Category: Nature > Beach
District: Faro > Loulé > Quarteira > Trafal
Loulé Velho Beach / Trafal Beach is located in the coastal area of Trafal, belonging to the town of Quarteira, in the municipality of Loulé. It occupies an extensive stretch of sand on the Algarve coast, positioned to the west of an area known for its golf courses and to the east of the more urban area of Quarteira. The main access to the beach is via a boardwalk.
The immediate surroundings of the beach are characterized by dunes and a pine forest that border the sandy expanse. At its westernmost end, the mouth of the Carcavai stream is found, forming a wetland area with salt marsh vegetation, contributing to the diversity of the coastal landscape.
This beach stands out for its vast sandy expanse, which is wider in the area known as Trafal, to the east, and gradually narrows towards the west, in the Loulé Velho area. The dunes that accompany the sand serve as a transition to the low cliffs covered by the dense pine forest, which offers shade in some points near the beach.
The natural dynamics of the coast are visible in the erosion of the cliffs, where exposed tree roots can sometimes be seen. The presence of the Carcavai stream adds a unique characteristic, with its salt marsh area and lagoon at the mouth, inhabited by reed beds, tamarisks, and rushes, creating a particular ecosystem by the sea.
The history of this coastline is profound and visible to those who observe it closely. When the movement of sands caused by the action of the sea allows, ancient Roman fish-salting tanks can be discovered on the sandy area, particularly to the west, testifying to the region's fishing importance in distant times.
Further offshore, submerged in the waters, are vestiges of a Carthaginian fishing settlement, believed to have existed there when the coastline and sea level were different from today's. These underwater remains represent an invitation to discovery for those who venture to dive in the area.
Loulé Velho Beach / Trafal Beach is generally recognized for its tranquil and serene atmosphere, offering a refuge compared to some of the region's more bustling beaches. The extensive sandy area provides enough space for visitors to enjoy the beach without a strong feeling of crowding.
This tranquility makes it particularly appreciated by those who reside in Loulé and seek a calmer spot. The area further to the east, bordering the golf area, tends to be more isolated and is sometimes frequented by naturists. The presence of a pine forest near the beach offers shaded areas, ideal for those wishing to rest out of direct sun.
Being a Blue Flag beach, it meets quality criteria, both in terms of sand and water, which is generally calm for swimming. During the bathing season, safety is ensured by the presence of lifeguards.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.0556752,-8.0777312
Coordinates DMS: 37°03'20.4"N 08°04'39.8"W
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