Altura Beaches

Overview

Welcome to Altura, a charming beach destination nestled in the Eastern Algarve, close to the Spanish border. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, Altura offers vast stretches of golden sand and calm, relatively warm waters, making it an excellent choice for families and anyone seeking a peaceful seaside escape. Compared to the bustling central Algarve, Altura provides a gentler pace, while still delivering beautiful Blue Flag quality beaches backed by low dunes rather than dramatic cliffs.

The heart of the town's coastline is Praia da Alagoa, Altura's main beach. This expansive sandy haven is easily accessible from the town via boardwalks and offers plenty of space to relax. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the area's shoreline, forming part of a continuous sandy expanse that stretches for miles – ideal for long, leisurely walks by the sea.

Altura also serves as a great base for discovering other nearby coastal gems. Just a short distance away, you'll find the chic setting of Praia Verde, nestled amongst pine trees, and the lively resort atmosphere of Praia de Monte Gordo with its bustling promenade. Towards the west lies the family-favourite Praia da Manta Rota, sharing a similar relaxed vibe, and the uniquely beautiful Praia da Fábrica, accessed near the historic village of Cacela Velha with stunning lagoon views.

Whether you prefer the convenience of Altura's main beach or exploring the character of its neighbours, this stretch of the Algarve coast offers consistently beautiful sandy shores and tranquil waters. Discover more details about these beaches and others in our full guide.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Altura a good place for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Altura is widely considered an excellent destination for families. Its main beach, Praia de Altura, features a long, wide stretch of golden sand and generally calm, shallow waters, making it safe and enjoyable for children. The atmosphere in Altura is typically relaxed and quieter compared to larger Algarve resorts, appealing to those seeking a peaceful family getaway.

How do Altura's beaches compare to Monte Gordo or Manta Rota?

Altura offers a similar style of long, sandy beach to its neighbours Manta Rota and Monte Gordo. Generally, Altura is considered quieter than Monte Gordo, which has a more developed town feel and nightlife. Manta Rota is very similar to Altura, perhaps slightly smaller scale, and they share the same continuous stretch of sand (Praia da Lota sits between them). All offer calm waters typical of the Eastern Algarve.

Praia de Monte Gordo

Praia da Lota

What is the main beach in Altura (Praia de Altura) like?

Praia de Altura is known for its extensive stretch of fine, golden sand and calm, clear waters, typical of the Eastern Algarve. It's a Blue Flag beach, indicating high standards of water quality, safety, and environmental management. Wooden boardwalks provide easy access over the dunes, and the beach is backed by low dunes rather than high cliffs.

Is the sea water warm enough for swimming in Altura?

The sea temperature in Altura, like the rest of the Algarve, varies seasonally. During the summer months (June to September), the water is generally pleasant for swimming, typically ranging from 20-23°C (68-73°F). The waters here are known for being calmer and slightly warmer than beaches further west in the Algarve.

Are the beaches in Altura very crowded?

Compared to the central Algarve resorts, Altura's beaches are generally considered less crowded, even during peak season (July and August). While it gets busier in summer, the beach's large size means you can usually find plenty of space. It's known for a more relaxed and less bustling atmosphere.

Can you easily walk to the beach from Altura town?

Yes, Altura is a relatively compact resort town, and the main beach (Praia de Altura) is easily accessible on foot from most accommodation within the town itself. There are several access points, often via wooden boardwalks over the dunes.

Is parking available near Altura beach?

Yes, there are parking areas near the main access points to Praia de Altura. However, during the peak summer months (July and August), parking can become challenging to find, especially closer to midday. Arriving earlier or being prepared to walk a little further might be necessary.

Are there sunbeds and umbrellas for rent on Altura beach?

Yes, during the main bathing season (typically late spring to early autumn), you can rent sunbeds (espreguiçadeiras) and umbrellas (chapéus de sol) in designated areas (concessions) along Praia de Altura.

What facilities are available at Praia de Altura?

Praia de Altura is well-equipped, especially during the summer season. Facilities typically include lifeguard surveillance, toilets, showers (often near beach entrances/restaurants), waste bins, and accessibility features for people with reduced mobility at main access points. Several restaurants and cafes are also located along the beach front or nearby.

Are there restaurants or cafes right on the beach in Altura?

Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes (beach bars) located directly on the sand or along the boardwalk/promenade area behind Praia de Altura. They offer a range of options, from snacks and drinks to full meals, often specializing in fresh fish and seafood.

Is Altura beach often windy?

Like many coastal areas, Altura can experience windy days. However, the Eastern Algarve generally tends to be less exposed to strong Atlantic winds compared to the western coast. Breezes are common, especially in the afternoon, which can be pleasant in the summer heat, but strong winds are not a defining characteristic.

Are there quieter beach spots near the main Altura beach?

Yes, the stretch of sand is very long. Walking eastwards from the main Altura access points takes you towards Praia da Lota, which blends seamlessly with Altura but can sometimes feel slightly less busy away from the main entrances. Walking further west takes you towards Manta Rota. Generally, the further you walk from the main access points and restaurants, the quieter it becomes.

Praia da Lota

Is Altura beach good for long walks?

Absolutely. Praia de Altura is part of a very long, continuous stretch of sand that extends for several kilometres, connecting eastwards towards Praia da Lota and Monte Gordo, and westwards towards Manta Rota and Praia da Cacela Velha. It's ideal for long walks along the shoreline, especially at low tide when the sand is firm.