Category: Nature > Beach
District: Faro > Lagoa > Lagoa > Caramujeira
Praia da Marinha is located on the coast of Caramujeira, within the municipality of Lagoa. Access to the sandy area is via a long staircase that descends the cliff. From the top of the cliff, before starting the descent, a wide and memorable view unfolds over the beach and its characteristic rock formations emerging from the sea.
Its position on the Algarve coast, atop imposing cliffs, gives it a more natural and secluded environment compared to other beaches in the region, requiring some physical effort to access the sandy area.
The landscape of Praia da Marinha is dominated by warm-toned limestone cliffs, which have developed over millions of years under the action of erosion. These formations create natural arches, grottoes, and isolated pillars in the sea, giving the beach a unique and dramatic appearance.
One of the most recognizable elements is a singular rock which, depending on the observation angle from the top of the cliff, displays the shape of two arches that, when aligned with another natural element, can be interpreted as a heart, a point of interest for visitors. The shape of these rocks and access to some areas at the base of the cliffs on the sandy beach are influenced by the tides.
Praia da Marinha was awarded the "Golden Beach" distinction in 1998 by the Ministry of Environment, in recognition of its unique natural values. The waters in this coastal area are known for their quality and transparency.
The clarity of the water allows for remarkable visibility of the seabed, making it an interesting spot to observe coastal underwater life. Those with snorkeling equipment may have the opportunity to explore this natural feature of the beach.
At the top of the cliff that borders Praia da Marinha, one of the segments of the hiking trail known as "Trilho dos Sete Vales Suspensos" (Seven Hanging Valleys Trail) begins. This trail runs along the coastline above the cliffs, connecting various beaches and points of natural interest.
Starting from Praia da Marinha to hike this trail allows one to appreciate the Algarve coastal landscape from elevated perspectives, observing the cliffs, sinkholes, and neighboring beaches from above. From the sandy beach, coastal exploration can be done using light vessels or equipment such as kayaks or Stand Up Paddle boards, which can sometimes be rented on-site and allow access to nearby coves and marine rock formations.
Due to its scenic beauty and unique natural characteristics, Praia da Marinha has frequently been highlighted internationally. It is one of the most photographed beaches and is often used in promotional materials for Portuguese tourism abroad.
Reference international publications and guides, such as the Michelin Guide or the CNN television network, have included Praia da Marinha in lists of the most emblematic beaches in Europe and worldwide, underlining its importance as an exceptional natural setting on the Algarve coast.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.089768,-8.4130413
Coordinates DMS: 37°05'23.2"N 08°24'46.9"W
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