Praia Da Bordeira(Bordeira's Beach)

Restaurante do Cabrita (Microbar) stands out for craft cocktails and vegan-friendly small plates (4.6/955 reviews), while Alecrim (Cantinho da Bordeira) provides casual coffee and light bites near the dunes. Sítio do Forno (Sítio do Forno), praised for sunset views, serves grilled fish and local wines (4.4/1,791 reviews).

Hortas do Rio (Hortas do Rio) earns a 4.9/115 rating for its riverside tranquility and modern design. Hostel do Mar offers budget-friendly stays near the village center (4.4/129 reviews). Pensão das Dunas (Pensão das Dunas) charms with its patio BBQ and colorful rooms (4.6/224 reviews). Casa Presente Guesthouse (Casa Presente), LGBTQ+-friendly, provides stylish B&B accommodations (4.8/46 reviews). Casa Fajara (Casa Fajara) boasts a pool, sauna, and tennis court (4.8/72 reviews).

The beach maintains a rustic charm with limited facilities - portable toilets and outdoor showers are available seasonally. The Bordeira Beach Bar offers basic snacks and drinks. Rentals for surfboards and bodyboards can be arranged through local vendors in Carrapateira village. Picnic areas are informal, with visitors encouraged to bring their own supplies. Recent visitors note the absence of permanent restroom structures, advising use of village facilities before arrival.

Surfing dominates activities here, with consistent Atlantic swells attracting intermediate to advanced riders. The cliff-top hiking trail along Costa Vicentina provides stunning coastal views and birdwatching opportunities. Sandboarding down the massive dunes proves popular, while beachcombing reveals unique shells and weathered driftwood. Low-tide rock pools teem with marine life, offering family-friendly exploration. Photography enthusiasts flock here for dramatic sunrise/sunset shots across the ever-changing dune landscape.

While some parking areas are designated wheelchair-accessible, beach access involves navigating soft sand and uneven terrain without ramps or boardwalks extending to shore. The cliff-top wooden walkway offers wheelchair-accessible ocean views but contains steep sections. Most restaurants in nearby Carrapateira provide wheelchair-ready entrances and restrooms. No beach-accessible wheelchairs or mobility aid rentals are currently available onsite.

Free gravel parking lots sit approximately 300m from the beach entrance, with overflow parking along rural access roads. No formal parking fees apply, though spaces fill quickly during peak summer months. Access requires navigating a rough dirt track - SUVs recommended. Village parking near Carrapateira offers alternatives for hikers using the cliff trail. Wheelchair-accessible parking exists but leads to uneven terrain unsuitable for mobility devices.

This beach hosted several World Surf League qualifying events due to its challenging waves. The dunes can reach 30m height, constantly reshaped by strong northerly winds. Local legend claims Moorish pirates buried treasure in the cliffs. Rare plant species like sea daffodils thrive in the microclimates created by the dunes' shifting patterns. The area serves as a critical nesting ground for endangered loggerhead sea turtles, though sightings remain rare.

The Carrapateira Fortress Museum provides insights into local maritime history and pirate defenses. Bordeira's iconic wooden boardwalk traverses protected dune ecosystems, while the Rota Vicentina Fishermen's Trail offers multi-day coastal hikes. Nearby Ponta da Atalaia provides panoramic views where cliffs plunge 50m into the ocean. Traditional whitewashed villages like Vila do Bispo (8 miles east) feature authentic Portuguese restaurants and artisan shops.