Praia Da Rocha
Praia Da Rocha
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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See what travellers are saying
- Patricia SOttawa, Canada44 contributionsPraia da Rocha is wonderful!Praia da Rocha is an excellent area to relax and enjoy the beauty of The Algarve. There are many opportunities to take tours to visit the different locales that includes mountains, the ocean, orange orchards, exploration sites, etc. Portimao is close by to visit The Sardine Museum, walk the amazing Promenade along the river, eat Fresh fish in the Old Sardine restaurants, etc We stayed at marvellous Jupiter Hotel and we cannot say enough about the service and excellent food.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 February 2024
- Moeppel56Witten, Germany77 contributionsuniquean impressive backdrop. a beautiful long beach with very interesting rock formations. Important: a complete hike on the beach is only possible when the tide is low, because at high tide you can't get around some rocky outcropsVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 March 2024
- Alex P624 contributionsGood beachI love this beach. A beautiful place with a beautiful beach. I love the space and the rocks all around the Beach. I highly recommend this beach, I like it with bars and also restaurants to eat. Hotels very close. Really greatVisited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 28 March 2024
- BigJeff L2,114 contributionsTop ResortWith a beach so big that can literally never be filled, this resort is pretty much perfect. The beach is beautiful with loads of space and very clean. Lots of cafes and toilets so you didn't need to keep climbing back up the steps. No shortage of sunbeds here, and just 10 euros for 2 beds and parasol There is a small main street with the usual Bars and numerous places to eat covering all tastes and pockets. There is also some good live entertainment on offer via local bans which we enjoyed. One of the main highlights has to be the amazing rocky coastline which is a must. The resport also acts as a central location for other small towns and places of interest that are with reach. You can walk along to the fort, down to the marina, along to the lighthouse and back along the well constructed beach boardwalk . In the other direction you could walk at least as far as the next resort along the cliff top and see the amazing rocks of Alvor. Buses were frequent to the marina and to Portimao, where you can take a boat trip or just enjoy the old town. Taxis are also well regulated and relatively cheap to use and line up next to the Jupiter Hotel in mid resort.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 May 2024
- Rachel H7 contributionsPortugal 2024Went in may was very quiet and peaceful, if you want to get away from the party environment and drunken Brits it's a good location. Few bars on the front, also has a lovely beach with cafes and restaurants on the front that are at a decent price. Can be a bit to quiet especially if you are more of a socialist more catered for people who want a quiet relaxing holiday, best to stay in an apartment as it's more homely and there are some decent apartments there. If you prefer a more lively atmosphere albufeira is more you you that is the only downfall it's more catered for older people and has many residents living there so it's a very homely environment. Would recommend it's worth a visit just over two hours from the airport.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 May 2024
- Josephine G23 contributionsBreathtaking ViewsMake sure you go up on a clear day without any wind. The drive up itself is easy but note that the roads at times can be very narrow and tour buses are travelling the same road. A cafe and your typical expensive souvenir shop can be found at the top. Wear comfortable shoes if you wish to walk some of the paths but the views make it definitely a worthwhile visit.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 July 2024
- waltzingmatilda57United Kingdom82 contributionsPerfectThis was my first trip to Portugal and I wasn't disappointed. The Hotel, Jupiter Algarve, was excellent and slap bang opposite the entrance to the beach. Bars, shops etc were on our doorstep which made everything so easy. The weather was mixed but nothing that I didn't expect. It may have been my first time but it definitely won't be my last. The saving has already begun.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 24 July 2024
- John B11 contributionsKeep in mind that the water is quite chilly.Alright. Being one of the most famous beaches in the Algarve, it should be seen. can be regarded as a city beach because of the nearby hotels and structures. After 12 a.m., it becomes really crowded, but since it's so large, you never have to deal with people sitting right next to you.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 25 August 2024
- delfipItaly326 contributionsAbsolutely not to be missedLong sandy beach, with wonderful colors that fill the eyes. Impossible not to take long walks. Just move away from the artificial slopes and you will find large spaces, always ventilated and with colder water than the Mediterranean.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 10 September 2024
- RijardsLondon, United Kingdom1,000 contributionsToday I was lucky enough to meet the great famous Praia da RochaPraia da Rocha Algarve - Portimão It has more than 20 beaches, all very different. Every day, I will visit one of them. Today I was lucky enough to meet the great famous Praia da Rocha is a beach in the municipality of Portimão, in the Algarve (Portugal).[1] This beach has a large stretch of sand, with a total area of around 146,000 m², along 1.5 km of coastline. Next to the beach stands the Fortaleza de Santa Catarina, built in the 17th century to ensureVisited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 26 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5,563 reviews
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André W
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg235 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Dubbed the St Tropez of the Algarve, it offers miles of clean beach, beach restaurants and great bars for the evening sundowner. There is both a star restaurant and other restaurants. I recommend spring or autumn for those seeking peace and quiet, the air burns here in summer.
