Praia da Bordeira – the #1 guide
Praia da Bordeira is one of the Algarve’s most breathtaking wild beaches. It lies in the heart of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park near the charming villages of Carrapateira and Bordeira. Stretching for nearly 3 km, this vast expanse of golden sand is surrounded by rugged cliffs, rolling dunes, and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. Beloved by surfers, photographers, and nature lovers, Bordeira offers a rare sense of untouched beauty and space that’s increasingly hard to find in Europe. Whether you’re here for the powerful waves, a long walk along the shoreline, or simply to soak in the dramatic scenery, this is a place where the Algarve feels raw, wild, and truly unforgettable. In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to plan the perfect visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia da Bordeira 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 da Bordeira
- Wild natural beauty – vast golden sands, rolling dunes, and rugged cliffs create a dramatic, untouched setting within the Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
- Perfect for long walks – with 3 km of beach, you can stroll for hours and feel as if you have the shoreline all to yourself.
- Surfing paradise – consistent Atlantic swells make it a top destination for surfers of all levels, with rental options available on-site.
- Peaceful and uncrowded – far from major resorts, this beach offers a rare sense of seclusion, even in summer.
- Unique river lagoon – the calm, shallow waters of Ribeira da Bordeira are ideal for children to play or for a relaxing dip away from the waves.
If you would like to see the beauty of Praia da Bordeira, then watch the short video below.
What to expect at the beach
Praia da Bordeira is a big beach: it stretches for 3 kilometres. This makes it the longest beach in the municipality of Aljezur.
Moreover, the beach is quite wide as well. The length of the beach makes it great for long beach walks.
The sand on the beach is nice and soft. However, the beach is very open and wide and thus exposed to the wind. This means that it can be quite windy at times here.
The waves of the Atlantic Ocean are very wild here. Moreover, the currents can be strong here, so watch out when swimming.
The temperature of the water is usually very cold as well. That is why it is best to wear a wetsuit when going swimming or surfing.
However, when swimming or surfing, watch out for some rocks in the water.
Praia da Bordeira is backed by sand dunes and rugged limestone cliffs. Behind the beach there is a forest of ancient pine trees.
This wild natural setting makes it one of the most beautiful beaches of the west coast of the Algarve. The best thing about the beach is that it is relatively unspoiled.
Praia da Bordeira is usually quiet, with not a lot of people. This is because the beach is secluded and located far from the touristic towns.
Because of the beach being so remote, it is actually listed as an unofficial nude beach in the Algarve.
Still, in the peak of summer there can be quite some people on the beach. You can see that on the picture below. However, there is always plenty of space on the beach.
From Bordeira beach there is actually a beautiful walk to the south along the cliffs, all the way to Praia do Amado. This hike is highly recommended.
Surfing
Praia da Bordeira is a popular beach for water sports, mainly surfing and kitesurfing.
The winds and waves on this beach are quite consistent, which is great. The beach faces northwest and the sea here has a lot of swell. Depending on the time of year and the swell size, the waves range from beginner friendly to waves that are only for experienced surfers.
Especially in the winter, the waves can be rough. On days when the waves are rough, it is not recommended for beginners to surf here.
Also note that the right side of the beach is for experienced surfers, as the waves here are even bigger.
If you would like to go surfing on Praia da Bordeira, there is a wooden hut on the beach, where you can rent surfboards and other equipment.
To get an idea of the waves at Praia da Bordeira, check out the following video.
Ribeira da Bordeira
Praia da Bordeira is bordered by a river on the southern side, which forms a lagoon. The water in the lagoon is calm and shallow. Children usually love to play in the water here. Also, the small river is used by migrating birds as a stopover. The river, known as Ribeira da Bordeira, eventually ends up in the sea.
Viewpoint over the beach
When you arrive on Praia da Bordeira, you will see wooden walking trails to get to the beach.
From here you already have a good view over the beach.
However, if you follow the walking trail to the left, there is a viewpoint on top of the cliffs. This is a beautiful spot, where you can sit for hours and just watch the waves of the sea crash on the beach.
From this viewpoint you also have a fabulous view over the Atlantic Ocean.
Beware that part of the walking trail is gone. This happened during a severe storm a couple of years ago.
