Falésia beach

Today we are going to show you a little bit of one of the wonderful beaches to see in the Algarve that seduce and enchant the world. We will talk about Praia da Falésia in the Algarve, a small piece of the huge beach of Falésia located in the municipality of Albufeira, between Olhos de Água and Vilamoura.

Praia da Falésia in the Algarve is considered not only one of the best beaches in the Algarve, but in the entire planet, according to travel website users from all over the world. It is located in a sandy area of about 6 km that includes, from west to east, the following beaches: Praia do Barranco das Belharucas, Praia Falésia – Açoteias, Praia da Falésia – Alfamar, Praia da Baixinha-Poente, Praia da Rocha Baixinha and Praia from the Nascent Baixinha Rock.

Praia da Falésia in the Algarve has fine sand and crystal clear water, the kind that the Portuguese like to say was “made in the Algarve”. Facilities include security, surveillance, umbrella rental on the beach, showers, outdoor parking, bar/restaurant, etc. Pets are not allowed.

What is Falésia beach like?

Its long sandy beach is not the characteristic that makes it different from other beaches in the Algarve, as the beaches to the east (Manta Rota, Praia Verde, Praia do Barril and others) are also like this. It is the geological shapes of its cliffs in reddish, brown, white and orange colors that make Falésia – Açoteias a special beach. The sunset lights create a show of colors that makes the cliff a magical place.

The views from the top of the cliff are wonderful. Walking on them for a long time is the pastime of many visitors, who from the top have an extraordinary panoramic view, one of the best in this area of the Algarve.

The long stretch of Falésia beach Algarve means that any of its beaches can be accessed from the cliff at different points, usually by descending a wooden staircase. In the case of Falésia – Açoteias, access is via stairs that start at the end of the paved road.

Although it’s a very busy beach in high season (don’t forget that the beaches in Albufeira, along with those in Portimão, are among the most visited in the Algarve), the huge stretch of beach means it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the east ( towards Praia da Rocha Baixinha Nascente) and you are almost alone facing the sea.

What other beaches to visit in the Algarve region?

When we ask people which is the most beautiful beach in the Algarve, the answers always vary a lot, and the truth is that “it depends on what for”. There are so many beaches and so many truly sublime coves that it’s hard to choose just one. Each of them has a particular attraction, a different nuance depending on the season of the year or the time of day, and even different uses: falling in love, spending the day with the family, for sport, for walking, for hiding, for be surprised, for a sunset, for nudism, for a swim in the sea…

Well, although I am not able to decide, it is clear that there are many people who know for sure what their favorite beach is. Praia Dona Ana in Lagos and Falésia beach are the highest ranked by the public and, without a doubt, Praia da Falésia is spectacular.

Why the name Falésia beach?

The cliff is the geographical feature that most characterizes the entire Algarve coast from the end of the Ria Formosa, from Vilamoura to the Costa Vicentina. The vast majority of the Algarve coastline is protected by beautiful cliffs, which form cozy coves, beaches and the famous caves of this region.

The Algarve beach that bears the name of Falésia begins in Olhos de Água, Albufeira, and stretches for almost eight kilometers to the beginning of the Vilamoura marina, where the mountains disappear.

The site is an extensive sandy area flanked by a very characteristic cliff, with stripes of reddish and white earth, dotted with bushes and crowned by beautiful pine forests at the top, from where the view to the sea is unique. Its appearance is truly unique, because the stones on the slopes, eroded by the sea breeze and rain, seem to have been carved by an artist.

The splendorous beauty of Falésia beach

Along the cliffs you have several descents to the beach from different points, through winding paths, long stairs or even a panoramic elevator.

The cream-sand beach with crystal-clear water is so long that it is a favorite for walking and even in summer, despite the crowds, there are semi-desert stretches.

Although you have to visit during the warm season and enjoy the atmosphere of its chill-out restaurants and bars, a winter visit to the seafront along this sandy beach is a walk in paradise.

The path is really leafy and on the final stretch of the descent, near a beautiful picnic area under the trees, you can already see the sea.

Now on the beach, facing the sea, on the left a high mountain serves as a barrier and border with Olhos de Água and at its feet the ground is covered by numerous rocks, which with the tides form whimsical pools or mini pools for children during the summer.