Automatically translated
Written 17 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
retireeVancouver
Vancouver, Canada1,824 contributions
Oct 2022
We walked down many steep stairs at the Hotel Jupiter bus stop to the wide crescent shaped beach at the resort town of Praia da Rocha on a Sunday afternoon. There were other stairs also along the beach, conveniently spaced to accommodate residents in the apartments above the cliff. Street access to the beach without the steep stairs is more likely at Fortaleza with car parking nearby.
At the bottom of the steps, we walked on a wood boardwalk which stretched end to end on the long beach, from Fortaleza to the Three castle rocks. Soft white sand, about the size of a football field, stretched ahead from this boardwalk to the shoreline. Families with strollers would appreciate another shorter boardwalk leading out to the water area. There were eateries along the main boardwalk, but in October I couldn't see WC and changing areas. There was a foot wash near one of the cafes, about mid-way. The cafes sold refreshing drinks, fish plates for entres (15E), meat plates, sides, appetizers, pizza, salads, sandwiches, etc. Prices seemed to be comparable, but, the ones with less comfortable seating, had lower prices.
In October, loungers weren't being rented, beach volleyball nets were unused; people were satisfied to just walk at the water's edge, sunbathe, or build sand castles. I wouldn't recommend this beach for swimming, or for children, as the waves appeared to be forceful and high when they rushed in. The beach is free of sea weed and the sand looked clean. The Three Castles rock formations ran second to just experiencing this sandy beach.
At the bottom of the steps, we walked on a wood boardwalk which stretched end to end on the long beach, from Fortaleza to the Three castle rocks. Soft white sand, about the size of a football field, stretched ahead from this boardwalk to the shoreline. Families with strollers would appreciate another shorter boardwalk leading out to the water area. There were eateries along the main boardwalk, but in October I couldn't see WC and changing areas. There was a foot wash near one of the cafes, about mid-way. The cafes sold refreshing drinks, fish plates for entres (15E), meat plates, sides, appetizers, pizza, salads, sandwiches, etc. Prices seemed to be comparable, but, the ones with less comfortable seating, had lower prices.
In October, loungers weren't being rented, beach volleyball nets were unused; people were satisfied to just walk at the water's edge, sunbathe, or build sand castles. I wouldn't recommend this beach for swimming, or for children, as the waves appeared to be forceful and high when they rushed in. The beach is free of sea weed and the sand looked clean. The Three Castles rock formations ran second to just experiencing this sandy beach.
Written 18 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mengkysan
Bangkok178 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Not sure where this beach startd and ends but from what I understand, it's quite long.
There's the expansive, large sandy beach which is just off main shopping / restaurant strip and then the quieter "covey" bit further up.
We stayed nearer the covey bit and our first day we found some steps which lead down to the beach and even though it was a week day and early in the day, it was still busy.
The tide was going out which allowed for the various cove bits to become accessible by walking along the sand. If tide is in, each cove is cut off from the other.
We found a spot and had a great day in the sea a d sunbathing.
It is busy but in an acceptable way. People are quietly going about there business with streams and streams of peopke walking the length of the beach.
There are clearly areas that are much mote crowded than others so if you want a more quiet experience, go to the right as you approach the beach.
If you walk right, you go away from the shops and restaurants but find quieter areas.
There's the expansive, large sandy beach which is just off main shopping / restaurant strip and then the quieter "covey" bit further up.
We stayed nearer the covey bit and our first day we found some steps which lead down to the beach and even though it was a week day and early in the day, it was still busy.
The tide was going out which allowed for the various cove bits to become accessible by walking along the sand. If tide is in, each cove is cut off from the other.