Cliffs near the sea
The cliffs near the sea at Praia da Bordeira are known for their inaccessible fishing spots. Sometimes you see fishermen standing on crazy locations just to catch their meal. The waves here crash very hard against the rocks. On the rocks surrounding the beach you can also see many seabirds.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia da Bordeira like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Arrive before 10:00 AM. You’ll catch the morning light for the most photogenic shots, claim the best spot on the sand, and enjoy the calm before any wind picks up.
- Head left from the boardwalk. Most visitors stay near the main entrance; walking 10 minutes left along the shore takes you to quieter stretches that feel like a private beach.
- Bring a wetsuit, even in summer. The Atlantic here is crisp year-round. Surfers and swimmers last far longer and enjoy it more with a wetsuit.
- Right-hand side = bigger, heavier waves. Locals know the northern end is punchier and less forgiving; beginners should stick to the southern sandbanks near the lagoon.
- Use the viewpoint to watch the sunset. The cliff-top viewpoint to the left of the boardwalk is unbeatable for sunset, with a full sweep of the beach and golden light hitting the dunes.
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. With a car, getting to Praia da Bordeira is relatively easy. Just drive to Carrapateira and then follow the signs. There is a car park on top of the cliffs. Parking is free of course. From here, just follow the wooden trail down to the beach.
Best restaurants near the beach
There is a beach bar on Praia da Bordeira, which is only open during the Summer months. Here you can get refreshments, coffee and snacks. If you would like to get a proper meal, we recommend any of the following restaurants:
- O Sitio do Rio. This restaurant has great fresh grilled fish and other Portuguese cuisine. It offers very good value for money.
- Micro Bar. This bar has many delicious salads and offers friendly service. The menu is quite healthy and has a lot of vegetarian and vegan options as well.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia da Bordeira? 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:
- Casa Fajara. This hotel has a nice sun terrace with swimming pool. The setting is very peaceful and the staff is friendly. Good breakfast as well.
- Carrapateira Lodge. This guest house in Carrapateira has everything you need for a great holiday on the west coast of the Algarve. You can also rent a bike here, which is a great way to explore 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.
FAQ
Its wild beauty, vast space, and untouched landscapes make it unique in the Algarve. You can experience both powerful Atlantic waves and a serene lagoon in one location. It’s a beach that combines adventure with tranquility.
Swimming is possible but caution is needed due to strong Atlantic currents and waves. The water is colder than on the south coast, so a wetsuit is recommended for longer swims. The lagoon area near the river is a safer option for calmer water.
The Atlantic Ocean here is generally cold, ranging from around 15°C in winter to about 20°C in summer. Most surfers and swimmers wear wetsuits year-round. Short dips without a wetsuit are fine in warmer months.
Yes, but with supervision. The open ocean can be rough, so the safest place for kids to play is in the calm lagoon formed by the Ribeira da Bordeira river. The wide sandy space is perfect for building sandcastles and running around.
Absolutely. It is one of the top surf spots in the western Algarve with consistent swells. There’s a surf rental hut on the beach where you can get boards and wetsuits.
Yes, but conditions vary. On calmer days, beginners can learn safely, often in the lagoon area or with an instructor. On bigger swell days, it’s best for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Yes, Carrapateira has several surf schools that operate at Praia da Bordeira. They offer group and private lessons for all skill levels. Most provide all necessary equipment.
Natural shade is minimal due to the open, wide nature of the beach. If you want shade, bring your own umbrella or beach tent. The dunes provide some wind shelter but not much shade.
Wild camping is not allowed here due to its location in a protected natural park. However, there are campsites and guesthouses in and around Carrapateira. Always follow park rules to protect the environment.
Late spring and early autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is great for sun and warmth, but it’s busier. Winter can be wild and dramatic, perfect for photography and surfing.
No, even in summer it feels spacious thanks to its huge size. The most crowded times are sunny weekends in July and August. There is always plenty of room to find a quiet spot.
Yes, the cliffs and coastline have stunning trails. A popular route goes from Praia da Bordeira south to Praia do Amado. You’ll get panoramic views and a taste of the wild Algarve coast.
Not really. The waves and strong currents make snorkeling difficult and potentially dangerous. Snorkeling is better on calmer beaches along the south coast.
Beach facilities
There is a beach bar on Praia da Bordeira, where you can get refreshments and snacks. During Summer, there is a lifeguard on duty. Other than that, there are relatively few facilities here.
Facilities in Praia da Bordeira:
- Restaurant: no
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: no
- Shower: no
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: no
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: no
