Naturist Beaches in Algarve

Being on the same latitude as North Africa, Algarve has a mild winter climate and in summer there is often a cooling Atlantic breeze. It is ideal for naturism which is widely accepted and has many excellent beaches. A list and brief description that follows. The distance quoted is the distance of the beach from the villa. The beaches are described starting in Tavira to the east and moving westwards and clockwise.

Tavira Island (100km)

One of the five official naturist beaches in Portugal. Tavira town is well signposted off the IP1 motorway 35km east of Faro. Once off the motorway look for brown signs for Praias (beaches) or Ilha de Tavira (Island of Tavira) which take you to a ferry terminal. The ferry takes 15 minutes and another 15 minutes walk gets you to the seaward side of the island. There are some restaurants and shops. To the west is 10km of beautiful white sand. On walking a few hundred yards from the textile area the crowds peter out and the swimsuits come off.

Ilha Deserta (80km)

Otherwise known as Ilha da Barreta, this is another and most recent of the five official naturist beaches in Portugal. It is part of the Rio Formosa nature reserve which you can see from the air as you approach Faro in the form of massive sandbanks. It can only be reached by boat from either Faro (www.ilha-deserta.com) or Olhao. From Olhao we found it expensive to get there using a water taxi at €30 each way - fine if there are five of you but not for a couple. There is a restaurant here but not much else apart from a vast expanse of flat Sandy beach. Wonderful and natural isolation.

Praia Grande (19 km)

A long and sandy beach backed by low dunes. Turn off the N125 at Alcantarilha heading for Armacao de Pera. At the first roundabout keep straight ahead passing Camping Canelas on the right. Then at the second 2nd roundabout take the turning left for Albufeira. At the 3rd roundabout turn towards Restaurant Carlos Beach Bar and the skyscrapers of Armacao de Pera are ahead of you. Near an old derelict walled farm the road forks. Head towards the sea rather than towards Restaurant Carlos. There is plenty of parking here and a short board walk over the dunes brings you to the beach which has a small beach bar. At the beach turn right westwards and the naturists will appear as soon as you get round a small headland.

Caneiros (8 km)

A small but stunning cove. Caneiros is signposted on the road from Ferragudo to Carvoeiro. There is limited parking space, a good restaurant and clean toilets here with sunloungers and umbrellas available on the main textile beach. The naturist cove is round a rocky headland to the west (to the right as you face the sea), a distance of a few metres only. Access not possible at high water but an alternative is a short cliff top walk over the top and a short rope climb down to the beach for the brave.

Meia Praia (30 km)

A long sandy beach between Alvor and Lagos. Turn south off the N125 immediately on entering Odiaxere approaching from Lagos. That is turn left towards the sea by the local football stadium at the sign for Vale de Lama. The road then runs parallel to the railway on your left. Cross the railway at the level crossing and soon you will come to a parking area by a lagoon the distance being 5km from the main road. A further parking area can be seen across a causeway. A short walk brings you to this long sandy beach backed by low dunes. Plenty of space for everybody here. No facilities.

Pinheiros (36 km)

Near Lagos. Park at Ponta da Tirada lighthouse. The beach is situated between here and Praia do Camilo. Give the cliff tops a wide berth to start with and walk along the line of the telegraph wire on a fairly well marked path.
Find the triangulation point (with BIICP on it) and the beach is towards Praia do Camilo. Wooden planks have been driven onto the cliffs to create a set of steep steps. "Praia Nudismo FKK Strand” sign nailed into the rock. A small, curved, almost circular beach surrounded by high cliffs. Because of this it is well protected on windy days. No facilities.

Cabanas Velhas (55 km)

A beautiful cliff-backed sandy beach just west of Lagos. Drive along the N125 out of Lagos towards Vila de Bispo and Sagres for about 8km. Take the turning south to Burgau and the sea. After about 2km you will reach the village at a T-junction, turn right and drive west for about 2km. A track to the left is signposted for Cabanas Velhas.
There is reasonable parking and a restaurant/bar here. The beach curves gently and is about half a kilometre long. Textiles and naturists mixed freely although at times it can be 100% textiles in high season and weekends when the locals turn out.

Figueira (60 km)

This is a real gem and very close to Furnas. Turn off the N125 and head for Salema and Figuera. The road immediately splits and take the right hand fork into Figuera. The beach is signposted along a track from the village but does not go all the way as a 10 minute walk is needed at the end. It is a lovely sandy cove which is overlooked by the ruins of an old fort. If you are feeling energetic then walk up the headland to the fort and just beyond is another isolated cove which can only be reached on foot. No facilities.

Furnas (60km)

One of our favourites and very close to Figueira. Turn off the N125 and head for Salema and Figuera. The road immediately splits and take the right hand fork towards Figuera and continue through Figuera heading east. After leaving the village there is a turning to the left and immediately you will see a 50 km per hour limit and a 20t weight limit road signs. You will then pass a cow on a triangular road sign on your right. Next is a small staggered junction. To your right in a rain run off gulley with a red arrow pointing to the left stating “praia”. There is also a black metal post with “praia” painted on it at the very start of the rough dirt track that leads to this beach. Although a bit rough, it was not a problem for our small hired car. Keep going, crossing a small bridge then bear left at fork. You then cross another small bridge before reaching the beach which is a distance of about 4kms from the main road turn off. This is a picturesque beach with plenty of room on the main beach at high water. At low water you can walk a considerable distance to the east with several smaller coves being accessible. No facilities

Zavial (65 km)

This is a real gem about 5km from the Raposeira turning off the N125. The Portuguese road signs are somewhat misleading. When you come to the first fork in the road keep left despite the signs stating that Ingrina and Zavial beaches are to the right. If you did turn right you will find Ingrina is not naturist and a circular route will bring you to Zavial anyway. There is a restaurant here and the beach is used by surfers when conditions allow. The main part is wide and sandy. Naturists tend to gather towards the east. Huge fallen rocks then become apparent eastwards. Continue and you will reach a dead end with your own private beach and cave for shelter.

Beliche (75 km)

Beliche is between the huge historic cliff top fortress in Sagres and the lighthouse at Capo de Sao Vincente. This place at one time was thought to be the end of the world. Within about 4 kilometres of leaving Sagres it is signposted “Praia do Beliche.” There is ample parking by the road side with a bar and restaurant here. Steps then lead down to the beach.
Naturists use the west end of this large, broad beach which is a place of great natural beauty and high cliffs and clear water. This area is very windy but the beach beneath the huge cliffs is generally sheltered.

Cordama/Cordoama (70 km)

This is a long, dramatic beach, backed by high cliffs and usually with Atlantic coasters and surfers. Turn off at Vale do Bispo and skirt the town, staying on its southern side rather than entering it and you’ll soon pick up the signs for this beach. The coastline here is very hilly and the road windy but tarmaced all the way. About 2km from Vale do Bispo the road forks with Praia Do Castelejo to the left and Cordoma to the right. There is reasonable parking and a good bar/restaurant and is popular with surfers. Going north, people and swimsuits become less numerous.