Praia Do Garrão Poente Nascente A Tourism Guide For 2023

Praia Do Garrão

Praia do Garrão is one of the main beaches in The Golden Triangle area and is known for its calm waters and serene atmosphere. The Golden Triangle is a name given to a group of high-end resorts found in the municipality of Loulé, Algarve. 

The Golden Triangle area includes the beaches of Praia do Garrão, Praia do Vale do Lobo, and Praia de Quinta do Lago. These beaches are known for their soft sand, clear waters, and tranquil atmosphere. The resorts in this area cater to high-end tourists, with amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, and luxury hotels.

Highlights of Praia do Garrão

Praia do Garrão is located on a sandy strip stretching for 17 kilometers, all the way from the city of Quarteira to Faro airport. The area is characterized by sand dunes, pine forests and wetlands.

Praia do Garrão is a beautiful, spacious beach located on the Portuguese Algarve. The beach is approximately one kilometer long and is divided into two sections: Praia do Garrão Nascente (the eastern section) and Praia do Garrão Poente (the western section). In between these two sections is a third small section called “Julia’s Beach.” 

The sand at Praia do Garrão is light-colored and the beach is typically busy during the summer months. However, there is still plenty of space on the beach so that people are not forced to lie right next to each other. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented from the beach bars and restaurants, and there are also pavilions offering massages. 

Location Praia do Garrão

Vale do Garrão, 8135-170

Almancil, Loulé (Faro)

Portugal

Garrão Poente is an accessible beach. It faces southwest and is located in Vale do Garrão, 8135-170 Almancil, Loulé (Faro), Portugal.

How to get Praia do Garrão

To get to Praia do Garrão beach, you can either walk across the sand from the neighboring beaches or drive there and park in one of the two parking areas. The beach is also accessible by tarmac road from Almancil, following the direction of Garrão or Dunas Douradas for about 6 km. There is ample parking available at both beaches.

Garrão Poente – Dunas Douradas GPS: 37° 2’36.69″N 8° 3’23.20″W

Garrão Nascente GPS: 37° 2’23.03″N 8° 3’0.98″W

Praia do Garrão Acessibilidade

The Praia do Garrão is accessible for those with mobility impairments. There is an inclined plane or ramp at the entrance of the beach. The ramp has a slope that makes it possible to be used autonomously. There is also a handrail present. The name of the tourist resource is clearly visible and legible.

The outdoor areas of Praia do Garrão are accessible for people with disabilities. There is uniform and non-slip pavement, as well as signs in color-contrasting texts. There is also a walkway to access the sand that is appropriate for people with disabilities.

Amphibian chair

Praia do Garrão sights

In Praia do Garrão, the line of cliffs gives way to vast dune fields that will extend across the sand barriers of the nearby Ria Formosa. The sand follows two valleys separated by a low cliff: in the valley to the west is the Dunas Douradas lagoon, in the valley to the east is the smaller and temporary Garrão lagoon. Both wetlands are freshwater, a rarity on the coastline and very attractive to waterfowl.

A walk along the shore of the Dunas Douradas lagoon invites visitors to observe the various birds that feed, rest, or nest here, such as the coot, the mallard, or the emblematic purple swamphen. The pine forest line that comes from Quarteira, here with its natural understory, flanks the water mirrors, offering protection and shelter to the aquatic life. A network of footbridges crosses the dune; as you walk along them, you can observe the rich and aromatic flora of the sands, which here includes endemic species such as the sea thyme.

Notes: The lagoons are not suitable for bathing. In order to contribute to the preservation of the site, the dune cordon should be crossed using footbridges.

The surrounding region Praia do Garrão

  • Vilamoura ( 6.9 km)
  • Faro (12 km)
  • Albufeira (18 km)

Beaches nearby Praia do Garrão

Additionally, there’s a number of beaches near Praia do Garrão which you can visit:

Praia do Garrão things to do

Praia do Garrão is a great place to enjoy the water and the sun. There are many activities to choose from, including:

  • Swimming
  • Sunbathing
  • Beach Walking
  • Picnicking
  • Surfing
  • Windsurfing
  • Kiting
  • Banana boat
  • Jetski
  • Canoe
  • Pedal boat
  • Ringe
  • Water ski
  • Hiking

If you want to engage in water sports while at Praia do Garrão, there are two operators who have a variety of equipment for activities such as jet skis and banana boats. However, if you plan on windsurfing, surfing, or kiting, you will need to bring your own gear as they don’t provide it. Although diving isn’t popular here, the beach conditions are ideal for it.

Praia do Garrão Hiking trail

The Praia do Garrao area has many great hiking trails, but the best one is along the coastline. One of our favorites is the route from Quarteira toward Vale do Lobo and back:

Quarteira / Praia do Garrao

  • Distance 6.42 mi
  • Technical difficulty Moderate
  • Trail type Loop
  • Time 2 hours 36 minutes

Praia do Garrao Nightlife

Praia do Garrão has many bars and restaurants that are right on the beach. You have a lot of places to choose from, whether you want to eat, drink, or party. One of the famous places to party is at the Sunset Bar, where they celebrate the sunset every day.

Near the parking lot of Praia do Garrão, you will find everything from chic fish restaurants to cool beach bars with sunset parties. Prices are typical for Portugal and the atmosphere is exclusive but not too much so that you would feel uncomfortable in a bikini. The view of the sea and beach is always present and makes enjoying your food and drinks even better.

