Praia da Cordoama – the #1 guide
Praia da Cordoama is one of the Algarve’s most striking west coast beaches. Stretching for over a kilometre, it is backed by high black cliffs and washed by the strong waves of the Atlantic. The wide open space, natural setting, and steady surf make it a favourite for surfers, walkers, and anyone who loves wild, uncrowded beaches. Whether you come for a peaceful stroll, to watch the morning mist drift in, or to enjoy the view from the cliffs, Praia da Cordoama offers a true escape from the busier southern coast. In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to plan the perfect visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia da Cordoama 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 Cordoama
- Vast, unspoiled beach – one of the longest beaches on the Algarve’s west coast, with plenty of space to find your own spot.
- Dramatic natural scenery – backed by black cliffs and open to the Atlantic, it’s a beach with a truly wild feel.
- Surfing hotspot – consistent waves attract surfers of all levels, with a surf school right on the sand.
- Peace and quiet – remote location means fewer crowds, even in summer.
- Clifftop views – stunning viewpoints nearby offer breathtaking panoramas of the coastline.
Check out Cordoama beach and its surroundings in the short video below.
What to expect at the beach
Praia da Cordoama is a very long beach, stretching for well over a kilometre. In fact, it is one of the longest beaches on the west coast of the Algarve.
When standing on the beach, it stretches for as far as you can see. This makes the beach great for a long beach walk.
Praia da Cordoama is backed by large black cliffs. The surroundings make this a wonderful, unspoiled beach.
When you arrive in the morning, you sometimes see a white misty, foggy atmosphere. This gives the beach a magical sensation.
The sand on this beach is generally quite hard. That’s because the beach is not very wide, so the sand is usually quite wet.
The sand on this beach has quite some rocks, so watch out when walking.
There are also many rocks in the water, so be extra careful in there. In general, the water here is very cold. It is best to wear a wetsuit when going in the water.
The waves can also be very rough on this beach. This is more a beach for surfing than for swimming.
Usually, there are not a lot of people on this beach. This is because of its remote location.
Because of the size of Praia da Cordoama, it is always easy to find a spot on this beach. There is always more than enough space. Most of the people visiting this beach are surfers, who come here for the awesome waves.
Praia da Cordoama is bordered by Praia do Castelejo in the south. The border between these two beaches is a series of rock formations that includes one unique rock that is known as Pedra da Laje.
Below you can see Praia da Cordoama behind the Pedra da Laje. The beach in front of it is Praia do Castelejo.
In the north, Cordoama beach is bordered by Praia da Barriga. During low tide, you can actually walk to both of these beaches. This way the already big strip of sand is extended even further. On the other hand, Praia da Cordoama becomes quite narrow during high tide.
Miradouro do Castelejo viewpoint
There is actually a viewpoint behind the beach called Miradouro do Castelejo. From there you have a breathtaking view over the beach and the sea. You can reach it by car. It is highly recommended to admire the view from here.
If you have a drone, you can even better see the amazing view from the air.
Surfing
Praia da Cordoama is a popular spot for surfing. This is because of the consistent waves, which have quite some power. Depending on the swell, the beach break ranges from beginner friendly to only for professional surfers. However, watch out for the rocks underwater. They can be found across big parts of the beach. Also beware that the current can be quite strong here. It is best to go with a local surf school, who knows the beach and can tell you where to avoid the underwater rocks. There is actually a surf school right on the beach, called Freeride Surf School. Here you can also rent surf equipment if you need to. When it comes to surfing, this beach is usually a bit more quiet than the nearby Praia do Amado.
Paragliding
Cordoama Beach is a famous spot for paragliding. This is because the conditions here are very good for it. For example, some of the cliffs here are over 100 metres in height.
Sometimes you can see people paragliding from the top of the cliffs all the way down to the beach.
When interested in paragliding around this beach, you can contact the company Paragliding with Nelson. The price of a paraglide is around € 130.
If you would like to see how it is to paraglide here, check out the video below.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia da Cordoama like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Plan your walk at low tide. Times your visit so you can walk all the way to Praia da Barriga in the north or Praia do Castelejo in the south without getting cut off by the tide. This is when the coastline reveals hidden rock formations and untouched stretches of sand.
- Go beyond the first 200 metres. Most visitors stay near the entrance. Walk 5-10 minutes along the sand and you’ll feel like you have the beach to yourself, even in August.
