Catch that surf! (Other locations...)

Member Name: Praskipark

Product:	Other locations...
Date:	14/05/08 (89 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Pretty town with exhilharating waves and sandy beaches - one of the best beach areas in the west!

Disadvantages: Difficult to get there without a car.

Carapateira is situated in the Nature Reserve Costa Vincentina, a National park. It is safely tucked away from the bustle of the main Algarve tourist towns. You can get there by car and a bus which goes directly from Sagres to Aljezur. I am not sure of times and frequency - best to check that out at the main bus station in Lagos or Sagres.

It is a great area to get away from it all as it is so tranquil. The small town is spread out and has two beaches. Because of it's popularity with surfers and with it being off the beaten track the area attracts a lot of hippy types and long term campers especially in the Winter months.

Carrapateria beach, also known as Praia de Bordeira is exhilirating. The first view of it hidden behind the sand dunes is breathtaking. Wild, jagged, grey and bronze coloured rocks covered in wild flowers and scrub. The cliffs are extremely high and fishermen actually stand on top of these to fish. It is a well known fact that several die every year as the wind and spray from the waves is so fierce beckoning them into the sea.

It has miles of sand dunes and has a lagoon which is ideal for children. The actual beach is a very large expanse of golden sand. It is very easy to hide behind the dunes and make your very own private area. Nudity is allowed. There is also a surf school and good possibilities for surfing.


Certain times of the year like April and May the weather on the West Coast can be totally different from other parts of the Algarve. It can be cold and very misty. I remember one year taking a couple of friends out to visit the cliffs and when we arrived in Carapateira it was so thick with mist we couldn't see each other. It was really freaky walking towards the beach as the road there is very undulating and we hadn't a clue which direction we where going in. Then suddenly it lifted and the sea became visible. Really strange.

You are able to walk along the road at the top of the cliffs to the other beach at the south side of the village which is called Praia do Amado. This is also famous for surfing and has it's own little community of travellers.

If you want to stay over in this wonderful area on the west Coast there are two or three guest houses:

Casa Fajara which is 500 metres from the village.
Bamboo which is a friendly guest house on the main road and there is a pensao called Pensao da Dunas which is at the southern end of the village.

If you are feeling hungry and would like to try grilled swordfish or chicken then there is a restaurant called Torres which has indoor and outdoor seating.

The Natural Park is perfect for bird watching and rambling and the light factor lends itself naturally to photography and painting.

Last but not least if you want to have a go at surfing then there is a surf school and camp. It is run by experienced surfers and they also hire out boards during the Summer months. Go on have a go!

So that's my review of one of my favourite beach areas on the West Coast. Next time you are in the Algarve drive West and check it out. You won't be disappointed. It's a gem.

Summary: One of the Algarve's gems.