Hotels near Praia da Falesia

Praia da Falesia is the longest continuous beach in the central Algarve - a 6 km strip of golden sand backed by ochre and red sandstone cliffs that rise 30 metres above the shore, topped by umbrella pines. The beach runs from Olhos de Agua east to Vilamoura and is divided into named sections - Praia do Barranco das Belharucas, Praia da Falesia, Praia do Forte Novo - each with its own clifftop car park and staircase access. Because the beach is so long, even in August you can walk for 10 minutes and find a 50-metre stretch of empty sand.

The contrast of the red cliffs against the blue Atlantic makes this one of the most photogenic Algarve beaches at sunrise and sunset, and the gentle gradient of the sand makes it safe for families with young children - though Atlantic surf can pick up by afternoon. Several beach bars along the strand serve grilled sardines and fresh fish through lunchtime; the eastern Vilamoura end is closest to luxury hotels and tends to be the busiest.

Pro Tip: Use the Olhos de Agua Aldeia car park entry rather than the central Falesia access - the staircase is shorter, the western end of the beach is markedly quieter, and Olhos de Agua village itself has the best traditional restaurants for a post-beach lunch.