© Natalia / CC BY-SA 3.0
The seemingly endless stretch of golden sands that form the Praia do Ancão sits roughly halfway between Faro and Quarteira. It is also lies within the so-called "Golden Triangle" which is an area containing the Algarve's most affluent resorts; Vale do Lobo, Vale do Garrão and Quinta do Lago.
Ancão forms the western boundary of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and as such is backed by pristine sand dunes along much of its length. There are however also plenty of facilities as this is a Blue Flag award resort beach; Sun shelters, beach chairs and loungers can all be rented and there are a number of dining options including one of the Algarve's most acclaimed fish restaurants, the Dois Passos.
The beachgoers here are a mix of those from the nearby luxury resorts and families, to whom the great amenities and safe bathing (lifeguards on patrol) appeal. Certain areas of the beach are reserved as exclusive, private areas some of which even have blinds.
Praia do Ancão is a popular spot for watersports and there are a good range on offer; from water-skiing and wakeboarding to stand-up-paddle boarding and kayaking.
Other beaches near Praia do Ancão
Praia do Ancão tide times
- Mon 7th OctoberHigh 5:27am (3.04m)
Low 11:38am (1.06m)
High 5:48pm (2.89m)
Low 11:47pm (1.20m) - Tue 8th OctoberHigh 6:02am (2.93m)
Low 12:15pm (1.19m)
High 6:27pm (2.72m) - Wed 9th OctoberLow 12:22am (1.33m)
High 6:45am (2.80m)
Low 1:02pm (1.33m)
High 7:18pm (2.55m) - Thu 10th OctoberLow 1:12am (1.47m)
High 7:44am (2.66m)
Low 2:11pm (1.45m)
High 8:34pm (2.43m)