Praia do Martinhal – the #1 guide
Praia do Martinhal is one of the most scenic and spacious beaches in Sagres, known for its soft white sand, calm waters, and striking offshore islets. Located just east of town, this beach offers a quiet escape with room to relax, play, or explore. The shallow sea is ideal for families, while the steady breeze makes it a favorite for windsurfers and other water sports. Add in a backdrop of dunes and cliffs, and you’ve got one of the Algarve’s most balanced beach spots. Natural, peaceful, and active all at once. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know to enjoy your time at Martinhal to the fullest.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia do Martinhal 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 Martinhal
- Spacious and peaceful – with its wide stretch of sand and low crowds, Martinhal offers room to relax, even in peak season.
- Great for water sports – consistent wind and calm water make it a top spot for windsurfing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
- Safe and family-friendly – shallow entry, soft sand, and summer lifeguards make it ideal for kids and relaxed swimming.
- Unique landscape – offshore islets, surrounding dunes, and rocky cliffs give the beach a striking natural character.
- Convenient yet quiet – just a few minutes from Sagres, with free parking, two beach restaurants, and essential facilities on site.
To see what Praia do Martinhal looks like, watch the short video below.
What to expect at the beach
Praia do Martinhal is quite big, especially compared to other beaches nearby. It stretches for about 650 metres. The sand on the beach is white, fine and soft. The sand is actually perfect to build sand castles.
The beach faces east and is located in the Bay of Baleeira, which is relatively sheltered. This means that the water on Martinhal beach is usually calmer than on the other beaches, directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. Although the water is calm, there can be quite some wind on the water. That is why you can enjoy several water sports here.
The water is shallow at first, and gets deeper slowly. Beware that the water here can be very cold, even in the height of summer.
The middle section of Martinhal beach is backed by dunes. Behind the beach you will find marshland vegetation and a small urban area. On the east section of the beach, small cliffs appear, which provide a beautiful background. In front of these cliffs you will find many small rocks on the beach. To the east of these cliffs you can find the ruins of a old Roman pottery centre.
It can be quite windy on Praia do Martinhal, especially when the wind is from the north. The wind on the beach can make it cold. It is recommended to shelter yourself well on the beach. On windy days, you can also just enjoy the beach from one of the two beach restaurants.
Not crowded
It never gets very crowded on Martinhal beach. During the summer, you will find some people, but the beach will never be completely packed. Outside the summer months, there is almost no one on the beach.
Praia do Martinhal is not as crowded as many beaches near the other coastal towns of the Algarve. Yet, the beach is close enough near Sagres to be easily accessible. Praia do Martinhal is great for adventurers, (wind)surfers and families staying in hotels nearby.
Limestone islets
Just off the shore, there are several limestone islets, called Ilhotes do Martinhal. These islets are known for their various caves, including some underwater grottoes. Swimming or snorkeling around the islets is great. The water is extremely clear here. You will be able to see a variety of marine life underwater. Highly recommended.
You can reach the islets by boat. You can take a boat directly from Martinhal beach or from the harbour of Sagres. There are also organized diving tours to these islets. If you do not take a boat to see the islets, take a look at the islets with binoculars. You can sometimes see many birds in the sky around the islets.
Water sports
Praia do Martinhal is a popular destination for windsurfing, as the conditions are almost perfect. Also surfing and bodyboarding are popular sports here. There is a surfing school near the beach, where you can get all the equipment that you need. Since the water is very clear, snorkeling and diving are also nice activities on this beach.
Beach walks
Praia do Martinhal is a nice beach to take a walk along the sea. You can walk all the way to the eastern end, towards Praia dos Rebolinhos.
Praia dos Rebolinhos
To the east of Praia do Martinhal you will find another beach, called Praia dos Rebolinhos. This small, deserted and rocky beach is truly only for the adventurous. You can get here by foot through the tourist resort. Make sure to wear shoes though, since there are thousands of little rocks on this beach. The name Praia dos Rebolinhos literally translates as pebble beach.
Costa Vicentina
From Praia do Martinhal you can also explore the natural park of Costa Vicentina, which has some of the best unspoiled nature of the Algarve. This area shows another side of the Algarve than the crowded touristic areas.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia do Martinhal like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Arrive before 10 AM for the golden hour light. The beach faces east, which means soft, glowing morning sun. Perfect for photos, peaceful swims, and a near-empty shoreline.
- Spot Roman ruins just behind the east cliffs. A hidden detail most people miss: the crumbled remnants of a Roman pottery site are tucked into the landscape.
- Walk east to Praia dos Rebolinhos at low tide. Shoes are a must, but you’ll find total solitude, tidal pools, and wild pebble formations that look like nature’s sculpture garden.
- Use the western end of the beach for the most privacy. While the east has more scenery, the west side near the marshes is where locals go to avoid foot traffic.
- Combine your beach visit with a Cape St. Vincent sunset. Spend your day at Martinhal, then drive 10 minutes west for one of Europe’s best cliffside sunsets.
