Praia Da Vigia

Located in the coastal city of Albufeira, in the southern Algarve region, Praia da Vigia - also known as Praia da Sardinha - is a small beige sand beach with many rocky portions.  The beach is tucked between the famous Praia de Sao Rafael and the secluded Praia dos Arrifes to its east.  This east-facing hidden beach is nestled between rocky headlands and has a beautiful backdrop of rocky cliffs and coastal vegetation, which together provide spectacular views of the vast North Atlantic Ocean.  The beach is actually part of the larger, well-known Praia dos Arrifes, which divides into Praia da Vigia and Praia dos Arrifes during high tide.

Praia da Vigia does not have lifeguards but offers several other amenities including mineral water showers, restrooms, and changing rooms, which are conveniently located in nearby restaurants.

Praia da Vigia offers several fun activities, including swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, Kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, diving, tidepooling, surfing, and hiking.  If you are planning to go into the water, this naturally sheltered bay is a perfect spot for swimming.  The water near the beach is shallow, which is ideal for canoes, kayaks, and small boats.   Snorkelers and divers may spot an array of marine life, making it a fascinating spot for nature enthusiasts.  In addition, visitors can rent beach equipment or book  boat and kayak tours.  Hikers can enjoy the nearby hiking trails, which offer unique insights into the local biodiversity.  It is perfect for visitors seeking a quiet beach experience, as this beach sees fewer visitors than other nearby beaches.  Dogs are not allowed here, and the beach is open from sunrise until sunset.

Praia da Vigia does not offer an access path for people with disabilities.

Getting to Praia da Vigia is easy - the beach has a few parking spots located at R. dos Arrifes, 8200-613, which is easily accessible via State Road M526.  After parking, visitors have to hike down a rugged path to access the beach.

The secluded nature of Praia da Vigia, Portugal, makes it a popular destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway or a quiet stroll while watching the sunset over the Albufeira coast.

There are many attractions near Praia da Vigia.  Aqualand Algarve is a family-friendly water park that features many thrilling water slides, wave pools, a lazy river, and splash pools.  It offers many other amenities, including restaurants, snack bars, picnic areas, sun loungers, parasol rental facilities, and locker rental services.  Zoomarine Algarve is a popular marine theme park that offers interesting dolphin shows, sea lion presentations, tropical bird performances, and educational exhibitions focused on protecting marine life and promoting environmental awareness.  In addition, visitors can also enjoy a mini-roller coaster, carousel, giant wheel, water slides, swimming pools, and other recreational facilities.  The Castle of Paderne is a well-preserved 12th-century Moorish fortress that features crenelated walls, towers, and a central courtyard.  It offers a unique glimpse into medieval history and provides panoramic views of the town of Albufeira and the Quarteira River.  Marina de Albufeira is a family-friendly recreational area with many amenities, including restaurants, bars, swimming pools, shops, a promenade, and water sports activities.  Visitors can enjoy boat trips and stroll along the promenade.  If you are looking for another nearby attraction, Albufeira Old Town is located in the central part of the city and is well-known for its narrow cobblestone streets, buildings adorned with colorful trim, churches, museums, and traditional Portuguese architecture.  In addition, it offers a unique blend of history, culture, dining, and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for tourists exploring the Algarve region of Portugal.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants within a five-minute walk of Praia da Vigia.  Restaurante da Praia de Sao Rafael serves amazing salads, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, meat, poultry, and vegetarian dishes.  The Brasserie offers an outdoor seating area and serves pre-designed five course meals.  Restaurante 54 serves delicious seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  La Barca Restaurant serves amazing salads, pizzas, calazones, pasta, seafood, meat, pork, and poultry dishes.  If you are looking for another good and affordable nearby restaurant, O Catraio serves salads, burgers, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.

If you are looking for a hotel near Praia da Vigia, there are many great options nearby.  If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 5-Star NAU Sao Rafael Suites is five minutes away by car and offers many amenities including three outdoor pools, a kid’s pool, a tennis court, a spa with a heated indoor pool, massage service, a hammam, a sauna, and two upscale restaurants.  A more affordable hotel is the 4-Star Hotel Vila Gale Collection Praia, which offers many amenities, including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a spa, a yoga studio, a hammam, a hot tub, tennis courts, and a restaurant.   Another moderately priced option is the 4-Star Hotel Baia Grande, which has many amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a sauna, a steam room, a fitness center, a game room with a billiards table, and a restaurant.  A more reasonably priced option is the 3-Star Villas Barrocal, which offers a few amenities including an outdoor pool, a game room, and a restaurant.  If you are looking for another good and affordable nearby hotel, the 3-Star Hapimag Resort Albufeira offers several amenities including an outdoor pool, a spa, and a restaurant.