A tourists guide to Falesia Beach or Praia da Falésia, Portugal

Obviously one of the best things to do in Falesia, Portugal is head to the beach and I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that Falesia Beach in the Algarve is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Bordered by towering red cliffs to it’s East and gently sloping dunes to the West it has everything you could wish for to enjoy a full day at the beach. Known locally as Praia da Falesia the sand stretches almost all the way from Albufeira to Vilamoura. Here’s everything you need to know about Falesia Beach.

The beach is split into two parts Açoteias to the West and Alfamar to the East. The West is where you’ll find most of the hotel with well maintained steps down to the sand. The East is calmer until you get close to Vilamoura a whilst you may not get the vibrant cliff views, the views of the Atlantic Ocean are absolutely spectacular.
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What to do at Falesia Beach

Praia de Falesia is a great beach for simply lying on the sand, listening to the waves and getting lost in a good book. But if you fancy something a bit more active there are plenty of things to do on Falesia Beach.

Falésia beach watersports

Falesia beach is a popular place in the Algarve for surfing, waves are pretty consistent although not huge so great for beginners. Head to the East of the beach near Vilamoura for the best waves. You can easily book surfing lessons at Falesia Beach online to secure your spot.

You can also book paragliding and paratrike flights which fly over Falesia beach giving you some fabulous views of those orange cliffs from above. Other options are Kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling or Jet Skiing.

Falesia Beach Walk Path

If you’re more about the dry land activities then a Falesia beach walk is for you. Walking along the sand is absolutely magical and you can go as far as you like. We walked from our hotel, the Adriana beach to Vilamoura which took around an hour and took us past some fabulous cliff formations. Just be carful at high tide as the sea can reach the bottom of the cliffs. During off season, if you’re walking through the shallow waves you’ll need to be careful to dodge the fisherman’s lines.

For even more impressive views there’s a fabulous cliff top trail you can follow which borders pretty much the whole of the beach. You’ll pass through pine tree bordered trails and around vibrant red craters. Just be careful not to stand too close to the edge, those amazing cliff formations are made from constant erosion.

What can I do at Falesia Beach with kids

Swimming on the East of the beach is probably best for kids as the water is calmer and shallower. The bottom is sandy rather than rocky so perfect for little feet. My 12 year old loves surfing and bodyboarding, if you book a lesson then it will include use of a board. Otherwise you may struggle to get the equipment to the beach. So a good paddle or swim should be enough to keep most kids happy.

Piper also loves a good hike and sunset views so the cliff walk is high on her list of the best things to do at Falesia Beach.

Read Next: Fantastic things to do with kids in Albufeira

Where to eat on Falesia Beach

Thai Beach Club

For a a bit of luxury with a laid back vibe the Thai Beach club which is located near Vilamoura is the place to go. With an extensive Thai Menu offering snacks, mains and full set menus. This is the place to head to on a Sunday when they are in full beach party mode with live music, plenty of bubbles and a lively atmosphere.

Snack bar Falesia

Located at the Olhos de Agua end of the beach is Snack bar Falesia. If you want a quick lunch this is the perfect spot. It’s super friendly and great value. The coffee is strong, the smoothies are fresh and toasties and burgers are only around €3.

NosoloÁgua Vilamoura

Another super glamorous but very relaxed spot is NosoloÁgua located near Vilamoura. They serve a wide selection of sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and a variety of Sushi. Prices are pretty steep but the view and atmosphere is amazing.

Rocha Baixinha

Focussing on Mediterranean flavours, fresh salads and seafood, Rocha Baixinha is a great place for a long, lazy lunch.  A fish dinner is around €25 and a huge salad is around €15. This restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.

If you don’t fancy any of these, there are heaps of restaurants in Vilamoura harbour which is a ten minute walk from the East side of the beach.

Praia da Falésia beach bars

I love a good beach bar any where. There’s something truly magical about sipping a cold drink and watching the waves. There are several Praia da Falésia beach bars to try during your visit.

For one of those ultra luxurious, instagramable days at the beach I recommend trying Sora Beach Club. You can grab a drink whilst relaxing on your own lounger on the sand and day packages start as low as €25. They also have a pool if you prefer that to the sea and separate adult only and family areas.
We absolutely loved the cocktails at the Thai Beach Club. It’s a fabulous place to sip something cold whilst you watch the sunset. and the decor is just the cutest!

Rocha Baixinha is also a fab place for a sundowner after a day relaxing at the beach. The huge windows and rustic interior make it the perfect place to watch the waves.

What is the sand like on Falesia Beach

It’s pretty perfect really. Soft, fine and golden and perfect for sandcastles!

Which part of Falesia Beach is best?

That really depends on what you’re after. To the West at Açoteias is where you’ll find the best scenery. The towering orange cliffs, the empty stretches of golden sand and gently lapping waves. To the West at Alfamar the cliffs are a lot lower and the waves are better for water-sports.

What to do at night on Falesia Beach

Sunsets at Falesia Beach are jaw droppingly beautiful. The combination of the vibrant orange cliffs and red sky turn the whole beach scarlet. If at all possible try to stay till the end of the day to soak it all in. The beach clubs are the best places to spend golden hour and will often have DJs or live bands.

Facilities on Praia da Falésia

During the summer months there are life guards on Falesia beach keeping swimmers and surfers safe. There are public toilets at Açoteias which are free to use.

Where to stay on Falesia Beach

The area around Falesia Beach is home to some amazing hotels. It’s a popular place for all inclusive, luxury accommodation. During our stay we booked the Adriana Beach which is one of the best Algarve all inclusive hotels. It’s perched on the clifftop with wooden steps leading straight down to the sand of Falesia beach. This is a great hotel to choose if you’re visiting the Algarve with kids as it’s super family friendly.

There’s also the sprawling Pine Cliffs Residence which is a gorgeous 5 start resort style hotel. Home to a spa, tennis courts, a 9 hole golf course and 2 beautiful pools and direct access to the beach.
For an adults only option the 4 star Falesia Hotel offers a free 5 minute shuttle to the beach. It has gorgeous grounds and a couple of lovely pools.

For more great hotels right next to Falesia beach have a look at these family hotels in Vilamoura. All within walking distance of Falesia.

Check out this video of Falesia Beach If you’d like to get a feel for the views.

How to get to Falesia Beach

Located between Albufeira and Vilamoura, Falesia is a little off the beaten path. Google maps should get you there pretty easily.
If you’re driving then there are a couple of carparks at Falesia Beach although these fill up quickly during peak season. Arrive after ten and you’re unlikely to find a spot. You should be able to find a free parking space on one of the nearby streets but you may have to walk quite a way. The largest paid carpark is at Rocha Baixinha

If you don’t fancy hunting for parking or fancy a drink during your day at the beach then taxis and ubers in the Algarve are cheap and easy to get.
From all the carparks you’ll need to head down several stairs due to the steep cliffs that shelter the beach. If you are walking round from Vilamoura there are no steps to overcome.

Praia da Falésia address

Rua da Falésia,
Aldeia da Falésia,
Olhos de Água,
Albufeira

When is the best time to visit Praia da Falesia

Whilst most beaches in the Algarve get overcrowded in the summer, Falesia beach manages to stay pretty calm year round. You’ll see plenty of locals walking the beach over the winter months although the sea is probably a little too cold for swimming. Not all restaurants and bars stay open during winter. It’s not really a problem as there are plenty that do in Vilamoura marina.
Price wise it’s always best to visit out of the European school holidays – April, July and August. I love the Algarve in October when the area feels calmer, slower and prices drop quite dramatically.