Praia do Tonel

Sagres, Algarve, Portugal

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Highlights

Well-known Sagres surf and bodyboard beach
Set between Cabo de São Vicente and Ponta de Sagres
Sandy beach below dramatic Atlantic cliffs
Access by a wide ramp cut into the cliff from the EN268
Close to Fortaleza de Sagres and Sagres village
Official 2026 Blue Flag listing for Tonel

Full description

Praia do Tonel is one of the key surf beaches in the Sagres area, located in the municipality of Vila do Bispo on the south-western edge of the Algarve. Official tourism sources place it in the bay between Cabo de São Vicente and Ponta de Sagres, with a sheltered sandy area below high cliffs and access from the EN268 by a wide ramp cut into the cliff. The beach is especially associated with surfing and bodyboarding. VisitPortugal describes it as much sought after by surfers and bodyboarders, giving Tonel a distinct Atlantic character compared with more sheltered resort beaches elsewhere in the Algarve. Conditions can vary significantly, and the beach should be approached as a surf-oriented west Algarve beach rather than a guaranteed calm swimming spot. Tonel is also valuable for its location. It sits close to Sagres village, the Fortaleza de Sagres and the route towards Cabo de São Vicente, making it a natural stop for visitors exploring the south-western headlands, coastal viewpoints and protected landscapes of the Costa Vicentina. The surrounding cliffs and open horizon give the beach a strong visual identity, especially in softer light. ABAAE lists Tonel as a 2026 Blue Flag beach, with a bathing season from 1 June to 30 September 2026 and a Blue Flag season from 1 July to 30 September 2026. Facilities and surveillance should still be treated as seasonal, and visitors should follow local flags, signage and cliff-safety guidance.

Meeting point

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

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Important information

Suitable for

Surfers
Bodyboarders
Photographers
Visitors staying in Sagres
Visitors exploring Cabo de São Vicente
Coastal walkers
Nature-focused travellers
Beachgoers comfortable with Atlantic conditions

Not suitable for

Visitors expecting guaranteed calm swimming conditions
Visitors requiring verified accessible-beach support
Families carrying heavy beach equipment without checking access first
Visitors seeking a fully serviced resort beach
Anyone intending to sit close to cliff bases or ignore surf-safety flags

Includes

Blue Flag 2026 listing

Seasonal beach surveillance

Car parking

Surf and bodyboard activity

Ramp access cut into the cliff

Sagres headland setting

Nearby Fortaleza de Sagres

Nearby Cabo de São Vicente

Best Time to Visit

June to September for the official bathing season and seasonal beach support. Spring and autumn can be important surf periods, but conditions should always be checked carefully because Atlantic swell and wind can change quickly.

Know before you go

ABAAE lists the 2026 bathing season for Tonel as 1 June 2026 to 30 September 2026. ABAAE lists the 2026 Blue Flag season for Tonel as 1 July 2026 to 30 September 2026. At the time of verification, ABAAE showed the Blue Flag as not yet hoisted, consistent with the season not having started. Praia do Tonel is popular with surfers and bodyboarders, but Atlantic conditions can vary significantly. Access is through a ramp cut into the cliff; visitors should still expect a cliff-backed beach environment. Parking close to the beach may be limited during peak periods, with broader parking nearby according to regional tourism information. Facilities and surveillance may vary by season. Visitors should avoid cliff edges and cliff bases and follow local flags, signage and official safety guidance.