Praia das Furnas: the #1 guide
Praia das Furnas is one of the Algarve’s quietest and most untouched beaches. It is a place where raw nature and total privacy come together. Known for its dramatic cliffs, sea-carved caves, and peaceful vibe, this beach is a favourite among naturists and those who crave seclusion. Praia das Furnas is mostly known as a nude beach. You won’t find beach bars or crowds here, just the sound of the waves and a rugged, wild coastline to explore. If you’re looking to escape the typical tourist scene, Praia das Furnas is one of the Algarve’s most rewarding hidden spots. Use our guide to discover how to make the most of your visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia das Furnas 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 das Furnas
- Secluded and peaceful – hidden between cliffs and far from main roads, this beach offers true solitude even in the height of summer.
- Untouched nature – no buildings, no noise, just sand, sea, and the sound of the wind through the valley.
- Dramatic coastal setting – framed by caves and eroded rock formations, the beach feels wild and cinematic.
- Loved by naturists and hikers – with few visitors and no surveillance, it’s a safe haven for naturists and those who value privacy.
- Perfect for sunset – facing west and completely exposed to the horizon, it’s one of the best places in the region to watch the sun drop into the Atlantic.
Check out the video below to get a preview of this beach.
What to expect at the beach
Praia das Furnas is a relatively small beach: it is about 180 metres in length and 50 metres wide. The name Praia das Furnas refers to various caves in the cliffs here, which are also called furnas. These cliffs are created by erosion and can be found on the eastern side of the beach. These caves are the only place where you have natural shade on the beach. In general, the beach lies in a valley between two impressive cliffs.
There is a small stream near the beach that is often dry. Around it you can find some rocks and pebbles.
In general, there are quite a few rocks near the beach, especially on the western side.
Praia das Furnas is clean and unspoiled, since there is no infrastructure in sight. This also means that there are no facilities on the beach, so make sure to take some refreshments with you. The valley around Praia das Furnas is very green and quiet. It is pure nature in the Algarve.
Praia das Furnas is relatively unknown and quite hard to reach, which means that the beach is rarely visited. The beach is very peaceful and quiet. It is a secret paradise. Even in the height of summer, there are (at most) only a handful of people on the beach.
Praia das Furnas is mostly visited by nudists and people who love deserted beaches. If you love nature, we think that you will love this beach. Also make sure to stay for the sunset, which is beautiful.
During low tide you can walk to some nearby beach towards the east. That beach is so small and inaccessible that it is not covered in any travel guide. It is a nice activity.
Nude beach
Praia das Furnas is an unofficial nude beach. You can frequently see naturists on the beach. They usually love to stay on the eastern side, near the natural caves.
Cliff walk
Praia das Furnas is west of Praia da Figueira and east of Praia do Zavial. If you wanted to, you could walk west all the way towards Praia da Ingrina, which is even further than Praia do Zavial. This cliff walk is beautiful, but takes more than 2 hours.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia das Furnas like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Bring water shoes if you plan to swim. The seabed is uneven, rocky, and slippery in places. Water shoes will save your feet and make it much easier to enjoy a dip. Bonus: they also come in handy when exploring tide pools and the hidden beach to the east.
- Claim a cave for the day. On the eastern side, you’ll find shallow caves carved into the cliff. Natural shade, wind protection, and Instagram gold all in one. Arrive before noon and you’ll likely have your pick.
- Stay for sunset: it’s worth it. The cliffs light up with golden hues and the sea reflects every shade of orange and pink. Very few people stay this late, so you’ll get a private show. Bring a blanket and a bottle of wine. You won’t want to leave.
- Don’t miss the secret beach next door. At low tide, walk east along the rocks to reach a tiny unnamed beach that’s completely hidden from view. It’s untouched, inaccessible by car, and unknown to most guides. Bring a dry bag if you’re unsure about the tide returning.
- For naturists: go early or head to the eastern cliffs. If you’re looking for privacy or to avoid surprising others, the far eastern end is usually where naturists settle in. It’s discreet and shielded from view, even from the main beach.
