Praia do Amado, Aljezur – A Wild, Beautiful Beach Perfect for Families Who Love Adventure
Discover Praia do Amado in Aljezur, a wild and family-friendly Algarve beach with surf schools, space to play, and stunning views for adventurous families.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Praia do Amado, near Carrapateira (Aljezur region, West Algarve)
🚗 Parking: Large, free car park directly above the beach
🍴 Food: Small beach bar (open spring–autumn); best to bring your own snacks
🏄 Activities: Two surf schools on site (great for beginners and kids aged 6+)
🚻 Facilities: Basic toilets near the surf schools
👶 Kid-friendly: Yes — great for toddlers and older kids, especially near the little stream
🐶 Dogs: Often allowed outside high season
🕶️ Best time to visit: Spring to early autumn for warm weather; winter for peaceful walks
If your family loves wild beaches, open landscapes, and a bit of that “untouched” Algarve feel, Praia do Amado will probably steal your heart, just like it did ours.
We first discovered it by accident, driving the stunning coastal road from Praia da Bordeira. Suddenly, the cliffs opened up and revealed this dramatic sweep of sand, surf, and sky. It honestly felt more like New Zealand than Portugal, rugged, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Getting There & Parking
Praia do Amado is located about a 10-minute drive from Carrapateira village, and roughly 20–25 minutes from Aljezur. The drive itself is gorgeous, with winding cliffs, sea views, and wide-open countryside.
When you arrive, you’ll find a large free car park just above the beach. Even in busier months, it’s usually easy to find a space, though it can fill up around midday in summer. From the car park, it’s just a short walk down a sandy path to the beach, easy enough even with toddlers or a stroller.
Family-Friendly Facilities
There’s a small beach bar right by the sand, but when we visited in winter it was closed for the season. Reviews are mixed, so if food is important to you (and let’s face it, with kids it usually is!), I’d definitely pack your own snacks or picnic.
We usually bring sandwiches, fruit, and plenty of water, plus a few treats for the ride home. If you’re planning to stay a while, there are also two surf schools that sometimes offer light snacks or drinks when open.
The toilets are basic but functional, located near the surf schools. Don’t expect luxury, but they do the job.
What Makes Praia do Amado Special for Families
For us, it’s the freedom and space. The beach is huge, so you can always find a quiet corner, even in summer. The waves are strong, which makes it great for older kids or teens who want to try surfing, but there’s also a small stream running into the ocean that’s absolutely perfect for little ones.
Our kids spent hours there, building dams, making tiny “boats” from sticks and shells, and getting wonderfully muddy. It’s the kind of simple, imaginative play that feels like childhood should.
Meanwhile, we could relax nearby with a coffee (or maybe a pastel de nata or two), keeping an eye on them while soaking up those epic views.
Surf Schools & Lessons
If your kids are over six (or if you fancy a go yourself!), you’ll find two well-rated surf schools right on the beach:
Both offer lessons for beginners and kids, with friendly instructors who make it really fun. Lessons usually include wetsuits and boards, and they often run family sessions where everyone can join in.
Surfing here is pretty iconic. Amado is one of the most popular surf beaches in the Algarve, especially among locals and visiting surf camps. Even if you don’t surf, it’s amazing to just watch the action from the shore.
What to Pack
Here’s our go-to list for a day at Praia do Amado with kids:
Snacks and water (the beach bar isn’t always open)
Beach tent or umbrella (there’s very little shade)
Wetsuits or rash vests if you plan to swim or surf
Buckets and spades for the stream
Warm layers (even in summer, the wind can be strong)
Bin bags (it’s a wild beach, so it’s nice to leave it as clean as you found it)
Tips for Visiting with Kids
Arrive early: It’s peaceful in the morning, and the light is stunning.
Stay by the stream: It’s safer for toddlers and a great play area.
Check tides: The stream can shift with the tide, and the waves can be strong.
Bring binoculars: You can often spot seabirds and even dolphins offshore.
Take the scenic route: If you’re coming from Bordeira, the coastal drive is one of the best in the Algarve.
