Falésia Beach

Falésia Beach is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Algarve, with a golden ribbon of sand stretching over six kilometers. The beach is part of a nearly 6-kilometer-long strip of sand. It is surrounded on one side by a line of towering cliffs in strong tones ranging from red to white, in stark contrast to the green of the pine woods above. The cliff is high but soft towards the western end, made of sand and clay, so rain wears away grooves and gullies. The cliff is steadily losing height to the east while being heavily degraded. This erosion is what maintains the beach sand-covered. As a result, little sand cones form at the base of the cliffs, where dune plants such sea daffodils, sea bindweed, prickly thrift, Cretan trefoil, and sea holly have established themselves. These plants coexist with the more uniformly colored vegetation seen on cliffs, which in this case is largely Mediterranean saltbush.

The overhang is crowned by a coastal promenade that winds through fragrant pine forests. Falésia is long enough that you may find a calm, uncrowded location to rest and tan even in the height of summer. A variety of top coastal resorts overlook the beach, including the premium PortoBay Falésia, which offers café and restaurant options to non-residents.

Location: Praia da Falésia, Aldeia da Falésia, 8200-593 Albufeira, Portugal