting. Sunset and early morning are best for photos.
The beach is at its best between May and October. For warm water and quiet vibes, consider visiting in September or early October. Spring is also beautiful, especially if you’re interested in birdwatching or hiking.
Beach facilities
Praia Grande de Pêra has the most important facilities. There is a beach restaurant in the western part and a kiosk in the middle section. There are lifeguards overlooking the beach in summer. Moreover, the western part of the beach is accessible by wheelchair.
Facilities in Praia Grande de Pêra:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
