Praia do Beliche

Sagres, Algarve, Portugal

VERIFIED

Highlights

Famous Sagres-area beach between Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente
High cliff-framed sandy bay in the Costa Vicentina landscape
Well known for surf and bodyboard conditions
Part of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina setting
Close to Fortaleza de Beliche and Cabo de São Vicente
Dramatic cliff and Atlantic scenery for photography

Full description

Praia do Beliche is one of the landmark beaches of the Sagres area, located in the municipality of Vila do Bispo on the dramatic south-western edge of the Algarve. Set within the Costa Vicentina and the wider Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, the beach is enclosed by high cliffs and sits close to the route between Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente. The beach has a strong visual identity: a sandy bay below layered limestone cliffs, Atlantic water, a sense of shelter from the surrounding rock walls, and a west-facing coastal setting close to one of Portugal’s most symbolic headlands. VisitPortugal describes Beliche as well known among surfers and bodyboarders, with excellent waves and competition activity. This makes it particularly relevant for surf-focused visitors, photographers and travellers exploring the Sagres coastline. Access is an important consideration. Regional tourism information identifies Beliche as a restricted-use beach because much of it lies in an area where landslide risk exists, and other official route descriptions refer to a long staircase descending through the cliff. Visitors should treat the cliff environment seriously, stay away from cliff bases and edges, and follow all warning signs. Praia do Beliche is scenic and memorable, but not a simple resort beach. Facilities are limited to those verified by official tourism sources, and current Blue Flag status should not be claimed. It is best visited with preparation, respect for the protected coastal setting, and close attention to sea and cliff safety.

Meeting point

Praia do Beliche, Sagres, Vila do Bispo, Algarve, Portugal

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Important information

Suitable for

Surfers
Bodyboarders
Photographers
Visitors exploring Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente
Couples
Nature-focused travellers
Coastal walkers
Visitors comfortable with stair access and cliff environments

Not suitable for

Visitors requiring step-free access
Visitors with reduced mobility unless current access conditions are confirmed
Families carrying heavy beach equipment
Visitors seeking a fully serviced resort beach
Visitors expecting guaranteed calm swimming conditions
Anyone intending to sit close to cliff bases

Includes

Seasonal beach surveillance

Car parking

Bar and restaurant

Surf and bodyboard activity

Long staircase access

Restricted-use cliff-risk context

Costa Vicentina protected landscape

Nearby Cabo de São Vicente

Best Time to Visit

Spring, early summer and early autumn are good for scenery, photography and quieter Sagres-area visits. Surf conditions vary throughout the year and should be checked carefully before entering the water.

Know before you go

Praia do Beliche is identified by Visit Algarve as a restricted-use beach because a large part lies within an area where there is landslide risk. ABAAE’s Vila do Bispo page shows Beliche with legacy 2022 bathing-season and Blue Flag-season data, not current 2026 Blue Flag-season data. Current 2026 Blue Flag status was not verified and should not be claimed. Access involves a long cliff staircase and may be challenging for visitors with reduced mobility or heavy equipment. The beach is backed by high cliffs; visitors should avoid cliff bases and cliff edges. Surf and bodyboard conditions are naturally variable and can be unsuitable for inexperienced users on some days. Facilities and surveillance may be seasonal. Visitors should follow local signage, beach flags and official safety guidance.