Bordeira

Bordeira is less a town and more a gateway to a raw, untamed piece of the Algarve's coastline, lying within the protected Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.

Its heart is the colossal Praia da Bordeira, a beach that stretches for nearly three kilometers, backed by sweeping sand dunes that move inland toward the nearby village of Carrapateira. This is a place where the Atlantic asserts its full power; the air is fresh, the water is cool, and the sense of space is immense.

The beach offers a peculiar and much-loved duality: while the main shore is a haven for surfers drawn by the consistent swell, the mouth of the Ribeira da Bordeira river often forms a shallow, calm lagoon on the southern end. This protected, still water provides a safe, serene paddling area for children and a vital resting spot for migrating birds-a beautiful contrast of wild ocean energy and quiet ecological sanctuary. Wooden boardwalks lead you across the delicate dunes to viewpoints high on the cliffs, offering contemplative views over one of Portugal's most naturally preserved stretched of coast.