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. However, the beach is hard to reach since it is not clearly signposted. The best way to reach Praia das Furnas is to exit the N125 at Figueira and continue south. The beach is at the end of a road that can be easily recognized by an old house in ruins. The way towards the beach is beautiful: you can see fig and olive trees along the way. However, make sure to drive slowly, since the road is bad and many cars are not built for it. Follow the dirt road until the end and you will end up at the beach. There is a car park area, which has space for about 100 cars. From the car park you can see the beach.
Hotels and restaurants
Praia das Furnas is relatively close to Praia da Salema. Thus we recommend the same restaurants and hotels as you can find in the article about Praia da Salema.
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
To truly experience the best of this part of the Algarve, don’t leave without visiting Sagres. It’s one of the most fascinating places in the region, rich in history, wild landscapes, and dramatic coastline. The smartest way to explore it? Go with a local guide. They’ll bring the fortress, lighthouse, and cliffs to life with stories you won’t find in any guidebook. Book your excursion online now to secure your spot. Below are the tours we personally recommend.
FAQ
Its raw, untouched beauty and complete lack of development set it apart. The caves, cliffs, and nudist-friendly vibe make it a rare type of beach in the Algarve. It feels like a secret world you stumble upon by accident.
Yes, Praia das Furnas is known as an unofficial nudist beach. While it’s not officially designated as a naturist area, nudity is common and accepted, especially on the eastern side of the beach. Visitors who prefer wearing swimsuits are also welcome, and the vibe is laid-back and respectful. It’s a quiet, tolerant environment where everyone coexists peacefully.
Praia das Furnas is not ideal for families with small children. The lack of facilities, rocky access, and presence of nudists may not suit all visitors. However, nature-loving families with older kids may still enjoy the peace and exploration opportunities. There’s no lifeguard supervision or safe swimming area for young children.
Swimming is possible but not ideal due to rocky areas and unpredictable water conditions. There are no lifeguards on duty, so caution is needed. The seabed can be uneven with sharp rocks, and the waves may be stronger than expected. If you do swim, stay close to shore and wear water shoes.
Not really. There are no clear signs once you leave the main road, and GPS may not show the full path. However, locals in Figueira can help point the way. The best landmark is the ruined house near the end of the access road—once you find it, you’re close.
There is natural shade in the caves on the eastern side of the beach. These caves (furnas) are formed in the cliffs and provide shelter during the hottest part of the day. Other than that, there’s no artificial shade like umbrellas or shelters. Bring your own sun protection if you plan to stay long.
Some areas may be okay for snorkeling, especially near the rocks on calm days. However, visibility is inconsistent and the seabed is rocky, so caution is required. Snorkeling is best done by experienced swimmers who are familiar with rougher natural beaches.
Early morning or late afternoon is best, especially in summer. These times offer softer light, fewer people, and more tolerable temperatures. Sunset is particularly stunning here. In winter, the beach is often completely empty, offering ultimate seclusion.
Yes, during low tide you can reach a smaller, unnamed beach to the east. There are also cliff trails leading west toward Praia do Zavial and even Praia da Ingrina. These hikes are beautiful but can be long and rugged, so bring good shoes and plenty of water.
Absolutely. The cliffs, caves, and dramatic rock formations make this a fantastic spot for photos. Early morning and golden hour provide excellent natural lighting. The beach’s secluded feel also means fewer people in your shots.
The sand is mostly coarse, with some pebbles and rocks scattered around. It’s not powdery-soft, but still comfortable for walking and sunbathing. Beach mats or shoes are helpful if you want more comfort.
Beach facilities
There is no infrastructure on Praia das Furnas, and there are no facilities. For example, there are no toilets and no lifeguards. Due to the lack of a restaurant, it is highly recommended to bring your own food and drinks to the beach.
Facilities in Praia das Furnas:
- Restaurant: no
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: no
- Shower: no
- Water sports: no
- Sunbeds: no
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: no
- Blue Flag beach: no
