Praia do Forte Novo

Category: Nature > Beach

District: Faro > Loulé > Quarteira > Forte Novo

Location

Praia do Forte Novo is located in the town of Quarteira, part of the municipality of Loulé. It occupies a transitional position in the landscape, marking the eastern limit of Quarteira's more urbanized seafront.

To the west, the beach is delimited by a pier, while to the east, the landscape gradually transitions into a more natural area, characterized by the presence of sensitive dunes. This location offers a setting that varies between the proximity of the urban fabric and a more open and natural environment.

The Sandy Beach and Natural Surroundings

Praia do Forte Novo stands out for its considerably sized sandy expanse, providing ample space for visitors. Stretching behind the sandy beach, a low-lying cliff appears, visibly marked by orange hues.

Atop this cliff, there is a pine forest that adds a verdant touch to the landscape, creating an interesting contrast with the warm tones of the cliff face and the blue of the sea.

Historical Vestige

The beach's name refers to a historical element that once existed on the site: the Forte Novo (New Fort). This military structure was originally built in the 16th century and rebuilt in the 18th century.

Currently, it no longer stands, but during low tide periods, it is possible to spot remnants of this ancient fort's ruins on the sandy beach, a reminder of the region's coastal defense history.

Serene Atmosphere

One of the particularities of Praia do Forte Novo is its comparatively quieter atmosphere compared to the neighboring beach, located to the west, which borders the more central area of Quarteira.

This characteristic makes it an appealing place for those seeking a calmer and more relaxing beach experience, even while being close to an urbanized area.

Sand Characteristics

Although the sandy beach is predominantly composed of light-colored sand, as is common in the Algarve region, it is possible to observe in some spots the presence of darker minerals mixed in the sand, sometimes giving it a different hue.

Additionally, the color of the water near the base of the cliff may occasionally exhibit brownish tones, a natural occurrence resulting from the exposure of clay banks present on site.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt