Now that it is possible to travel to Portugal, here are ten ideas to enjoy quiet beaches without going too far
As of today, the fraternity that unites Spain and Portugal has recovered again and with it, the possibility of traveling to the neighboring country. With its 200 kilometers of coastline, more than 115 beautiful beaches and a perennial blue sky, the Algarve is the destination for sun and sea lovers , ideal for those who want to go abroad this summer, but without going very far.
Chosen among the best destinations in Europe, merits are not lacking. And it is that the quality of the waters and the sandbanks, as well as the beauty of the coast , increasingly wilder towards the west, where it forms one of the most special and best preserved coastlines in Europe, have made the south of Portugal a reference destination for lovers of good beaches and good living on vacation. With its white villages , its Mediterranean cuisine with exotic Arab influences and the affable Portuguese character putting the finishing touch to a perfect plan.
However, if all these elements would constitute the most tempting letter of introduction at any other time, the new normality highlights an attraction of the Algarve perhaps not so well known by many: its abundance of quiet beaches . A dream come true now that social distance has become a necessity.
Extensive and calm sandbanks
The west coast of the Algarve, the so-called Costa Vicentina , is generally the least frequented by tourism, as it is more remote, rocky and often with difficult access to the sandy beaches. On the other hand, we are in an overflowing natural park area, a gift for the eyes and for the senses, with a unique natural heritage in the world.
In the municipality of Aljezur there are several little-frequented enclaves, where it is easy to enjoy peaceful days at the beach. Always in the exultant natural setting of one of the most special coasts of the Old Continent.
This is the case of Praia de Carreagem , a very quiet beach that is almost always deserted. Largely due to its access, through rock paths (which rules out going with children). At the northern end of the beach, when the tide is low, you can see a curious natural amphitheater, carved out of schist. Or from Praia Vale de Figueira , with a wide and very calm sandbank. To access it, you have to go down a valley whose slopes are densely populated with heaths, strawberry trees and rockroses, whose aromatic oils permeate the environment. Also the Praia de BordeiraIt is usually quite calm, with a very wide sandbank that extends along three valleys. The beach is beautiful, with its varied landscape based on calcareous nature with warm colors, its extensive dune fields and an occasional lagoon in the Ribeira de Bordeira with warm waters, in which otters can sometimes be seen swimming.
Unknown beaches
Further south, in the Sagres area , there are also several unknown beaches. This is the case of Praia da Barriga , hidden in the final section of a long and very green valley; Arriving, you begin by seeing natural meadows, both at the mouth of a small stream and in the sand dunes that surround it, and then a wide sandbank protected by immense black cliffs. It is a quiet beach, with beautiful corners originated by the cut of the cliffs. At low tide, Praia do Castelejo can be reached on foot , a little more frequented if not overcrowded, especially by surfers and bodyboarders.
Towards the other end of the Algarve coast, between Faro and the outskirts of the Huelva border , there are several very suggestive locations: the so-called Ilhas del Algarve . Those small and particular paradises that Ria Formosa gives in its fusion with the sea, creating tongues of white sand surrounded by splendidly turquoise and crystalline waters. Away from the coast, they are only accessible by boat, giving them that extra distance and disconnected accessibility.
Ilha Barreta (Desert Island) , lives up to its name. Accessible only by boat from Faro, once on the beach, the end of the sand cannot be reached with the naked eye: there are about 10 kilometers of silence and calm , both on the sea beach and on the estuary beach. It is a completely uninhabited area of ​​Ria Formosa and this is the prize: solitude.
From the port of Olhão , crossing the labyrinths of sand and silt of Ria Formosa, you can access Ilha de Armona and its beach of the same name, at the western end of the island. The sandbank is so long that it is again lost in the eyes, providing pleasant moments of tranquility in which to enjoy relaxing days on the beach and incandescent sunsets. Walking along Praia da Armona you can access Praia da Fuseta , at the eastern end of the island. The sand tongue is narrow, but equally extensive and appetizing, and nature imposes itself on the landscape. After 45 minutes walking to the east you can reach the deserted and intact sandbank of the mouth of Fuseta, as well as its innumerable natural sandy pools.
The next island is Ilha de Tavira , with its huge expanse of fine white sand and calm waters. Praia do Barril is accessible on foot or by train from Tavira itself. The sandbank is immense and walking towards the western end of the island you will reach Praia do Homem Nu (Naked Man Beach), a deserted and wild beach, nudist, with magnificent views over the mouth of Fuseta and the island of Armona. .
To the east of Ilha de Tavira rises the Ilha de Cabanas , an extensive tongue of white sand. The beach is located in front of the population of Cabanas, of fishing origin; still today you can see the artisanal fishing boats anchored in the estuary as well as the houses of the fishing arts. Walks along the beach are very appealing and by walking just a little it is possible to enjoy solitude.
Following the labyrinthine paths of Ria Formosa, already at its limits, we arrive at Praia de Cacela Velha , another paradise of white sand lapped by turquoise waters. It can be reached on foot (through Praia de Manta Rota) or by boat. When passing the arm of the estuary, with its oyster and clam beds , the visitor comes across a thin tongue of deserted and wild sand. A beautiful place to enjoy the sun and the sea and contemplate in the most complete tranquility the rich flora of the dunes or the numerous birds that seek refuge in them.
