Category: Nature > Beach
District: Faro > Vila do Bispo > Sagres
Beliche Beach is located in the Sagres area, in the municipality of Vila do Bispo. It is nestled in a small bay carved by the forces of nature into the high coastal cliffs. It is situated in an emblematic area at the southwestern tip of the European continent, close to Cabo de São Vicente and set within a unique natural landscape.
This beach is part of the protected area of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, and its coastal surroundings integrate the Sagres Biogenetic Reserve, recognized for the importance of the flora that grows on the cliffs.
Access to the sandy area of Beliche Beach is via a long and steep staircase carved into the cliff itself, counting about a hundred steps. The descent can be a bit physically demanding, and climbing back up requires some effort.
During the descent, there is a panoramic view of the bay and the impressive rock formations that surround it. The cliffs embracing the beach reach about forty meters in height, showing visible geological strata and marked by fractures. Erosion has sculpted various forms into the rocks, creating an interesting scenery to observe. It is possible to find small caves at the base of the cliffs, although it is important to be aware of the tides and the risks of rockfalls.
Beliche's sandy area is a stretch of sand approximately 150 meters long. Being enclosed by the cliff, the beach benefits from some protection against the dominant winds, especially the "nortada" (northerly wind), which contributes to a milder environment on windy days.
The sea here can be rough with strong currents, reflecting its Atlantic exposure. The water temperature tends to be cold. However, the absence of submerged rocks in the main sandy area is a characteristic to consider. During the bathing season, the beach has lifeguard surveillance and proudly displays the Blue Flag, a sign of quality and safety.
Despite its proximity to Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente, Beliche Beach is generally considered a quiet beach, not as crowded as other sandy areas in the region during peak summer.
It is highly appreciated and sought after by surf and bodyboard enthusiasts, who find suitable conditions here for these sports, with waves breaking in the bay. On calmer sea days, other water activities can be practiced. On the sand, some seek sun and relaxation, with naturism tolerated in some areas of the beach.
Beliche Beach has a notable historical connection in the context of the Portuguese Discoveries. It was allegedly from this sandy area that the navigator Gil Eanes departed in 1434, successfully rounding Cape Bojador for the first time.
This feat was an important milestone in the Age of Discoveries, breaking the barriers of the known world at the time and paving the way for the maritime exploration of the African coast and future routes to the East.
Due to its west-facing orientation, Beliche Beach is a privileged spot to watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean horizon.
At the end of the day, the sun descending into the sea often paints the sky in warm, reddish tones, creating a visually stunning and memorable scene for those on the sand or atop the cliff.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.0254879,-8.9639642
Coordinates DMS: 37°01'31.8"N 08°57'50.3"W
Weather Sagres
On-duty Pharmacy Sagres
