Portimão’s Praia de Boião is a harmonious extension of Praia do Vau and Praia do Alemão, forming a succession of beaches linked by fascinating rock formations. We were charmed by this natural continuity, which allows us to move from one beach to another at low tide, exploring the rocks sculpted by the waves.
In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips for making the most of your visit to Praia de Boião.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is the Praia de Boião worth it?
Yes, it’s also included in our article on Portimão’s most beautiful beaches. These geological formations create unique landscapes and are perfect spots for photography and snorkeling. You’ll appreciate this beach for its wilder character and varied tidal perspectives. We particularly recommend this beach for lovers of natural landscapes!
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
The beach’s soil is composed mainly of fine blond sand, but also rocks at the cliffs. During our visit, we also saw seaweed.
Swimming conditions and supervision
The beach is not supervised, so please take care when swimming. The slope to enter the water is gentle and gradual. We recommend that you take a good look at your surroundings before entering the water, especially around rocks to avoid injury. Equipped with a mask and snorkel, you can observe the aquatic fauna through the clear water!
Installations
We found toilets on site, but didn’t see any other facilities during our visit.
FUN in the Algarve: activities
Caves and Cliffs by Boat
Kayak Tours
Dolphin watching
Jeep Tour
Access to Praia de Boião in Portimão
Where’s the beach?
- In the Algarve region, in Portimão
- South-west of downtown
- Continuing on from Praia do Alemão
- 10-minute drive from Alvor
- 30min drive from Lagos
- 1 hour drive from Faro
Find your way around Portimão on our map:
Access by car and parking
To reach Praia de Boião, you can use the Praia do Vau pay parking lot. We recommend arriving early in the summer season to find a place easily.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN THE Algarve
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Access from the parking lot
Access via the nearby beach at low tide is one of the most authentic ways to discover the Praia de Boião. This approach allows us to fully appreciate the natural continuity between the different beaches. We found this progression particularly enjoyable, offering changing perspectives on the rock formations as we went along. It’s a 10-minute walk from Praia do Vau via Praia do Alemão.
Public transport access
The beach can be reached by local public transport. From Portimão city center, several bus lines serve the “Praia do Vau” stop. Find out more here. You’ll then need to walk about 15min to reach Praia de Boião over the sand at low tide.
Alternatively, you can reach the beach in just 15 minutes by bike along the marina and Praia da Rocha from the town center, and finish the journey on foot.
DISCOVER Portimao
Special features
Dog
We didn’t see any signs about dog access to the beach.
Reduced mobility access
Access from the nearby beach via the sand and the passage between rock formations can present difficulties for people with reduced mobility. There are no floor mats, nor adapted facilities. We recommend Praia do Vau for people with reduced mobility.
With children
The presence of rock formations and the special access to this beach mean that special care is needed with children. We recommend keeping a close eye on younger children, especially when exploring the rocks. Dangerous areas where there is a risk of falling rocks must be strictly observed.
Naturism
It is not possible to practice naturism on this beach.
Other restrictions
Signs indicate dangerous areas where there is a risk of falling rocks. We recommend that you follow these instructions for your own safety. While the urge to explore caves and rock formations may be strong, you need to be aware of the risks involved.
Eating out
You won’t find any catering options directly on the Praia de Boião. However, there’s plenty of choice in Praia do Vau, just a 10-minute walk away, including the friendly Restaurant O Rebelo. We ate a simple, tasty lunch of fresh fish and crunchy vegetables.
Hotels
Overlooking Praia do Vau, Aparthotel Jardim do Vau is just a few minutes away and offers family-friendly facilities (swimming pools, playground, junior club). – see photos, prices and availability here!
Alternatively, we also loved the Rochavau Hotel nestled between Praia da Rocha and Praia do Vau. – see photos, prices and availability here!
WHERE TO STAY IN Portimao
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Best Luxury Hotel –
Bela Vista Hotel & Spa – Check photos and availability
Best 4-star hotel –
Jupiter Marina Hotel – Check photos and availability
Best Hotel for Families –
Vitor’s Plaza Aparthotel – Check photos and availability
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE algarve
- Best of
What to do in the Algarve
The most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Algarve’s most beautiful beaches
Best excursions
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in the Algarve
How many days?
Itineraries
Where to stay in the Algarve
Lagos, Portimao or Albufeira
Most beautiful hotels
