This town is one of my favourite coastal towns, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and a nice promenade along the beaches. Every first Sunday of the month, the town gets very busy because of a concentration of classic and vintage cars.

Praia do Vale do Olival is one of those beaches that seems to have it all. Natural beauty, cliff formations, a long sandy beach, and options for both relaxation and adventure.


What I really love about this beach is its accessibility. There is a large parking area just at the top of the beach, where I am always able to find a parking spot, even in high season. This makes it ideal for families or anyone who, like me, ends up bringing too many bags filled with toys, snacks, towels, and more. No long walks or steep stairways, you just park and after a few metres you are on the beach.

Another amazing and convenient thing about this beach - there are three restaurants right on or just near the beach. The first one to mention is Olivalmar, situated at the top next to the parking lot. Seaside restaurant with regional ingredients and an amazing wine selection. You'll find here informal dishes to share, as well as dishes suggested by the Chef. Calixtos Beach Bar and Restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and the possibility to enjoy both Portuguese and Asian cuisine, complemented by live music every Friday night. Sardinha Assada is located right on the beach and is a great option for fish lovers.

Credits: TPN; Author: Tereza Pedro;

If you forgot your umbrella at home and you are looking for a bit of shade, you can always find it in small, sheltered areas created by striking rock formations. During the summer months, make sure to arrive at the beach early, as these cozy spots are always taken first.

For those in search of a more active day, take a scenic walk along the cliffs starting from Vale do Olival. During the summer season, I recommend doing this earlier in the morning or later in the day, as it might be very hot and there is no possibility to buy water before you leave the cliff area. Along the way, you will see the luxurious Vila Vita Parc resort, the beach with the beautiful name “Praia dos Beijinhos” /beach of kisses/, Tremoços beach, and the cliff path finishes in Alporchinhos.

If you carry on walking down the road, you will find a seaside chapel, Nossa Senhora da Rocha. Amazing spot for taking pictures, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Whether you are planning a relaxing day on the beach or have a bit of adventure and hike on the cliffs, this beach offers something for everyone.

Author

Tereza Pedro is originally from Slovakia and now based in the Algarve, with a master’s in mass media. Passionate about lifestyle and storytelling, she captures the essence of daily life through a blend of creativity, international perspective, and coastal living—all while raising her son.

Tereza Pedro