The luminous effect, the warm climate, the solitude of the beach and the unique noise of the waves and birds make Praia da Falésia seem more beautiful than all, the most beautiful beach in the Algarve.

What to do at Falésia beach?

The entire Falésia beach region is full of tourist attractions and options for people from all over the world. Check out some of the best programs we’ve separated for you:

Enjoy a day at the beach

For a day at the beach, Falésia beach is a wonderful destination. The beach is huge, with a long stretch of golden sand and clear waters, although somewhat exposed to the powerful Atlantic waves that wash the Algarve coast. Most visitors to Falésia beach tend to stay around the three main access points: Olhos de Água, Vilamoura and Açoteias, which is to the east of the Pine resort.

Explore deserted beaches

From any of these points, if you are willing to walk for 5 minutes, you can discover almost deserted beaches, even at the height of the high season. Praia da Falésia’s sheer size means it’s a great beach choice during the summer when many of the other beaches in the Algarve are crowded.

Play golf with family or friends

At the eastern end of Falésia beach is the resort of Vilamoura, a popular destination for a golfing holiday centered around an exclusive marina. The part of Praia da Falésia closest to Vilamoura is known as Praia Rocha Baixinha Nascente, and the place where the cliffs begin is known as Praia dos Tomates.

Do water sports

Still in Praia dos Tomates, a very quiet area of Falésia beach, we have a water sports center (Nautic Drive) that offers jet-skiing, wakeboarding and paragliding.

Take the kids to the beach!

Falésia beach and Açoteias are supervised by lifeguards and are safe for families with young children. Access to the beach is via stairs and most visitors tend to gather around it, but at 100m the beach is almost deserted.

Hike along the cliffs

Between Açoteias and Praia dos Tomates, in Falésia beach, there is a walk along the cliffs that allows you to enjoy the magnificent landscape. The route follows the cliffs for 3.5 km, which can be extended by walking along the beach to Vilamoura or Olhos de Água. The cliffs of Falésia beach reach their highest point in the west, rising 42 meters above the beach. They are very fragile cliffs formed by reddish clays and layers of bright white sand. The constant erosion of the cliffs fills the beach with sand, but means that they are very unstable, especially after heavy rains. Therefore, only take this tour on clear weather days.

Tours in Albufeira

In Albufeira you can do many leisure activities, including this surf tour in the Algarve caves, a boat trip through the Algarve caves or the popular sunset pirate boat trip. To get to know the most popular areas of Albufeira, you can take the Albufeira tourist bus.

Enjoy Albufeira’s nightlife

Albufeira is famous for its lively nightlife. Thousands of young people from all over Europe gather in Albufeira in search of the Strip, the most popular place in the Algarve. The Strip is an area of Albufeira with dozens of bars, pubs and nightclubs ideal for those looking for the best party destination in the Algarve.

Reasons to visit Falésia beach

If you are in doubt about whether or not to visit this natural paradise, why not give it a chance by reading this list of reasons we’ve put together with the best things about the place?

The cliffs of Falésia beach are unique

It is unusual to arrive at a beach and find not only sand and sea, but a true spectacle of cliffs with stripes of red, orange, brown and white earth, crowned by a pine forest from which you can admire unique views. This happens at Falésia beach, an extensive strip of sand that runs eight kilometers

An ideal place to disconnect from the world

Even in high season, when half of the world’s coastline is full of visitors, Praia da Falésia is always a place to disconnect from it all. If you decide to walk along the eight kilometers of sandy beach, you will find that stretch of fine sand deserted by tourists where you can enjoy the view alone, between the crystal clear water and the red earth cliffs. In times of a pandemic when social distance is increasing, a beach with these characteristics is the closest thing to having all the guarantees of “freedom from greed”.

a unique atmosphere

If you want peace and quiet, head to Falésia beach and relax on a lounger under an umbrella. And if you want a lot of life, go to Falésia beach. On its cliffs there are restaurants and chillouts with a lively atmosphere, golf courses where you can play golf with unbeatable views, and some of the most exclusive and beautiful hotels and resorts in the Algarve, such as the Pine Cliffs Resort of the Luxury Collection chain with restaurants Maré or Alquimia, the five-star hotel Epic Sana or the cliff of Baía do Porto. Traditional Algarve food, fast food or a drink with a view, in Falésia there is no lack of everything.