Praia do Garrao amenities and FEATURES

  • Lifeguards (Lifeguard on duty during the bathing season)
  • Public restrooms( WC nearby the restaurants)
  • Parking (Car parking nearby Praia do Garrão). There are two parking spaces on this beach.
  • Restaurants (F&B places nearby Praia do Garrão). If you’re looking for a nice evening out, Izzy’s Beach Restaurant or Julias is the place for you. They serve amazing seafood dishes with fine wine pairings, and there’s usually live music or dancing if you’re interested.
  • Pet friendly (Subject to pet policy)

Praia do Garrão Pet Policy

  • From July to August, dogs are not allowed on the beach. This means that you can walk your pet until 9am or from 7:30pm. It is important to remember to wear a leash and to clean up any messes your pet may make.
  • However, during the rest of the year they are allowed on a lead.  
  • Additionally, service dogs are allowed on the beach at any time.

Praia do Garrão Fees

  • PARKING PASS Fee for parking in lots
  • Beach umbrellas and sun loungers on the order of €20-25 per day

When to visit Praia do Garrão

The hottest months at Praia do Garrão

June, July, August, and September

The best time to visit Praia do Garrão is during the summer months when the weather is warm. The hottest months at Praia do Almargem of the year, from June to September. These are also the busiest months, as this is when most people visit. June, July, August, and September provide Algarve visitors with plenty of things to see and do!

Coldest months at Praia do Garrão:

December, January, February, March

January, February, March and December are the coldest months in Praia do Garrão. The likelihood of experiencing conditions such as rain, wind and lower temperatures is higher during these months. If you’re looking for a sunny beach destination, then Praia do Garrão is not ideal during these times.

Rainiest months at Praia do Garrão:

March, October, November, December

The rainfall is more frequent during the months of March, October, November, and December in Praia Do Almargem. So if you intend to visit then, don’t forget your raincoat!

Praia do Garrão Water and waves

If you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach with calm water and gentle waves, Praia do Garrão is perfect. It’s also great for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

RULES & REGULATIONS ON Praia do Garrão

  • No pets are allowed on the beach (please refer to the pet policy)
  • DO NOT make campfires or barbecue
  • NO Fireworks

You might also like: Praia Manuel Lourenço, Praia do Trafal, Praia do Ancão, Praia da Balbina, Praia Do Almargem, Praia da Ponta Pequena, Praia da Terra Estreita, Praia da Ponta Grande

Praia do Garrão for families and young children

Praia do Garrão is an amazing beach that should be on your family’s next vacation list. The main attraction at Praia do Garrão are the clean, soft shores that have a gentle slope making it easy and fun to get into the water. This also makes it a safe place for children of all ages to play in the waves under adult supervision. Please keep an eye on your child/children at all times as strong currents can sweep them out to sea without warning.

Day trips from Praia do Garrão

Not only is Praia do Garrão picturesque and secluded, but it’s also close to other interesting places in the Algarve—making it the perfect spot for day trips and excursions.

Aquashow

Aquashow, one of the Algarve’s largest water parks located on the outskirts of Quartieira. The Aquashow features hotel, water roller coasters, multiple slides and flumes, wave pools and some family-friendly animal shows that are sure to entertain everyone in your group!

Loulé and Faro

The historic town of Loulé is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a change of pace from the more lively atmosphere of Quarteira. It has a distinctly Portuguese feel, with a lively market at its centre and plenty of cultural activities available in the nearby city of Faro.

If you’re looking for some sightseeing, Loulé’s walled old town has a cathedral and museums, while the famous Igreja de Carmo and its chapel of bones are located in Faro. There’s also plenty of shopping and a lively local bar and restaurant scene in both towns.

Excursions Praia do Garrão. Coastal Excursions in the Algarve

There are many different tour operators in Vilamoura Marina that offer boat trips along the coast. You can go dolphin watching, cave exploring in Benagil, or on a luxury catamaran tour. There are also deep sea fishing and wildlife watching trip options available to you in Ria Formosa. This is a great way to experience more of what the Algarve has to offer!

Praia do Garrão Hotels and rentals

If you’re considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the Praia do Garrão. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:

The Pros And Cons of a Holiday at the Praia do Garrão

Praia do Garrão is the ideal location if you want a quiet beach day with serene waves. It’s also perfect for families who have small children as the sand is clean andsoft, and there is more than enough space on the shoreline.

PROS Praia do Garrão

  • Dog friendly
  • Wildlife
  • Perfect for families with young kids
  • Pristine sand and water
  • Near the city

CONS Praia do Garrão

  • There are no public showers available

CONCLUSION. A holiday to Praia do Garrão

Not many people know about Praia do Garrão, but trust me- it’s worth checking out. Located in Almancil, Portugal, it’s the perfect spot for a beach day. The accessibility aspect is a bonus too- Garrão Poente is wheelchair accessible and has facilities for those with limited mobility. Plus, the orientation of the beach means you can catch some gorgeous sunsets if you stay until evening. That said, make sure to bring your sunscreen- the southwest orientation means this beach tends to get plenty of sunshine during the day. All in all, Praia do Garrão is a hidden gem worth visiting.

Where Do Most American Expats Live In Algarve Portugal
Castro Marim Guide: The Best Things to Do
Lagoa – the complete guide

Leave a Comment