Restaurants Nearby
If you’re after a good meal afterward, there’s a small restaurant called Sítio do Forno right above Praia do Amado. We haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on our list. Reviews mention great seafood and ocean views.
Alternatively, you can drive back into Carrapateira village, where you’ll find a couple of cosy cafés and local restaurants. Try Micro Bar, it’s family-friendly with relaxed vibes.
A deeper dive:
If you’ve spent time on the southern Algarve coast, around Lagos, Albufeira, or Vilamoura, Praia do Amado feels like another world entirely. This is the wild west of the Algarve, where cliffs meet crashing waves and surfers chase the perfect break.
And yet, somehow, it’s still wonderfully family-friendly, just in a different kind of way.
Why Praia do Amado is Special
What I love most about Amado is that it still feels untouched. There are no big resorts, no rows of sunbeds, no loud beach clubs. Just wind, sand, and sea. Nature at its best.
It’s the kind of place where kids can run free, explore, and use their imagination. Where you don’t need toys or screens because the beach itself becomes the playground.
We’ve visited many beaches across the Algarve, from Praia da Luz to Praia do Carvalho, and while each has its charm, Amado’s raw beauty stands out.
The red cliffs glowing in the late afternoon sun, the expanse of golden sand, and the sound of the waves make it pure therapy for parents and pure adventure for kids.
For Families Who Love Adventure
If your family is happiest outdoors, hiking, exploring, or just getting a bit sandy, this beach is perfect.
There are wooden boardwalks and trails leading up the cliffs with incredible views. Even a short walk rewards you with panoramic vistas of the Atlantic coast. Just hold little hands tight, as the cliffs are high and the drop-offs can be steep.
It’s also a brilliant spot to combine with other wild west Algarve adventures, like:
Visiting Praia da Bordeira, just five minutes north, another family-favourite beach with dunes and a lagoon.
Exploring Carrapateira village, with its surfy charm and local cafés.
Driving to Aljezur, a beautiful town with a castle, market, and family-friendly vibe.
Best Time to Visit
The west coast of the Algarve is known for being windier and cooler than the south coast, which, honestly, is a blessing in summer.
Spring (March–May): Warm enough for beach days, quiet, perfect light.
Summer (June–September): Buzzing with surf schools and families.
Autumn (October–November): Gorgeous sunsets, fewer crowds.
Winter: Great for wild walks and photography. Just bring layers.
We visited in winter and loved having the beach almost to ourselves. It felt peaceful and grounding. The kids played by the stream while we just breathed in the salty air.
Staying Nearby
If you’d like to stay close by, look for accommodation in Carrapateira or Bordeira. Both villages are tiny but charming, with a mix of surf lodges, guesthouses, and family-run stays.
Some lovely family-friendly options include:
Casa Fajara Lodge (Carrapateira) – peaceful, pool, surrounded by nature.
Monte Velho Retreat Centre – eco-friendly, incredible views.
Guesthouse Vale Figueiras – great for families and surf lovers.
If you prefer a livelier base, Aljezur has more restaurants, shops, and supermarkets, but still keeps that relaxed west coast vibe.
A Few Final Thoughts
Praia do Amado isn’t your typical “family beach” with playgrounds or cafes every few metres. But that’s exactly what makes it so special.
It’s about slowing down, letting the kids explore, and reconnecting with nature. About letting them splash in the stream, chase crabs, collect shells, and get gloriously messy.
For parents, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best moments come from doing less. Sitting on the sand, watching the waves, and realising you don’t need much else.
So yes, pack your snacks, load up the car, and set off for an adventure. Whether it’s a sunny summer surf day or a breezy winter walk, Praia do Amado is one of those places that stays with you.
Other beaches in the Algarve for families:
If you’re planning a family trip to the Algarve with kids, Praia do Amado in Aljezur deserves a spot on your list. It’s one of the best family-friendly beaches on the west coast, known for its wild beauty, surf schools, and safe stream for younger children.
Perfect for families staying near Carrapateira, Bordeira, or Aljezur, Amado offers something for everyone, from surfing and exploring to picnicking and soaking up the view.