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 7th OctoberHigh 5:12am (3.03m)
Low 11:14am (1.02m)
High 5:30pm (2.88m)
Low 11:25pm (1.13m) - Tue 8th OctoberHigh 5:45am (2.90m)
Low 11:51am (1.16m)
High 6:09pm (2.71m) - Wed 9th OctoberLow 12:02am (1.29m)
High 6:27am (2.75m)
Low 12:38pm (1.32m)
High 7:02pm (2.53m) - Thu 10th OctoberLow 12:54am (1.46m)
High 7:29am (2.61m)
Low 1:50pm (1.45m)
High 8:24pm (2.42m)