Beaches in the Aljezur District

There are three main beaches around Vale da Telha, Arrifana, Monte Clerigo and Amoreira. Further afield but still in the Aljezur district are Praia da Odeciexe, Praia do Vale dos Homens, Vale de Figueira, Carrapateira (Bordeira) and Amado. We are lucky in this part of the Algarve to have such an array of fabulous beaches which are ideal for surfing, body-boarding, swimming and sun-bathing. We tend to have a lot more waves than the south coast so it is essential to be careful on our beaches and with the almost constant sea breeze the temperatures are also slightly lower (but still can be pretty hot!)

Arrifana

Arrifana is reputed to be one of the top 200 surfing beaches in the world and often has competitions in its sheltered bay. The waves here tend to be crisp and clean and on a good day it is ideal for swimming. Arrifana is a beautiful beach which usually has Blue Flag status thanks to good facilities, lifeguards and clean water. The only possible downside to Arrifana is the steep drive down which can be extremely busy as the weather warms up.

Toilets:	yes
Lifeguards:	in summer
Access to beach:	ok
Parking:	plenty (v. busy in summer) but there is a walk
Services:	1 restaurant by the beach

Monte Clerigo

Monte Clerigo is a large Blue Flag beach a few kilometers from Vale da Telha and is part of the Natural Park southwestern Alentejano and Costa Vicentina. The beach is long with clean and cool water and has excellent facilities with easy access for parking. The settlement of Monte Clerigo has a number of restaurants by the beach which provides a perfect back-drop for al fresco dining.

Toilets:	yes
Lifeguards:	in summer
Access to beach:	v. good
Parking:	plenty but very busy in summer
Services:	3 cafe/restaurants by the beach

Amoreira

The beach of Amoreira is futher out from Vale da Telha and is approximately 8km from Aljezur. The beach is very large with the Aljezur river emptying into the Atlantic ocean which provides an excellent location for swimming without the waves.

Toilets:	in cafe
Lifeguards:	in summer
Access to beach:	good
Parking:	plenty but busy in summer
Services:	1 cafe/restaurant by the beach

Praia da Odeciexe

A few kilometres from Odeciexe town, the beach is a lovely wide sandy area bordered by the river.  There are numerous cafes and restaurants in the vicinity and the beach plays host to bodyboarding competitions amongst others.

Toilets:	yes
Lifeguards:	in summer
Access to beach:	good
Parking:	plenty but busy in summer
Services:	cafe/restaurants by the beach

Praia do Vale dos Homens

Near the village of Rogil, this beach does not have any facilities and you need to go down a lot of steps to get to it, but once you are there you are in for a treat. The water is very clean and clear and there is a sheltered spot ideal for swimming.

Toilets:	no
Lifeguards:	 
Access to beach:	lots of steps
Parking:	plenty
Services:	none

Vale de Figueira

Difficult to get to (dirt track which can be a bit holey after the rains) and no facilties when you get there, this is still a stunning beach favoured by surfers It is a massive beach with plenty of room to find a quiet spot.

Toilets:	no
Lifeguards:	 
Access to beach:	ok
Parking:	plenty
Services:	none

Carrapateira (Bordeira)

Carrapateira is a massive sandy beach with lots of room for everyone and is a favourite for surfers. There are lifeguards in summer and a sheltered ‘lagoon’ when the tide is in.  The town itself has numerous cafes and restaurants.

Toilets:	no
Lifeguards:	yes
Access to beach:	ok
Parking:	plenty
Services:	restaurants nearby

Amado

One of the biggest surfing beaches in the area, Amado often plays host to local and international competitions.

Toilets:	 
Lifeguards:	yes
Access to beach:	ok
Parking:	plenty
Services: