A day at Praia da Coelha.
Coelha is a small bay enclosed by high golden cliffs, around five kilometres west of Albufeira. Sea erosion has carved the limestone into recesses and unusual shapes. It is a beach for enjoying a compact coastal setting, rather than for finding an uninterrupted promenade.
The route from parking is part of the visit, so travel light enough to carry everything back. There is a beach restaurant and seasonal support, making it possible to spend a few hours without heading back to town for every meal. The most attractive rocky corners are not automatically suitable places to sit beneath the cliffs.
Parking & arrival
Outdoor parking serves the approach. The municipal beach plan places the parking around 400 metres from the sand, so allow for a pedestrian walk rather than a beachside drop-off.
The route to the sand
Follow the signed paved approach from the Guia–Galé road, then the pedestrian route and wooden steps described by the municipality.
Accessibility
The wooden stairs make this a poor choice for a step-free beach day. An adapted facility at beach level does not remove the access steps.
Facilities at the beach
- Showers
- Beach bar
- Restaurant
- Sunshade hire
Beach concessions and equipment hire are seasonal. The village or resort has a wider choice than the sand itself.
The water & lifeguards
Avoid marked cliff danger areas and keep clear of rock overhangs. Follow the bathing flags, even when the bay looks sheltered.
Lifeguard cover is seasonal, not year-round. Use the staffed bathing area and follow the flags displayed on the day.
Know the beach flags and bathing zonesSee our illustrated water-safety guide →
