Praia da Amoreira is a breathtaking beach located in Aljezur, within the beautiful region of the Algarve. This is one of our favorite beaches in the Algarve. It’s perfect for surfing, and the Amoreira river flowing into the sea at one end of the beach lets you swim directly from the river into the ocean!
One of the most captivating features of Praia da Amoreira is its vast expanse, stretching 580 metres along the coast, making it one of the biggest beaches near Aljezur. It is backed by impressive sand dunes, which add to the overall charm and picturesque scenery. The beach also boasts a striking black rock formation.
Watch the Beach Drone Footage
This video was shot with our Mavic Mini 4 Pro. Enjoy 🙏
The Beach – What You Can Expect
When spending a day at Praia da Amoreira, there are several activities to choose from:
- Swimming in the crystal-clear waters along the beach.
- Exploring the diverse marine life and the unique rock formations.
- Joining a stand-up paddleboarding tour of the nearby Amoreira River.
- Enjoying a leisurely walk through the lush sand dunes and admiring the surrounding nature.
- Relaxing, sunbathing, and taking in the amazing views.
For those looking to spend a day at the beach away from crowds, Praia da Amoreira is definitely a top pick. The versatility of the landscape, the outstanding cleanliness, and the breathtaking surroundings make it one of the best beaches in the Algarve.
Beach Access
You can access the beach from the northern end, where you will find restaurant Paraíso do Mar and official parking place.
Even though you can see the Monte Clérigo village on the southern side of the beach, do not count on accessing the beach from that side. We were not able to find a way to climb up or down the hill. ☹️ However, you can enjoy views from the mountain as there is another restaurant on top of Mount clérigo with wooden stairs leading to two viewdecks of Amereira beach. 😊
Restaurants
Directly on the beach, you’ll find Paraíso do Mar, a restaurant with varied feedback.
On the cliffs to the left of the beach is Taberna do Gabriel, which also has a mix of reviews. This restaurant is situated across the river, making it more accessible from the opposite side. While it offers views of Praia da Amoreira, getting there directly from the beach can be challenging.
If you don’t mind a short drive, heading to Aljezur could be rewarding, as these towns offer a wider selection of dining options. There is a Tamrab Thai restaurant which we like a lot, Arte Bianca is another great option and if you are vegan head to Roots.
Facilities
Do keep in mind that while there is a restaurant (Paraíso do Mar) at the northern side, there aren’t other facilities available. Be sure to pack any essentials you may need to fully enjoy our time.
The restaurant is fine for quick refreshments, but don’t expect a gourmet experience. Guests also frequently mention that the beer servings are too small.
| Restaurants | Yes, two |
| Bar | No |
| Toilet | Yes* |
| Shower | No |
| Surfing school | Yes |
| Sunbeds | Yes |
| Parking | Yes** |
| Lifeguard | Yes*** |
- *Toilet facilities: Located in the Paraíso do Mar restaurant on the beach, these restrooms are easily accessible and well-maintained.
- **Lifeguards: During summer, the beach is patrolled by trained lifeguards to ensure the safety of all beachgoers.
- ***Parking is available near the beach, with a designated car park to accommodate a good number of vehicles.
When the sea is turbulent, it’s not ideal for swimming or paddling, particularly for children, but the numerous rock pools can be a delightful diversion for them. During low tide, a shallow lagoon forms on the beach, creating a safe and favored spot for both kids and adults.
Aljezur River
A remarkable feature of this beach is the mouth of the Aljezur River, creating an estuary where freshwater and saltwater meet.
Originating from the village of Aljezur, this river stretches for almost 10 kilometres before reaching the sandy shores of Praia da Amoreira.
From our experience, you have the choice of swimming in both the river and the sea here. Generally, the sea water tends to be quite chilly, whereas the river offers warmer conditions.
It’s worth noting that the sea, especially on the northern side of the beach, can have strong currents and hidden rocks. The river’s current near its mouth can also intensify during high tide. For these reasons, we found it safer and more enjoyable to swim further upstream in the river.
