Praia da Senhora da Rocha

Praia da Senhora da Rocha
Nossa Senhora da Rocha
© Rsantus / CC BY-SA 3.0

This sheltered little cove is located just to the west of Armação de Pêra. The beach here is very different to those in the resort itself, instead of endless low sand dunes Praia da Senhora da Rocha is flanked by high sandstone cliffs which protect it from the wind. 

This sheltered aspect hasn't been missed by local fishermen and boats are still pulled up on the sand. In fact much of rear of the beach is given over to small fisherman's huts and net stores. This gives Praia da Senhora da Rocha a little more character than some of the beaches in the area.

The beach here has all the facilities you would need for a family day out; public toilets, showers, a lifeguard service and the Restaurante Vilarinho, which is right on the beach serving all the standards along with super-fresh fish dishes.

The western headland is quite imposing and it is probably for this reason that it was chosen as the site for a small clifftop fortress. The panoramic views from here are worth the hike up the hill and along the headland.This site dates back to the 8th and also encompasses a little chapel. On the first sunday of August there is a religious procession in which the image of the virgin Mary (Nossa Senhora) is taken from the chapel to the beach.

One of the quirks of Praia da Senhora da Rocha is a tunnel which has been excavated through the headland linking it with Praia Nova on the other side.

From the cliffs of Nossa Senhora da Rocha there is a popular walk along this stretch of interesting coast past some fascinating rock formations and towards Praia da Marinha.

Other beaches near Praia da Senhora da Rocha

Praia da Senhora da Rocha tide times

  • Mon 18th March
    Low 3:02am (1.45m)
    High 9:22am (2.37m)
    Low 3:35pm (1.61m)
    High 9:55pm (2.55m)
  • Tue 19th March
    Low 4:48am (1.39m)
    High 11:00am (2.43m)
    Low 5:08pm (1.51m)
    High 11:17pm (2.68m)
  • Wed 20th March
    Low 5:54am (1.24m)
    High 12:01pm (2.59m)
    Low 6:04pm (1.34m)
  • Thu 21st March
    High 12:11am (2.85m)
    Low 6:37am (1.09m)
    High 12:42pm (2.76m)
    Low 6:43pm (1.17m)

Praia da Senhora da Rocha Location

Rate this beach

Average: 4.8 (4 votes)

Related articles

Armação de Pêra

Armação de Pêra travel guide »

The Algarve resort of Armação de Pêra is located around 15km to the west of Albufeira. Set in a wide bay you won't be surprised that Armação de Pêra is something of a...