Praia da Cordoama is a beautiful, large sandy beach on the west coast of the Algarve. High environmental and quality standards results in this wild and remote beach being awarded blue flag status. With soft white sand and surrounded by impressive black cliffs, Cordoama beach forms part of the beautiful landscapes in the Costa Vicentina natural park.
This is an isolated beach located about 5 km (a 10 minute drive) from the small town of Vila de Bispo. Located on the west coast of the Algarve, Praia da Cordoama catches a lot of swell and is a great place for surfing. A fantastic beach to spend the day, great for surfing, sunbathing or long walks.
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Praia do Cordoama All About The Beach
Cordoama Beach is a long sandy beach more than 1 kilometer in length. It is a neat, clean beach meeting international standards regarding safety, water quality and facilities and was awarded blue flag status. Praia da Cordoama is bordered by Praia da Castelejo in the south and by Praia da Barriga in the north. At low tide all three these beaches are connected. The long white sandy beach is backed by large black cliffs. Between Cordoama and Castalejo there is a large strip of rocks, including a rock called Pedra da Laje. During low tide in the rock pools you find goose barnacles and mussels thrive, some locals collect them and sell them to the restaurants. At high tide the beach becomes very narrow. There are not many rocks in front of the carpark, but further north keep an eye out for some rocks in the water. Due to the exposure to north west swells from the Atlantic the spot often has big waves in winter.
Things To Do at Cordoama Beach
Surfing
Praia da Cordoama is best known for surfing, it is a consistent spot and most days you will find surfers getting dressed in the parking area. It is a beach break, that breaks over sand and scattered rocks with plenty of peaks. The spot works all year round. Waves can be excellent in summer with N-NW swells. Cordoama beach is very exposed to the north wind and a swell magnet. In winter it sometimes has excellent clean waves, but it often gets too big and closes out.
Freeride Surfshop on the beach rents out surf boards, body boards and wetsuits. Rental price is around EUR 15 per hour per piece and gets a bit cheaper for longer rentals. The shop is open from May to October.
Learning to surf at Cordoama beach is great with the surf shop offering lessons as well as 3 day or 5 day surf courses. Lessons start at EUR 65 for 3 hours.
Renting a bodyboard (EUR 10) is great if you do not want to learn to surf, but want to ride some waves.
Sunbathing
Praia da Cordoama is a great spot for spending a couple of hours on the beach. A massive sandy beach with a lot of space to play games or find some privacy. Parking is usually not a problem with a free gravel parking area. The sand is nice and soft with the length of this long beach. A massive, off the beaten track beach, it is not too busy. A blue flag beach, facilities are fine, with toilets, and a restaurant. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent.
Swimming
Swimming is only recommended for good swimmers at Cordoama beach since there can be strong currents and waves. Also be careful for rocks when swimming. Life savers are on duty during season (usually May to October). It is a large beach, so if you go swimming or have children just check where they are on duty.
Paragliding
Paragliding conditions are great at Cordoama Beach and you will often see paragliders flying from the high surrounding cliffs. The large sandy beach is an excellent landing spot at low tide.
Long Walks
This is a perfect beach for long walks. There are some pebbles and rocks, but mostly soft sand. If you go walking at low tide, Praia da Cordoama, Praia da Cordoama and Praia do Castelejo are connected and you can walk for about 4 kilometers one way, so an eight kilometer return walk! I saw a few people with dogs walking and playing on the beach.
Miradouro do Castelejo viewpoint
GPS pin for Miradouro do Castelejo
Miradouro do Castelejo is a viewpoint behind Cordoama beach with spectacular views over the beach and the sea. It is a 2.5 km drive (5 minutes) from the parking spot at the beach. When driving towards Vila da Bispo from the beach take a sharp right after 1.5 km.
Facilities Praia da Cordoama
Bar da Praia located on Cordoama beach is a great spot to stop for a meal with a nice menu of Portuguese and European cuisine. There is no wi-fi. No smoking is allowed, even on the porch, which makes it a great family place.
- Beach – 1.2 km sandy beach
- Blue Flag beach
- Lifeguards: yes
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: yes
- Restaurant: yes
- Surfboard Rental: yes
Getting to Cordoama Beach
GPS Pin for Praya da Cordoama
Renting a car is the easiest way to get around in the Algarve, we use Rentalcar for the best deals to book car rentals. When coming from the direction of Faro drive on the N125 towards Vila do Bispo. Turn on to the M1265 and follow the signs towards the beach. There is a gravel parking area at the beach, it is quite small and gets full quickly if there are nice waves. There is plenty of space to park on the side of the road.
Vila do Bispo
The village of Vila Do Bispo with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses located about 5 km away is the closest town. The small town has a nice Lidl supermarket, a gas station and some surf shops. You will also fin a medical center, cafes, a couple of restaurants and small shops around town.
Accommodation on the West Coast
Vila de Bispo is the closest accommodation, a peaceful place with good facilities.
- Budget – Casa Mestre
- Mid Range – Home Village
- Luxury – Pure Fonte Velha B&B
The little surf town of Sagres is a great spot to stay for exploring the coast. It is only 15 minutes drive away.
- Budget – PuraVida Divehouse, Sagres Sun Stay – Surf Camp & Hostel
- Treat Yourself – Mareta View – Boutique Bed & Breakfast