We found a spot and had a great day in the sea a d sunbathing.
It is busy but in an acceptable way. People are quietly going about there business with streams and streams of peopke walking the length of the beach.
There are clearly areas that are much mote crowded than others so if you want a more quiet experience, go to the right as you approach the beach.
If you walk right, you go away from the shops and restaurants but find quieter areas.
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MariaTeresa
Cosenza, Italy1,487 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
The places are beautiful for the eyes, but in practice the water is very cold, even in summer, good for half-bust walks and the legs become purple and cold if you walk a lot, but there is nothing else to do besides tanning, since it is not easy to swim for the shallows. I don't mind the algae, I also like their strong smell, but one day the water was dirty with a lot of foam. Sometimes sudden waves push. There is an immense crowd of people walking in the water half-bust and on the shoreline, you have to find a landmark or lose your bearings if you leave the stuff on the beach. They play soccer, do some quick flips in the water, but at least there's no taking dogs to the beach. In the afternoon a strong cool and annoying wind rises that lifts the sand and makes the sea impractical, but you can console yourself with the Shopping Street of stalls with junk, souvenirs and vendors who do not speak the languages except their own of distant countries. Always full restaurants offering grilled products, a chicken with spicy sauce called piri piri and, beware, pizza with pepperoni (written with three p) means with spicy salami. Sardines along with chicken piri piri are national dish.
To get to the beach from a central point there was a slippery cobblestone, alternatively wide stairs. Urbanization has been pushed into a very natural place, the white skyline of hotels, residences and towering condominiums makes an impression as soon as you arrive and you can see it from the beach. Prices are generally expensive, both in hotels and restaurants. It is an abundant hour from Faro airport. A more serious problem is that almost all speak only Portuguese, practice little English and Italian does not exist, little Spanish. The place is frequented a lot by Germans and Scots. The only consolation for me was the RAI Italia network on a channel in the hotel, if you find it, and you feel (almost) at home. But it's ocean, not the warm Mediterranean
To get to the beach from a central point there was a slippery cobblestone, alternatively wide stairs. Urbanization has been pushed into a very natural place, the white skyline of hotels, residences and towering condominiums makes an impression as soon as you arrive and you can see it from the beach. Prices are generally expensive, both in hotels and restaurants. It is an abundant hour from Faro airport. A more serious problem is that almost all speak only Portuguese, practice little English and Italian does not exist, little Spanish. The place is frequented a lot by Germans and Scots. The only consolation for me was the RAI Italia network on a channel in the hotel, if you find it, and you feel (almost) at home. But it's ocean, not the warm Mediterranean
Automatically translated
Written 6 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
daniel g
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Friends
Obviously out of season , landed 22/02/24 for 7 days. Tiny strip on the beach front, hounded by drug dealers constantly. EVERYTHING is off the chart expensive. Its a rip off. We had a self catering apartment, very basic, hardly any cooking facilities/ utensils. Everything is extra, lidil and aldi wernt cheap, and the produce was terrible. Don't eat from the strip, it's a rip of, especially if you got kids . 8 /12 euro for a burger 16 / 18 with a handful of fries . Was cold , I'm surprised I didn't get the runs. 2 euro for a 300mm water. This is no budget holiday. If you do enjoy a smoke of the weed, the tourist weed shops will rip you off with fake cbd weed, the local gippsys will sell good hash but at mental prices .20 euro a gram . I won't be returning . In fact I want to go home early . RIP OFF .
Written 27 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
warees1
Swansea, UK40 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Whilst this is a lovely small coastal town this place has definitely had its better days.
We accepted that it would be quiet in early november but did not expect the drug peddlers to outnumber the tourists. We were constantly approached by men offering all sorts, weed, sniff and even girls!!!!
Beaches? Amazing well cared for and clean
Food? ok choice but expensive for what you get.
Drinks? very expensive from what we are used to and compared to other local areas
Taxis? Airport run was 78 euro so on the high side
away from this main "strip" area we visited Alvor and Portimao centre and both were better and more reasonable.
We accepted that it would be quiet in early november but did not expect the drug peddlers to outnumber the tourists. We were constantly approached by men offering all sorts, weed, sniff and even girls!!!!
Beaches? Amazing well cared for and clean
Food? ok choice but expensive for what you get.
