Praia de Monte Clérigo

The beach of Praia do Monte Clérigo is set towards the north-western corner of the Algarve, which makes it a very different place to the well known spots on the south coast. The Algarve's west coast has a fairly wild feel about it characterised by wide sandy beaches facing into the full force of the Atlantic Ocean. Set in the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty, this beach has been well protected from the slightest hint of over-development.

Praia do Monte Clérigo is no exception but has a slightly cosier feel than some with its high cliffs to the north and charming little village of pink and white cottages at the other end. The beach here has the best of both worlds - it is just off the beaten track yet easy enough to get to. Around 10km from the area's main village, Aljezur, Monte Clérigo is popular with local families.

The beach itself is made up of fine golden sand with cliffs to either end and gently sloping sand dunes towards the mid-section of the beach. At the southern end of the beach are some fantastic nooks, crannies and rock pools to explore. These are home to any number of marine species from starfish to octopus.

As a winner of the Blue Flag award Monte Clérigo is both clean and well equipped; there are cafes and toilets as well as good disabled access via the boardwalk that runs down to, and along the beach. There is a lifeguard service here during the summer months making for safe bathing. At low tide a small, shallow lagoon forms on the beach which is perfect for younger children to safely splash around in.