A “Family Friendly” beach

If you are traveling with your family in the Algarve, spending a whole day at this beach is always a good option. You’ll end up filling a family photo album with photos from an unforgettable day in this corner of southern Portugal. If you go with children, you will find the ideal place to build a sandcastle or to take a dip in calm, crystalline waters. And if you visit with your partner, the vivid colors of the sunset over the red earth will be one of the most romantic moments of your trip. In any case, the Falésia is always a good option.

Full of Trails and unique tours

The fame of the Algarve’s beaches knows no bounds, but the beauty of its nature and the possibilities for outdoor activities are not far away. Along the Algarve coast there are numerous trails for walking, running and physical activity. And Praia da Falésia is no exception. On top of its cliff, there are numerous paths between pine trees that connect with other beaches, nearby villages or even Vilamoura Marina, the marina where some of the most luxurious boats on this coast dock.

You can find everything at Praia da Falésia

Learn to surf at one of the local schools, dive into its crystalline waters, discover its horizon from the air by paragliding, walk barefoot on the sand… Falésia is a beach where everything you do has a touch of magic, thanks to the wonderful environment.

Curiosities that make Praia da Falésia unique

Do you like curiosities about the places where you are going to travel? The entire Algarve region is full of incredible curiosities, check out:

Museum of Archeology in Albufeira

Those who like to know about our ancestors will love visiting the Municipal Museum of Archeology in Albufeira. It is located in the old town and has specific areas for Prehistoric, Roman, Islamic and Early Modern artifacts. A true masterpiece close to Praia da Falésia and ideal to visit on a free day.

Submerged cannons in the Algarve

Yes, on several beaches in the Algarve region there are underwater cannons! They are shipwrecked weapons from that region, which were left there even after discovery. Who would mobilize a crane to take cannon by cannon when you could just leave them there, right?

Albufeira Castle

In the old town of Albufeira it is possible to see the ruins of a large castle that was built in the city around the 13th century, that is, about 800 years ago!

Hotels and resorts in Praia da Falésia

Some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels and resorts in the Algarve are hidden in these cliffs, such as the Falésia da Baía do Porto, the Pine Cliffs Collection resort with its golf course overlooking the sea, the new five-star hotel Epic Sana and the cliff hotel.

But calm down, there are other options and we brought some of them for you:

Falésia Hotel

An excellent hotel, very well maintained, with a super affordable price for travelers from all over the world. It offers a wonderful outdoor garden, a heated pool, large and well-decorated rooms, clean and organized bathrooms, a balcony in the rooms and an incredible breakfast included in the price. Polite and well-educated staff help make the Falésia Hotel even brighter.

Epic sana

A simply perfect hotel. But also the most expensive in the region, with daily rates rising from 4 digits. But it is the perfect 5-star hotel, with fantastic service, impeccable rooms and infrastructure, wonderful gardens, and access to Falésia beach just the way 5-star customers like it.

Hotel Balaia Mar

The best option in terms of price and facilities in general, especially for those who like to travel with children. But as expected from a slightly cheaper hotel, the service does not have the same excellence as other slightly more expensive ones, and the prices of drinks and food end up compensating for the cheap daily rate. Anyway, it is worth considering as a great option in the Albufeira region.

Places to eat at Praia da Falésia

Falésia beach Algarve and its neighboring beaches have a number of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious traditional Portuguese food or even fast food. The cheap option is the same as always: fridge in hand with some good sandwiches and a cold drink for a fantastic and traditional day at the beach.

Cliff restaurant

Despite having complaints about the level of service, Falésia Restaurant is well known in the region. Not just because it bears the name of the beach, but mainly because of the wonderful and well-served dishes it offers its customers, not to mention that it has great prices and often has live music. The view from the place also counts as a positive point for it to be the meeting place for many young people who stroll through the region.

Cliff house

An excellent restaurant, with impeccable service, with incredible food and fair prices. Fair, however, salty… but the whole experience is really worth it. Fresh and simply delicious fish and seafood dishes. If you want a menu with a good variety and a nice place with first-class service, you can go to Casa Falésia. Just don’t feel sorry for spending good money around here.

