Barranquinho Beach

Portugal, Portugal

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Barranquinho Beach (Praia do Barranquinho) is a small, secluded oceanic beach in the Caramujeira area of Lagoa municipality on Portugal’s Algarve coast, nestled between the famous Praia da Marinha to the west and Praia da Albandeira to the east.

It is known for a rare and unusual shape where the stretch of fine golden sand from the access point inland to the water is almost twice as long as the actual shoreline, giving it an inverted sandstrip that extends into the land rather than along the coast.

The beach has calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters on most summer days, making it pleasant for swimming and snorkeling among scattered rocks, and it features a massive limestone islet about 85 meters offshore that shelters marine birds and adds dramatic scenery. Until a nearby eco-resort was built, it was a secret, almost deserted beach favored by naturists, but today it is mainly visited by resort guests and tourists on coastal boat tours, and naturism is no longer common.

It is reached via an unmarked dirt trail (or by boat, jeep, or a scenic coastal walk from Praia da Marinha through pine trees and shrubbery), has no lifeguards and no facilities such as restrooms, food, or shade, so visitors must bring water, snacks, and an umbrella if they want protection from the sun, and in winter or during strong storms the sand can disappear completely as the tide rises.