Drinks? very expensive from what we are used to and compared to other local areas
Taxis? Airport run was 78 euro so on the high side
away from this main "strip" area we visited Alvor and Portimao centre and both were better and more reasonable.
Written 20 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
devnull666
Ireland121 contributions
Jul 2023
Maybe Praia Da Rocha was nice and quant once upon a time however that must have been a long time ago. It is now a mass tourism resort with tower blocks everywhere. The strip leaves much to be desired, it's full of drug dealers beaconing you to make a purchase. The beer prices are inflated and the strip is far too crowded. Not my cup of tea at all.
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mia Pihl
29 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Wonderful view, long sandy beach with brand new "boardwalk". Many fine lunch restaurants that are also open on certain evenings. Toilets are available, and on some days a shower is also open. The showers on the beach were closed due to lack of water. Clean and tidy on the beach. They even cleaned up the seaweed that blew in. Lifeguards on site. Deckchairs are available for rent for 12-15 euros per day (for 2). Many places are also available for your own parasol and beach blanket. Bring something to secure the towels with. It is very windy some days. Take your time to walk along the beach to the pier and to the caves that lead into the next beach. Buy lunch, a cold drink and enjoy! Beautiful sand between your toes and sun all day!

Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Baks88
London, UK391 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
Having previously attended Afronation 2023, we managed to convince our friends to join us this year. I am reviewing Afronation 2024 Music Festival which just recently ended.
Huge crowds from all over the world. And that is no lie. Australia had people there, Sweden, Norway, France, most African countries also represented with very strong French speaking countries plus the obligatory British contingent from the UK.
The event started at 16:00hrs finished at 23:00hrs.
Day 1 - very beautiful beach, nice soft sand but also some hard surfaces to walk on.
Huge crowds from all over the world. And that is no lie. Australia had people there, Sweden, Norway, France, most African countries also represented with very strong French speaking countries plus the obligatory British contingent from the UK.
The event started at 16:00hrs finished at 23:00hrs.
Day 1 - very beautiful beach, nice soft sand but also some hard surfaces to walk on.
Written 30 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon C
Frome, UK29 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Be warned, you will need to bring cash. Most places don't accept cards due to the high fees that card companies charge the businesses. One bar even has a sign saying €5 will be added to your bill if paid by card. The good news is that there are plenty of ATMs.
Written 16 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thinking of going end of November. Will there be restaurants, bars and shops open or does the resort close for winter. Never been here before so not sure what to expect.
Written 8 July 2024
Praia da Rocha keeps open most businesses year round. With the Portuguese weather, it's lovely for 320 days+ per year. Don't miss Croke Park for food, looks like a n other Irish bar but the chef in there is excellent. If you get a chance and have a car, visit Namaste in Alvor for superb Indian food. The Indians on the front at Praia are iffy at best.
Written 9 July 2024
First time visitin Praia da rocha going self catering and unsure how much I’ll need for food n drinks I don’t mind buying stuff from supermarket for brekkie or snacks(which is best) it’s for evening really 7days hol there’s two of us thanks
Written 7 May 2024
What’s usual weather for last week in September and first week in October? Also is there lots to do around this time still?
Written 7 August 2023
Can’t do out about the weather
But plenty too do
Written 8 August 2023
Nos queremos alojar en hotel Avenida Praia, en la avenida Av. Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão a mediados de agosto. No veo claro el aparcamiento. Me podríais ayudar ? Gracias
Written 3 August 2022
Visiting very early September would temperatures still be very warm and what is water temperature like
Written 30 July 2022
Is there watersports in praia da rocha things like jet skiing and waterboarding etc
Written 30 July 2022
Have you a bus service between Praia da rocha and Alvor that’s handy and any ideas of times ?
Written 25 April 2022
Yes you can. There is the main beach as well as lots of little cove style beaches and they each have a cabin style bar that sells snacks as well as drinks. I spent a lot of time on these small beaches and had beer every time. Hope this helps. X
Written 24 February 2020
I will be travelling here with my 10 yr old son the first week of June. Wondering will it be warm enough to swim in the ocean? Any suggestions for activities in the area that we could do? Thanks
Written 31 January 2020
I think the summer months will be fine to swim in the sea we were there in November and there were quite a few people swimming there . It is a beautiful beach enjoy !!
Written 31 January 2020
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