Ristorante Pizzeria S. Martino Falésia

A traditional pizzeria, where many customers go to eat there, but many also order delivery. It is one of the main options for those who want to enjoy the night at home and want delicious food at a very fair price. The pizzas arrive really fast, the size of the pizzas are huge and they have a lot, a lot of toppings. They are delicious, worth ordering!

Hora atual
Updated at: 12:00, Feb 23, 2025
Air temperature
Air temperature: 10.5°C
Precipitation
Precipitation: 0
Water temperature
Water temperature: 15.5°C
Wave height
Wave height: 1.73 m

Review

  • Beauty
  • cleanliness
  • Location
4.7

Summary

Falésia beach does not fail in any aspect when placing itself as a top tourist destination for tourists from all over the world. The fantastic look of its multicolored cliffs, combined with the privileged location with several other beaches and tourist attractions close by, makes Falésia beach the best rated beach in the Algarve region.

With all this and everything else that the Algarve is known to offer tourists, Falésia beach is basically the darling of European beaches. With luxury resorts and more modest accommodation options, the only obstacle here can be the geographic location. But if you are passing through the south of Portugal and want to discover a paradisiacal place, you can count on Falésia beach to satisfy your will to live!

And once again, it is important to emphasize: Falésia beach is wonderful for traveling with any company or even alone. Children love the huge sandstrip and the calm sea! Not to mention that the beach has permanent security and surveillance to make everyone even more relaxed.

Pros

  • Incredible view with wonderful and multicolored cliffs.
  • Many options for tours and tourist attractions: trails between the cliffs, all-inclusive resorts, golf courses, deserted beaches and a top nightlife!
  • “Family Friendly” beach: perfect to go with the whole family to enjoy with the kids without worries.
  • Close to several other natural paradises in Portugal in the Algarve region
  • Considered by all opinion polls as the most beautiful beach in Portugal

Cons

  • The place usually has service options – both accommodation and bars, food and restaurants – somewhat expensive.
  • It can be distant for those who are not traveling through the region of the south of Portugal
user review
0 (0 vote)
feedback rating 0 (0 Assessments)

Perguntas frequentes

Where is Falésia beach?

Falésia beach - Açoteias is located very close to the border with Spain, an hour and a half from the Andalusian city of Huelva. It belongs to Albufeira, one of the main places that tourists choose to stay when they decide to visit this corner of Portugal.

How to get to Falésia beach?

If you come from the Algarve road (A22), you will have to pay an Algarve toll. Exit at Junction 11 onto the N270. When you find the N125, go straight ahead and take the M526 until you reach the beach. The car must be left along a stretch of road that leads to the sea. Once parked, access to the beach is via a ramp and stairs at the end.

Is Falésia beach a good destination to travel with children?

Falésia beach, like most beaches in the Algarve, is an ideal place to travel with children. The fact that it has a wide range of services and leisure activities makes it a good option for traveling there with the little ones.

Review

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Tags

  • Beauty
  • cleanliness
  • Location
4.7

Summary

Falésia beach does not fail in any aspect when placing itself as a top tourist destination for tourists from all over the world. The fantastic look of its multicolored cliffs, combined with the privileged location with several other beaches and tourist attractions close by, makes Falésia beach the best rated beach in the Algarve region.

With all this and everything else that the Algarve is known to offer tourists, Falésia beach is basically the darling of European beaches. With luxury resorts and more modest accommodation options, the only obstacle here can be the geographic location. But if you are passing through the south of Portugal and want to discover a paradisiacal place, you can count on Falésia beach to satisfy your will to live!

And once again, it is important to emphasize: Falésia beach is wonderful for traveling with any company or even alone. Children love the huge sandstrip and the calm sea! Not to mention that the beach has permanent security and surveillance to make everyone even more relaxed.

Pros

  • Incredible view with wonderful and multicolored cliffs.
  • Many options for tours and tourist attractions: trails between the cliffs, all-inclusive resorts, golf courses, deserted beaches and a top nightlife!
  • “Family Friendly” beach: perfect to go with the whole family to enjoy with the kids without worries.
  • Close to several other natural paradises in Portugal in the Algarve region
  • Considered by all opinion polls as the most beautiful beach in Portugal

Cons

  • The place usually has service options – both accommodation and bars, food and restaurants – somewhat expensive.
  • It can be distant for those who are not traveling through the region of the south of Portugal
user review
0 (0 vote)
feedback rating 0 (0 Assessments)