Category: Nature > Beach
District: Faro > Loulé > Quarteira
Praia da Gaivota stretches along the eastern part of Quarteira, in the municipality of Loulé, following the end of the marginal avenue. This area is close to the estuary of small streams descending from the inland hills, creating a wider and flatter sandy beach.
The extensive sandy area opens directly onto the Atlantic, without rocky barriers near the waterline, which favors a smooth transition between sand and sea. In the vicinity, there is a gentle natural slope that allows for broad horizon views and, on clear days, spotting the coast of Faro in the distance.
The sandy beach is characterized by fine, golden sand, with tones varying according to the daylight. The breaking wave zone features moderate swell, where the sea advances in gentle currents that change intensity with the tides.
Along the upper edge of the beach, low dunes appear, dotted with vegetation typical of the Algarve coast, such as sea fennel and sea parsley. At certain times, small coastal birds seek food among the plants, adding a touch of wildlife to the scenery.
The name "Gaivota" (Seagull) refers to the numerous birds that used to rest on the rocks near the eastern jetty, now integrated into a breakwater formation. These structures originally arose to protect the coast from erosion and remain as a testament to coastal engineering carried out in the 20th century.
For decades, this stretch of beach was a landing point for small artisanal fishing boats, and it is still possible to find remnants of anchors and moorings buried in the softer sand. This maritime memory remains alive in the environment, especially at dusk, when the shimmering sea highlights the profile of the old breakwaters.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.0622267,-8.0919827
Coordinates DMS: 37°03'44.0"N 08°05'31.1"W
Weather Quarteira
On-duty Pharmacy Quarteira
