A day at Praia do Martinhal.
Martinhal’s broad sand and offshore islets distinguish it from Sagres’ cliff-bottom coves. The beach lies beside the Martinhal-Baleeira bay, with dunes behind and fishing activity around the harbour farther west. It suits a day in which a generous stretch of sand is more important than finding a tiny enclosed cove.
The public beach and nearby resort are different things: plan around the public parking and beach approaches rather than hotel facilities. The open bay can be breezy, so include a wind layer even on a sunny day. Use the boardwalks to cross the dune area and avoid cutting new tracks through the vegetation.
Parking & arrival
A paved road from the EN268 leads to an unpaved public parking area. The council lists about 78 spaces at the beach approach.
The route to the sand
The main pedestrian route uses a formed path and boardwalks across the dune margin. After that, there is soft sand between the walkway and the water.
Accessibility
Boardwalks improve the approach, but we have not confirmed a continuous adapted bathing route or an amphibious-chair service. Hotel access arrangements should not be assumed to apply to the public beach.
Facilities at the beach
- Parking
- Toilets
- Beach cafés
- Restaurants
The council lists two café-restaurants with toilets. Resort pools, loungers and other private amenities are not included in this public beach inventory.
The water & lifeguards
The bay is used for water sports and can be windy. Follow the flags and marked activity zones, and keep away from harbour approaches and working boats.
Vila do Bispo Council lists a bathing season from 1 June to 30 September, with lifeguards during that period. Outside it, do not assume supervised bathing.
Know the beach flags and bathing zonesSee our illustrated water-safety guide →
