Vilamoura beaches

If you are looking for the perfect beach holiday destination, then Vilamoura in central Algarve, Portugal, has it all! Either side of the stunning marina offers miles of soft sand, with easy parking and accessibility, making Vilamoura beaches the ideal choice for the whole family!

With Vilamoura Beach (or ‘Praia da Marina’) to the east of the marina and Praia da Rocha Baixinha to the west, the only decision for those lazy beach days will be to turn left or right? Both of these beaches in Vilamoura have sun loungers, lots of fun water sports and beach bars for meals and refreshments. If you decide to stay at the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura hotel, you will be also be able to enjoy decadent moments at their private Purobeach!

Vilamoura Beach - 'Praia da Marina'

Vilamoura Beach ('Praia da Marina' or 'Praia de Vilamoura') is on the eastern side of Vilamoura marina. It is a lovely sandy beach with beach bars, sunbeds and a very convenient, large car park right behind the beach.

There are all sorts of water sports available from Vilamoura Beach and the end nearest the marina is now part of the Purobeach, part of the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura hotel. Purobeach offers VIP beach time, with exotic decoration, 'hangover beds' and decadent 'nomad beds', plus Tai Chi classes and massage area! There is a resident DJ and exclusive parties in the summer, with themed events, guest DJs and live acts.

Access to Vilamoura Beach is very easy, as the boarded walkway along the beach joins the road at the car park. It is classed as an 'Accessible Beach' and has lifeguard supervision during the beach season.

Praia da Rocha Baixinha in Vilamoura

On the western side of Vilamoura marina is the beautiful beach of Praia da Rocha Baixinha - a long stretch of soft white sand that runs all the way to Olhos de Água in Albufeira. Part way along the sands it becomes Praia da Falésia, but who's counting! There is plenty of room for everyone, and more than enough sunbeds to go around! The boarded walkway starts from the marina end and continues westwards for a considerable distance, past several beach bars.

If you enjoy watersports there are plenty on offer - jetskis, parasailing, banana boat rides or a more relaxing pedaloe ride!

There is a large paying car park right behind the beach, providing easy access for wheelchair users as the bridge over the river joins straight on to the walkway along the beach. There is also space next to the official car park which is free! Praia da Rocha Baixinha is a supervised beach and is also classed as an 'Accessible Beach' - so it's perfect for all the family!

'Accessible Beaches in the Algarve

What do we mean when we talk about the Vilamoura beaches being classed as an 'Accessible Beach'? Well, along with many other Algarve beaches, this means that not only do they provide ramps, footpaths and walkways directly to the sand but facilities also meet certain other criteria for disable people, for example, for restaurant tables, bar and counter heights. They also have first aid posts and disabled toilets and should be equipped with wheelchairs, walking aids and other equipment capable of being used in the sea as well as on the beach. So if you see the 'Accessible Beach' flag flying above Algarve beaches, you know that they have all the facilities to ensure a great day at the beach!

'Blue Flag' Algarve Beaches

'Blue Flag' works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas through publicly awarding sites that meet strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services. This prestigious award is given to beaches and marinas across the Algarve every year and Vilamoura Beach (which is also classed as an "Accessible Beach") is normally an annual recipient too!

To find out if Vilamoura Beach and other nearby beaches in the 'Loulé' municipality have got the award this year, see Blue Flag - Algarve Beaches & Marinas!