Located by the mouth of the Arade river, Rocha Beach extends over a huge area of sand some 3 kilometres long irregularly broken up by odd rock formations that the sea has been carving out throughout tens of thousands of years.
Regularly the chosen location for Algarve tourism publicity photographs and highly publicised in international campaigns, this is now one of the most popular resorts in southern Portugal. This is further encouraged by the range of nightlife that even boasts its own Casino.
Bathed by a calm and warm sea that provides for risk-free swimming, Rocha Beach is also equipped with the facilities for a number of different sports including basketball, football, volleyball and aerobics.
Under the Algarve sun
If you like your beaches, the Algarve is a great choice. There is everything possible to ensure the best of holidays in the sun.
If you like your beaches, the Algarve is a great choice. There is everything possible to ensure the best of holidays in the sun. With an amenable year round climate, the Algarve season extends beyond high summer and enables you to choose less crowded periods of the year. That is, from mid-April through to October, the sun is - almost - always out thus extending the pleasures of the Algarve’s beaches far beyond August.
Long beaches are broken only by irregular rock forms including odd and mysterious cave formations that may be visited by boat. Some luxury hotels, given their exclusive sea-frontage are in the very best position for enjoyment of this fine environment.
Visit the stores of the Vilamoura marina and admire the splendid yachts at anchor over an ice cream on a café terrace
Of the diverse range of cuisine available across the Algarve, musts include the shellfish and potato ‘cataplana’ copper-cooked stew accompanied by lavish glasses of chilled white. Such dinner is perfect before setting out to tour the lively and long lasting Algarve nightlife. There are as many places to drink as there are to dance – and that is through to day break at Praia da Rocha, in Galé, Praia da Oura, or alternatively in Vilamoura.
Beaches of the Algarve
The Algarve region has beaches to suit all tastes. We’ve selected a few for you to visit.
If you’re looking for wild, untamed beaches with lots of waves, then the beach of Arrifana, on the Costa Vicentina, is one of the most beautiful. People come from miles around just to look at it. Barriga is just as beautiful. You can only get to it along a dirt track and you will need to take some provisions with you. It’s well worth the trouble, though, as this is definitely a five-star beach.
For smooth seas and vast, sandy beaches, you should be in the Sotavento region of the Algarve, which is its eastern part. If you like having kilometres of sand all to yourself and the chance to spread your towel just where you want, then we guarantee that you’ll fall in love with the beach of Barril, on an island directly opposite Tavira.
If you prefer the company of the golden rocks that have made the Algarve famous, then choose the bay of Lagos, and the beach of Dona Ana in particular. Above all, don’t miss the chance to walk along the seaside through the fascinating arches and tunnels carved out of the rocks.
For nightlife lovers, the lively atmospheres of Praia da Rocha in Portimão, Galé in Albufeira, or Praia da Oura and Vilamoura will be ideal for you. Finally, if you’re in with the in-crowd, then take a trip to the beach of Ancão, between Quinta do Lago and Vale de Lobo, two of the finest resorts in the Algarve. Don’t let yourself be fooled by the rustic simplicity of the wooden restaurants; this is the high end of beach life.
Algarve: marinas & harbours
The Algarve’s marinas and ports provide safe harbour and excellent facilities.
The climate and gentle waters of the Algarve ensure a pleasant voyage along its 150 kilometres of coastline.
Head towards Lagos or Portimão and discover the westward side of the Algarve. The Lagos Marina has gained both Euromarina Anchor awards and the European Union Blue Flag. Take the opportunity to explore Lagos, a city critical to the Portuguese voyages of discovery and the country’s nautical history.
Just inside the mouth of the Arade river, the 620-capacity Portimão Marina also caters for all vessels, including larger craft. There are plenty of activities on offer in the area as well. Play a round of golf on one of the nearby courses with their sweeping ocean views, or enjoy an after dinner walk along the picturesque riverbank.
With two separate zones for differing types of vessel, the Vilamoura Marina provides a vast range of recreational boating support services. The charming nautical club also awaits your visit.
And on docking in the Guadiana Marina, take the opportunity to explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park. With many rare species of fauna and flora, the park covers some 60 kilometres of the coastline.
Gastronomy of the Algarve
From Sagres to the river Guadiana, the Algarve is a region of sun and seafood.
Such is the variety and quality that a simple grilled fish or a few local goose barnacles served up on a Costa Vicentina beach becomes an exceptionally special experience. And then there are all the regional innovations in how best to cook these wonderfully natural ingredients including the brass cooking utensil the ‘cataplana’, the ‘caldeirada’ fish stews and other soups. And there are all the savouries and snacks ideal for recharging halfway through a day at the beach, on the golf course, or simply enjoying the good weather.
Try a few ‘carapau’, the local species of mackerel, or the traditional grilled sardines of Portimão, accompanied by a ‘mountain salad’ in Cacela and discover the joys of flavoursome simplicity. From the tuna steak of Tavira to the octopus of Santa Luzia, the Algarve excels in a menu that extends to delicious local cockles, ‘conquilha’ shells and razor clams. And there are oysters from Baleeira, Alvor and the river Formosa with squid and cuttlefish also common across the entire Algarve. After all, this is a land of fishermen!
But the Algarve also has its hills with their own culinary traditions, such as the ‘cozido de grão’ bean dish. And the upper regions grow the fruits that produce the sweets. The almond, orange and fig that go into the ‘morgado’ and ‘dom rodrigo’ sweets that are to the temptation of all. And where the fruits do not serve for dessert, they go into flavouring regional liqueurs and spirits. Try the ‘medronho da serra’ grape based spirit or the almond liqueur ‘amêndoa amarga’, ideally served deeply chilled.
Every possible ingredient for a romantic evening as the sun settles its way over the horizon.
