The small beach of Praia do Castelo is located on the wonderful stretch of coast between Albufeira and Armação de Pêra (about 6km from the former). There are a number of small bays along the several kilometres of coast here, all of which have the same ochre coloured sandstone cliffs eroded into various rock formations; some more fantastical than others.
Whilst Praia do Castelo cannot boast any rock arches or sea stacks it is all the same a very pleasant spot offering everything an Algarve beach should. The water is crystal clear and there are lifeguards here in the summer months making it a great spot for snorkelling and swimming.
Being a Blue Flag beach there are plenty of facilities including a small beach restaurant which - "O Pic-Nic" - which serves all the standard fare including some good fish dishes. There are also loungers and parasols available for hire should the sand be a little too sandy for your liking(!)
One note of warning. The cliffs here are a little unstable, as you will be able to see from the numerous boulders strewn around their bottoms. Therefore it is advisable not to pitch up to close to the cliff face.
Most of you will probably have worked out that Praia do Castelo translates to "Castle beach". These days there is no recognisable castle here but the name refers to a 16th century watchtower that once stood here to protect the coast from the attacks of Barbary pirates from North Africa. There are actually some remains of the old watchtower near the entrance of the beach.
