Beaches in Praia da Rocha, Algarve

Many Algarve beaches are now classified as 'Accessible Beaches' meaning that not only do they provide ramps, footpaths and walkways directly to the sand but also meet certain criteria for restaurant tables, bar and counter heights. They also have first aid posts and disabled toilets and should be equipped with wheelchairs, walking aids and other equipment capable of being used in the sea as well as on the beach. We include which beaches have been awarded the 'Accessible Beach' flag , although depending on individual abilities you may just want to know that you can park nearby or that there are no steps involved.

We also indicate which beaches have lifeguards during the season (normally April to the end of September) and as a reminder for you: a green flag - swimming permitted; yellow flag - swimming forbidden; red flag - swimming and entering the water forbidden; blue and white chequered flag - beach temporarily unattended.

Praia da Rocha

Praia da Rocha is just around the corner from Portimão marina. It is a beautiful beach, boasting the customary golden sands that we come to expect of Algarve beaches. The beach is not only long, but also very wide and even at the height of summer there is plenty of room.

It now has a new wooden walkway running the entire length of the beach with a selection of beach cafés and restaurants behind it, making it easy for families with pushchairs or wheelchairs to access all the facilities, and is a great place to get a taste of beach life in the Algarve.

At the eastern end of the beach there is a fort, Fortaleza da Santa Caterina, which was built in 1691 to protect the mouth of the River Arade. From the top of it you can look down the whole length of Praia da Rocha, to see it in its full glory and if you look over to the left, you can see the fantastic multi-coloured marina and over towards Ferragudo. Many visitors like to come to the fort to watch the sunset.

There is another great viewpoint at the western end, which was part of the newly paved pedestrian area down the length of the Tomás Cabreira avenue. You can see Praia da Rocha to the left and Praia do Vau with its lovely rock formations to the right.

Praia da Rocha has several access points along its length. Although access at the western end is by way of steep steps there are other access points, including ramp access, along its length suitable for disabled access. There are several lifeguard stations along the length, including a first aid post. In the summer months visitors can rent awnings and sunshades and there is a choice of watersports including jet ski, pedalos, windsurfing and paragliding.

Praia da Rocha is supervised and is also classed as an 'Accessible Beach'.

Praia do Vau

Praia do Vau is a sheltered sandy bay in a peaceful corner of Portimão, just to the west of Praia da Rocha, surrounded by low-rise holiday apartments and complexes.

There is quite a good sized area for parking right behind the beach, beach bars for refreshments and meals, sunbeds and pedalos for hire.

Praia do Vau is supervised during the beach season and is also classed as an 'Accessible Beach'.