Located on the Ponta da Piedade side of Lagos, Praia do Canavial totally charmed us with its high golden cliffs and turquoise waters. We fell in love with this unspoilt stretch of sand, which is nevertheless difficult to access.
In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips on how to make the most of this delightful waterside getaway!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Yes, this beach is well worth a visit, even though it’s relatively difficult to get to. We were seduced by its unique setting, with high orange cliffs contrasting with the blue of the ocean. It’s a haven for travelers seeking authenticity and privacy. Part of the beach is frequented by naturists.
Discover the beach from the sea on a cruise to Ponta da Piedade!
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
The soil at Praia do Canavial is soft, golden sand. We also noticed a few rocks dotting the beach, adding to the wild charm of the place.
Swimming conditions and supervision
The turquoise waters of Praia do Canavial invite you to take a dip, but we advise you to exercise extreme caution. The beach is unsupervised and the waves can be rough. In addition, the presence of rocks along the shoreline requires special care to avoid injury.
To be on the safe side, don’t get too close to the cliffs because of the risk of falling rocks too!
Installations
The beach has no facilities. There are no showers or toilets, and no deckchairs or parasols for hire. This lack of facilities helps preserve the wild, natural aspect of the area. We did, however, come across kayakers from the nearby Praia do Porto de Mós.
FUN in the Algarve: activities
Caves and cliffs by boat
Kayak Tours
Dolphin watching
Jeep tour
- In the Algarve, Portugal
- In the city of Lagos
- At Ponta da Piedade
- East of Praia do Porto de Mós
- 30min drive from Alvor
- 35min drive from Portimão
- 1 hour drive from Faro
Access by car and parking
To reach the beach, head first for Ponta da Piedade, then Porto de Mós. A small free parking lot with limited spaces is available at a cul-de-sac off Rua do Canavial. It’s just a 5-minute walk downhill to the beach.
Below is a photo showing the start of the path to the beach. It lies off the marked wooden pontoons that wind around the cliff tops of Ponta da Piedade. The descent is steep and requires good footwear. The floor is very slippery. There is a high risk of falling, as the rock is friable. Take your time if you want to reach the sand!
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.
Read our tips (coming soon)
Public transport access
The beach is also accessible by bus via the local transport network. The “Porto de Mós – Casa Velha” stop (line 2) is about a 15-minute walk away. Find out about bus timetables here.
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.
Read our tips (coming soon)
Special features
Dog
Although there are no specific instructions, we advise against bringing a dog, as we found the access path particularly dangerous for four-legged animals.
Reduced mobility access
The beach is not at all accessible to people with reduced mobility. The access path is very steep and slippery.
With children
We do not recommend this beach for families with children. The lack of supervision, the difficulty of access and the bathing conditions are not suitable for the very young.
Naturism
Praia do Canavial is known as an unofficial naturist beach. Naturists are usually found in the eastern part of the beach.
Eating out
There are no catering options on the beach. Check out our article on the best restaurants in Lagos for inspiration (coming soon)!
Hotels
Located on the Ponta de Piedade side, the beach is surrounded by quality accommodation. Find our 3 favorites nearby:
- Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda – Check photos, photos and availability.
- Cascade Wellness Resort – Check photos, photos and availability.
- Hotel Clube Porto de Mós – Check photos, photos and availability.
