Heading to Albufeira and curious about Praia do Peneco? This guide goes over what you can do at Albeufeira’s main beach, Praia do Peneco.
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Intro
When I first arrived in Albufeira, I was immediately drawn to its Old Town charm. There are whitewashed houses, cobbled lanes, and lively little cafés. But just beyond the square, a tunnel leads you straight to the town’s main beach, Praia do Peneco. Spending a hot summer day here turned out to be one of my favorite memories in Portugal, where I was able to lay out and relax on the beach and cool off in the ocean waters. In this guide, I will provide information on what you can do at Praia do Peneco based on my own experiences.
Praia do Peneco Map
The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this Praia do Peneco, Albufeira itinerary.
HOW TO USE THE ABOVE PRAIA DO PENECO, ALBUFEIRA MAP:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Click a Colored Point of Interest | Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest |
| Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right | Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account |
| On Larger Map view, click the STAR ☆ under “Praia do Peneco, Albufeira“ | Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account to access anytime on Computer* or on Phone App** |
| * On Computer: In your Google Maps, Click “Saved” on left bar → Click “Maps” → Click “Praia do Peneco, Albufeira“ | ** On Phone App: In your Google Maps app, Click “You” on bottom bar → Scroll to bottom → Click “Maps” → Click “Praia do Peneco, Albufeira“ |
Getting to Praia do Peneco
One of the best things about Praia do Peneco is how accessible it is. From Albufeira’s Old Town, you can follow it down and walk through a short tunnel carved into the cliff which feels like a hidden passageway. Once you exit the other end of the tunnel, then the beach and ocean beyond will appear.
Walk Old Town and through the Tunnel • photos by Jeanie A
The Beach Vibe
Praia do Peneco is wide and welcoming with plenty of space even in the summer (I visited in July). There are people set up on the beach and tons of beach lounge chairs and umbrellas ready to rent. The dramatic cliffs that frame the beach give the beach a sheltered feel, and I loved how some cafes/restaurants and the Old Town is a few steps away.
What You Can Do Here
Stroll the Shoreline
If you don’t want to get into the water, take a nice stroll along the shoreline. Be careful in the hot Summer months though because the sand does get HOT. Wear your sandals or flip-flops to avoid burning your feet, or dip them in the water for a nice chilling walk.
Swim, Sunbathe & Relax
If you want to set up your own spot on the beach, you are welcome to here. Lay out a towel, untangle some beach chairs, and pitch the umbrella. Simply sunbathe and relax or go into the ocean! The water is clean, refreshing, and usually calm enough for a safe swim. On a hot summer day, the ocean water will feel AMAZING!
Rent Sunbeds & Umbrella
If you didn’t travel or rent or bring beach chairs and an umbrella, why not rent one? There’s plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent right on the beach. Simply find an open one, and a staff member will come by to collect payment.
We found on directly straight out of the tunnel, and it cost us 20 Euro to rent. I was with 2 other friends, so we were given 3 sunbeds. An umbrella and a small table is also included. Another great perk of renting one of these is that a server does walk around the beach to take orders. You can order food and drinks (including alcoholic) and they’ll bring it out to you. This is a great way to just chill and enjoy the beach.
Relaxing on the Rental Sunbeds • photos by Jeanie A
Try the Inflatable Waterpark
In the Summer, there is an inflatable waterpark floating not too far from shore. It’s a giant obstacle course literally on the water. Both adults and kids can have fun on the waterpark.
Rent a Small Boat with a Slide
If you want a little adventure (and maybe a bit of a workout too), you can rent a pedal boat or small that comes with its very own slide into the sea. It’s a playful way to enjoy the ocean just don’t pedal too far out.
Enjoy the Cafes
With Albufeira Old Town just steps away, you can easily pop up for lunch, grab a cold drink, or return to the beach with an ice cream in hand.
Ride the Elevador do Peneco
On the far right side of the beach where the cliffs are, there’s an elevator, Elevador do Peneco. Take it up to get a higher perspective of the entire beach scene.
Explore Old Town
If you didn’t think of it already, explore Old Town! You’ll find cafes and restaurants, and is a great opportunity to do some souvenir shopping.
Explore Old Town • photos by Jeanie A
Facilities & Comforts
Praia do Peneco is well-equipped which makes it especially good if you want a hassle-free beach day. There are lifeguards on duty in the summer, sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, and plenty of restaurants and shops just a few steps away. It’s also easily accessible for anyone who doesn’t want to trek far to reach the sand.
As for restrooms, we used a restroom located at Down Town Gelataria Sol e Mar. There was hardly a line here to use the single-stall restroom, but it worked wonderfully when we needed to use the toilet.
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Final Words
If you’re staying in Albufeira, you don’t need to go far to find a beautiful beach. Praia do Peneco delivers it right in the heart of town. It’s easy, convenient, and has everything you need for a stress-free day by the sea. I hope this guide to the Praia do Peneco has helped plan your amazing beach day.
Have you visited Praia do Peneco?
How did you spend your time – Let me know in the comments below!
(portuguese “thank you”)
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