Praia de Vale Figueiras – the #1 guide
Praia de Vale Figueiras is one of the Algarve’s wildest west coast beaches, stretching for over a kilometre beneath dramatic cliffs. With powerful Atlantic waves, endless golden sand, and a remote setting deep in the Costa Vicentina natural park, it feels worlds away from the crowds. Surfers come for the consistent swell, while nature lovers and solitude seekers enjoy the raw, untamed scenery. Whether you’re here to ride the waves, walk for miles, or simply embrace the quiet, Praia de Vale Figueiras delivers an authentic Algarve escape. Dive into our guide to make the most of your visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia de Vale Figueiras 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 de Vale Figueiras
- Wild natural beauty – backed by towering cliffs and part of the Costa Vicentina, this beach offers one of the Algarve’s most dramatic coastal settings.
- Secluded atmosphere – remote location and dirt-road access keep the crowds away, making it one of the quietest beaches on the west coast.
- Surfing paradise – consistent Atlantic swell and uncrowded waves make it a favorite spot for both surf schools and experienced surfers.
- Remote and peaceful – accessed by a dirt road, the beach stays quiet even in summer, perfect for those seeking escape from tourist crowds.
- Perfect for long beach walks – at low tide, the sand stretches even wider, giving you space for scenic walks that feel endless and invigorating.
Check out the following video below if you are interested in seeing the wonderful beach of Vale Figueiras.
What to expect at the beach
Praia de Vale Figueiras is a huge sandy beach. It has a length of more than a kilometre and a width of about 75 metres. The beach is surrounded by gigantic cliffs, which makes for a beautiful scenery. Praia de Vale Figueiras is part of the Costa Vicentina natural park, which is known for its natural beauty.
The sand on Praia de Vale Figueiras is gold, but quite hard. On some places you can see rocks on the sand. There are also some rocks in the water, so be careful when swimming.
In general, this is not a good beach for swimming. The currents are very strong here and the waves are high. This beach is popular for surfing and bodyboarding. Swimmers usually prefer other beaches nearby.
There is a big difference between low and high tide on Praia de Vale Figueiras. During low tide, the beach actually gets twice as wide. The widest section of the beach is near the entrance. This is also the place where most people stay.
However, Praia de Vale Figueiras is a very quiet and peaceful beach. There are few visitors, even in the height of summer. This is partly because of the fact that the beach can only be accessed via a dirt road. And partly because the beach is less known than other beaches nearby, such as Praia da Bordeira or Praia da Arrifana. This makes it a good place to escape the crowds. Most of the visitors to this beach are actually surfers. Although this is not an official nude beach, you can sometimes also see naturists visiting this beach.
There is no neighbouring beach on the southern side of Praia de Vale Figueiras, only cliffs. Going south, the first beach is Praia da Bordeira. On the northern side of the beach, it is bordered by Praia do Penedo. Praia do Penedo is not accessible by car and you can only get there on foot from Praia de Vale Figueiras. Penedo beach is usually only used by fishermen.
Because of its size, Vale Figueiras is perfect for long beach walks. During low tide you can get to walk to the northern beach of Praia do Penedo. When you also take this beach in consideration, the sand strip of Vale Figueiras has a length of almost 3 kilometres. This makes for a good exercise. There are also some pathways for walking on top of the cliffs. From there you can get a nice panoramic view over the beach.
It is also a great beach to watch the sunset. Don’t miss it when visiting.
Surfing
Praia de Vale Figueiras has earned a reputation as one of the Algarve’s most reliable surf beaches. Exposed to consistent Atlantic swells, it offers waves almost year-round, with plenty of space to spread out across its wide sandy bay. The waves here are powerful and punchy, which is why both local and visiting surfers return time and again.
For beginners, this beach can feel challenging, but several surf schools from Aljezur and Carrapateira use Vale Figueiras as a training ground because of its uncrowded line-up and consistent conditions. On smaller days, it’s a great place to learn the basics in a safer setting. For intermediates and advanced surfers, shifting sandbanks create a mix of lefts and rights that keep things interesting, while the long rides are especially rewarding on a good day.
Bodyboarders also love this spot, thanks to the hollow peaks that form at different tides. Do keep in mind that rips and currents can be strong, so it’s important to know your limits and always surf with awareness of the conditions. If you’re looking for a wild, unspoiled surf experience away from the busy southern coast, Vale Figueiras delivers.
If you would like to see more of surfing at this beach, check out the following video.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia de Vale Figueiras like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Drive slowly on the dirt road. The last 5 km are unpaved and bumpy; rushing risks a flat tyre. Take it steady, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the Algarve’s quietest beaches.
- Photograph the mirrored sand at low tide. Arrive when the tide has just turned to catch the wet sand reflecting the cliffs and sky. It’s one of the most underrated photo moments on the west coast.