The riverside boasts a beautiful beach area, ideal for families, as it lacks the sea’s waves and extends far inland, ensuring a safe and pleasant environment for children to play.
Surfing
Praia da Amoreira is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but it also offers great surfing opportunities for all skill levels. Our experience tells us that the beach is exposed to swells and winds, making it a fantastic spot for catching waves.
In fact, we’ve found that high tide is usually the prime time to hit the water, although surf can be enjoyable at any time of the year.
Now, let us tell you why we think this beach delights surfers:
- The surf is often fat and mellow, which is perfect for intermediates armed with minimal or soft-top boards, as well as longboarders.
- Amoreira is an exposed beach and point break that works consistently throughout the year; it catches waves from both southwest groundswells and local windswells.
- The beach breaks here offer both lefts and rights, catering to regular and goofy-footed surfers alike.
- What’s even better is that the beach rarely gets crowded, allowing you plenty of space to catch those waves!
If you’re new to surfing or want to improve your skills, there’s a surf school right on the beach called Atlantic Riders (check their Instagram here). They offer lessons and equipment rental, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own gear.
Hiking
We’ve found that Praia da Amoreira offers some amazing hiking opportunities. The beach is easily reached from the town of Aljezur and is home to a lovely trail that can be walked in either direction using the markings painted on posts and rocks along the way. Remember to wear sturdy footwear for a comfortable walk, as the terrain can be quite varied.
One of the best walking trails in the area is the Amoreira beach circuit, route 16 of the Rota Vicentina Trails. This beautiful trail takes you along the cliffs and through the backland, offering stunning views of the rugged coastline and surrounding nature.
During your hike, you can enjoy:
- Impressive rock formations and cliffs on both sides of the beach.
- Large sand dunes that back Praia da Amoreira.
- A black rock formation on the northern side of the beach, said to look like a face.
There are also other top hikes and walks around Amoreira, with interactive maps available to help plan your adventure. Take a moment to explore shorter or more challenging hikes, depending on your preference.
Nature and Environment
At Praia da Amoreira, you will find breathtaking natural scenery surrounded by truly diverse environments. The beach is located within the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, offers a harmony between the ocean, cliffs, and delicate ecosystem of the river estuary.
Apart from the dunes, Praia da Amoreira is bordered by cliffs and impressive rock formations on both sides. Some even say that the dark rock formation to the north has the shape of a giant lying down. The varied landscapes found at this beach make it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts like us.
As we mentioned earliner, the beach is also a mouth of the Aljezur River. This unique environment forms a lagoon, providing an excellent habitat for various bird species and other aquatic life. During you visit, you may spot some of the following:
- Grey herons
- Egrets
- Flamingos
- Oystercatchers
How to get There
Traveling around the Algarve is most convenient by car, so it’s advisable to rent one if you don’t have a vehicle.
Reaching Praia da Amoreira is straightforward: drive on the EN120 towards Aljezur, head towards Rogil, and then simply follow the signs to the beach. On the northern side of the beach, you’ll find a car park, though its size is somewhat limited.
If it’s full, roadside parking is an alternative. A wooden boardwalk from this car park leads directly to the beach. There’s another parking area near the viewpoint on the southern cliff, but accessing Praia da Amoreira from there is a bit more challenging.
Hotels
When visiting Praia da Amoreira, you have quite a few options for accommodation. We’ll share some of the popular hotel choices that travellers often consider.
One of the finest hotels in the vicinity, Praia do Canal Nature Retreat, is not exactly in the town center but is conveniently close. It’s a stunning slice of paradise! The hotel boasts a wonderful atmosphere and delightful views, making it a top choice for visitors.
For golf enthusiasts, there are even hotels located near golf courses, such as The Village – Praia D’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort in Amoreira. This type of accommodation adds an extra layer of excitement to your stay if you’re planning to hit the greens during your trip.