- Stay for sunset. Few Algarve beaches do sunset better. Position yourself near the midsection of the beach for a perfect view of the sun sinking straight into the Atlantic, with the cliffs glowing orange in the last light.
- Surf with local knowledge. The waves are fantastic, but the hidden rocks can be dangerous. Even if you’re experienced, chat with the local surf school to find the safest take-off zones for that day’s conditions.
- Don’t miss the Miradouro do Castelejo viewpoint. Just a short drive (or steep hike) up from the beach, this viewpoint gives you the kind of sweeping west coast views that look like they belong in a movie.
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. The beach is easy to reach by car. When coming from Lagos, drive on the N125 towards Vila do Bispo. Then continue on the M1265 and follow the signs towards the beach. The journey through the hills to get to Praia da Cordoama is actually an experience in itself. It is well worth the drive. There is a small parking area behind the beach, but it fills up quite quickly. If you really want to park there, make sure to come early. Otherwise, you can park your car on the side of the road and walk towards the beach.
Beach bar
There is a beach bar right on the beach. It is called Bar da Praia. Here you can get some food, snacks and refreshments. They mainly serve Portuguese food and fresh fish. It is the only restaurant near the beach.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia da Cordoama? 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:
- Abrigo das Nortadas. This country house offers cheap but comfortable accommodation. If you are travelling on a budget, this place is highly recommended. Great buffet breakfast included.
- Pure Flor de Esteva – Bed & Breakfast. This highly rated bed and breakfast offers nice room with a garden view. There is a shared kitchen, so you can cook your own meals if you want to. Nice terrace outside as well.
- Good Feeling. This hostel is sure to live up to its name and will make you feel good. From hammocks in the garden to video games inside: this place will make sure you have a good time in the Algarve.
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
Absolutely. It’s a stunning, wild beach that offers something very different from the busier Algarve resorts. If you enjoy nature, dramatic scenery, and outdoor activities, this beach is perfect. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect and enjoy the beauty of the Atlantic coast.
Yes, the access is straightforward with a road leading directly to a parking area close to the sand. There’s no long walk or steep descent required, making it more accessible than some other west coast beaches. However, the beach can be narrow at high tide, so timing your visit helps.
Swimming here can be challenging due to strong waves and currents. The Atlantic waters are powerful, and the beach is more popular for surfing than for casual swimming. If you do swim, always stay close to the shore and within the lifeguarded area in summer.
Yes, it’s one of the most consistent surf spots on the Algarve’s west coast. The waves can range from beginner-friendly to challenging, depending on the swell and tides. There’s a surf school on the beach where you can take lessons or rent equipment.
Yes, during low tide you can walk south to Praia do Castelejo or north to Praia da Barriga. This makes it possible to enjoy an even longer stretch of sand. Always check tide times to ensure you can return safely.
It’s less crowded than the Algarve’s south coast beaches, but summer weekends can still see a fair number of visitors. Thanks to its size, you can almost always find a quiet spot. The more remote feel attracts surfers and nature lovers rather than large tourist groups.
It can be, but parents should watch children closely because of the waves and rocks. The sand area is large enough for playing and running around. If your children like calmer water, other beaches on the south coast may be better.
The sand is golden but mixed with pebbles, especially near the waterline. There are also rocky areas, so water shoes can be useful. At low tide, more sandy areas are exposed.
Natural shade is minimal. The cliffs cast some shade in the early morning and late afternoon, but most of the day the beach is fully exposed to the sun. Bringing your own umbrella is recommended.
Yes, the area is part of the Rota Vicentina trail network. You can hike along the cliffs for incredible views of the coastline. The trail between Cordoama and Castelejo is especially scenic.
Wild camping is not allowed on the beach due to natural park regulations. However, there are campsites and campervan parking areas nearby. Respect local rules to help preserve the environment.
Yes, the beach is a well-known paragliding spot thanks to favorable wind conditions and high cliffs. You can sometimes see paragliders taking off from the cliff tops. Tandem flights may be available through local operators.
Spring and autumn offer great weather, fewer crowds, and consistent waves for surfing. Summer is warm and lively, but the water is still cool. Winter can be stormy but spectacular for photography.
Beach facilities
On Praia da Cordoama you can only find the most basic facilities. There are lifeguards overlooking the beach during summer. You can find a restaurant on the beach to get refreshments. This is a Blue Flag beach.
Facilities in Praia da Cordoama:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: no
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: no
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
