Praia da Rocha Baixinha
Albufeira, Portugal, 8200-593
Near to the luxurious resort of Vilamoura in eastern Albufeira, Praia da Rocha Baixinha is a long stretch of the Algarve’s trademark golden sand. Stretching for 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), the Blue Flag beach is backed by cliffs that transform into sand dunes the further along you go. The terracotta-colored rocks contrast beautifully against the turquoise of the Atlantic Ocean.
The basics
Praia da Rocha Baixinha is a popular place to enjoy watersports such as surfing, windsurfing, Jet Skiing, kitesurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Beach-hopping boat tours sometimes combine Praia da Rocha Baixinha with the famous Benagil Cave, while taking you to secret spots along Albufeira’s coast. You’re also likely to pass the beach on dolphin-watching cruises and parasailing experiences that offer spectacular views of the Algarve coastline.
Things to know before you go
You can rent sunbeds and parasols in summer; bring cash to pay for rentals.
There’s a sophisticated beach bar and restaurant on Praia da Rocha Baixinha, where you can enjoy Champagne and seafood delicacies.
Lifeguards are on duty during the peak summer months. Conditions vary depending on the tide, but the water is typically calm enough for swimming at low tide.
There’s a wooden boardwalk leading from the west side, meaning this beach is suitable for travelers with limited mobility.
How to get there
From central Albufeira, Praia da Rocha Baixinha—which is sometimes also called Praia dos Tomates due to the plants that grow there—is a 20-minute drive. From the resort of Vilamoura, you can walk to Praia da Rocha Baixinha in 10 minutes via a footbridge.
When to get there
Like all of the Algarve, Praia da Rocha Baixinha is likely to be heaving from mid-July through September, as it’s a favorite destination among families enjoying the European school holidays. It’s a great place to catch the sunset from one of the bars that line the promenade behind it.
The sophisticated nightlife of Vilamoura
A short walk from Praia da Rocha Baixinha, you’ll find the glamorous Vilamoura Marina, which is home to 5-star hotels and golf resorts that attract Portugal’s elite. It’s a great place to go for rooftop cocktails or a surf-and-turf dinner at one of several excellent steak restaurants that overlook the luxury yacht-filled marina.
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