- Pack self-sufficiently. There are no cafés, toilets, or shops. Bring water, snacks, shade, and even a thermos for coffee at sunset. It makes the wild setting feel like luxury.
- Climb the southern cliffs for sunset views. From the dirt parking area, follow the trail up the cliff to the left of the beach entrance. At the top, you’ll have an unbeatable west-facing panorama with the Atlantic in front and golden light spilling over the cliffs. It’s the most spectacular way to end the day here.
- Walk the cliff paths – go up the trails above the beach for fantastic views of Vale Figueiras’ long stretch of sand and dramatic Atlantic cliffs. From here you can truly appreciate the scale of the coastline, the shifting light across the ocean, and the raw beauty of this remote setting. It’s a peaceful contrast to the power of the waves below.
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 located about halfway between Aljezur and Carrapateira. Coming from Aljezur, take the N120 and then the N268. Near Monta da Vinha you will see a sign indicating ‘Monte Novo‘ and ‘Figueiras‘. Turn right here. Follow this road, which extends for about 5 kilometres. More or less halfway, the road turns into a dirt road. Although this road is a bit rough and bumpy, a normal car will manage it. Just follow the road and you will end up at Praia de Vale Figueiras.
There is small area for parking. Although there are not that many parking spots, it is usually easy to park, since this beach has relatively few visitors. Parking is free. From the parking area, it is only a 100 metre walk to the beach.
Best restaurants near the beach
There are no restaurants on the beach. However, the nearest restaurant is a great one. It is a 10 minute drive from Vale Figueiras beach and is called Shabouco. This restaurant serves amazing grilled fish and the service is good. Prices are reasonable as well. Another option is to go to Aljezur or Carrapateira, where you will find plenty of options for eating.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia de Vale Figueiras? 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:
- Monte Chabouco. This highly rated holiday home offers clean and comfortable houses which are about 2 kilometres from Vale Figueiras beach. There are barbecue facilities as well as a kitchen, so you can cook your own meals if you want to.
- Barranco da Fonte. This holiday home on a farm offers everything you need to relax during your holiday in the Costa Vicentina natural park. There is a swimming pool and a spacious garden. Moreover, you can rent a bike here, which is an excellent way to discover the surrounding 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
The beach is reached by following a dirt road for the last stretch of the journey. Although bumpy, it’s manageable with a normal car if you drive slowly. This rugged access road helps keep the beach quiet and less crowded.
No, it is one of the Algarve’s most peaceful beaches. Even in August you’ll find plenty of space due to its remote access. Most visitors are surfers, with only a few families or couples scattered along the sand.
Swimming is not recommended for most people due to strong currents and big waves. On calm days it may be possible to wade carefully, but swimmers should exercise caution. Lifeguards are present only in summer.
It depends on your expectations. Families with older children often enjoy the space, surf, and nature walks, but the strong ocean makes it unsuitable for small kids to swim. There are also no restaurants or toilets on-site, so you need to come prepared.
Absolutely. This is one of the most consistent surf spots on the west coast. Surf schools bring students here to practice, and experienced surfers love the reliable swell. It’s quieter than other surf beaches like Arrifana or Amado.
Yes, surf schools regularly bring beginners to Vale Figueiras. The wide sandy bottom and reliable waves make it good for lessons. That said, on big days it’s better suited for intermediates and advanced surfers.
Yes, several surf camps in Aljezur and Carrapateira bring their students here. They provide lessons, equipment rental, and transfers. This is one of the beaches most used by local surf instructors.
The surf is reliable year-round, but autumn and spring bring some of the best conditions. Summer offers gentler waves for beginners, while winter sees powerful swells for advanced surfers. The wind direction also plays a big role here.
No, a regular car is fine if you drive carefully. The road is rough but manageable. A 4×4 makes it smoother but isn’t necessary.
Yes, the cliffs above the beach connect with walking trails that are part of the Costa Vicentina routes. You’ll get panoramic views of the coastline. At low tide, you can also hike along the sand to Praia do Penedo.
It’s not an official nude beach, but naturists sometimes visit because of the quiet, remote setting. The vast space allows everyone to find their own corner. If you prefer traditional beaches, nearby Arrifana or Bordeira may be a better option.
This beach is ideal if you’re seeking raw beauty, solitude, and excellent surf. It’s not about facilities or easy comforts, but about connecting with nature. If you love dramatic cliffs, endless sand, and untamed Atlantic waves, it’s one of the Algarve’s best-kept secrets.
Beach facilities
There are almost no facilities at Vale Figueiras beach. Make sure to bring food and drinks, because there are no restaurants nearby. There is a lifeguard on the beach though (only in the summer months).
Facilities in Praia de Vale Figueiras:
- Restaurant: no
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: no
- Shower: no
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: no
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes, only during the summer
- Blue Flag beach: no