Best restaurants near the beach
There are two restaurants right near the beach, and some other restaurants slightly further away. Our favourite restaurants near Martinhal beach are:
- Nortada. This restaurant is located right near the beach. It has delicious seafood and a great view. It is one of the best restaurants nearby.
- Restaurante Martinhal. This beach bar offers fresh fish and is located near the eastern part of Martinhal beach. The service is good and the atmosphere is friendly.
- As Dunas. This restaurant is a couple of minutes away from Martinhal beach. It has an amazing view over the beach and its surroundings. As Dunas is a great restaurant to have lunch.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia do Martinhal? 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:
- Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel. This 5 star resort overlooks Martinhal beach and has beautiful rooms and several villas with a private terrace. There are 5 swimming pools, 3 restaurants and even a tennis court. Everything you need for a luxurious holiday in Sagres.
- Memmo Baleeira – Design Hotels. This 4 star hotel is a 5 minute walk away from Martinhal beach. The hotel has a good Mediterranean restaurant and offers rooms with either sea view or garden view.
- Sagres Time Apartamentos. These apartments in the centre of Sagres have everything you need for a great holiday. They are one of the most highly rated apartments in the area.
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 Martinhal is easy to find when driving on the main road N268. There are signs indicating the way to the beach. Otherwise enter the following address in your GPS: Quinta do Martinhal, Sagres, Portugal. There is plenty of parking space near the beach, all of which is free. If you prefer to walk, it takes about 25 minutes from the town of Sagres.
Top excursions nearby
Sagres is just the beginning. The surrounding region is packed with breathtaking spots you won’t want to miss. Think dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and the wild beauty of Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Whether you prefer to explore at your own pace or let a local expert lead the way, there’s a perfect adventure waiting for you. Don’t miss out. Book one of our top-rated tours below and make your trip unforgettable.
FAQ
Praia do Martinhal is wide and sandy, with soft, fine sand that’s perfect for relaxing or building sandcastles. The beach stretches around 650 meters along the coast and is bordered by dunes and low cliffs. Its natural beauty makes it one of the more peaceful beaches in the area.
Yes, the beach is great for swimming, especially for families or beginners. The water is shallow at first and deepens gradually, making it safe for most swimmers. However, the water can be quite cold, even in summer, so it’s best to be prepared.
Even in summer, Praia do Martinhal is rarely overcrowded. Its larger size and distance from major resorts keep it quieter than many Algarve beaches. Outside peak season, you might even have it nearly to yourself.
Praia do Martinhal is excellent for families. There’s space to spread out, shallow waters for kids, and amenities like restrooms, restaurants, and sunbeds. The peaceful setting also makes it less stressful than more crowded beaches.
Praia do Martinhal is a great spot for windsurfing, snorkeling, bodyboarding, and paddleboarding. The consistent wind and shallow waters make it ideal for beginners and intermediate levels. Surf equipment rentals and lessons are available nearby.
Surfing is possible, especially for beginners or on calmer days, but nearby beaches facing west may have stronger waves. Windsurfing and bodyboarding are more popular here due to the sheltered location. Local surf schools sometimes use this beach for lessons.
Yes, snorkeling near the islets just offshore can be a fantastic experience. The water is very clear, especially on calm days. You can see small fish, sea urchins, and sometimes octopus near the rocks.
The small limestone formations are called Ilhotes do Martinhal. They’re known for underwater caves and marine life, making them popular for boat trips, snorkeling, and diving. Birds also nest on these islets, so bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching.
Yes, boat trips to the islets are available from Praia do Martinhal or the Sagres harbor. Some tours include snorkeling or diving stops. Alternatively, you can explore the islets visually from shore with binoculars.
Yes, the beach can be quite windy, especially when the wind comes from the north. This makes it ideal for wind sports but can feel chilly, even on sunny days. A windbreak or sheltered spot is recommended.
The best months are May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. July and August are busiest, but still manageable here. Spring and fall offer quieter conditions with mild temperatures.
Yes, you can walk east to Praia dos Rebolinhos, a rocky and quiet beach ideal for exploring. It’s accessible through the tourist resort area. Proper footwear is advised due to the pebbly terrain.
Yes, Praia do Martinhal is near several walking paths that explore the cliffs and coastline of Sagres. You can also venture into the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, which begins nearby and offers some of the Algarve’s best coastal trails.
Birds are commonly spotted near the islets, including gulls and cormorants. Underwater, you may see sea urchins, starfish, and small fish while snorkeling. Occasionally, dolphins are spotted offshore on boat tours.
Beach facilities
Praia do Martinhal offers the basic, but most important facilities. There are two restaurants right on the beach, which also have a toilet. Here you can try delicious seafood or any other local dish. You can also rent sunbeds. During summer, there are lifeguards overlooking the beach. You can also enjoy a variety of water sports on this beach.
Facilities in Praia do Martinhal:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: no
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
