Bordeira Beach- Portugal 2024 (from above)

Bordeira Beach is also known as Praia da Carrapateira, this is a huge and beautiful beach. It stretches for over 3 kilometers (about 2 miles), making it the largest in Costa Vicentina. It used to feel quite remote, frequented by just fishermen on the vertiginous cliffs. Now it’s a major surfing destination and very popular with Portuguese families.
In addition to surfing, it’s great for long walks by the sea. Because it’s so wide, the surrounding cliffs don’t provide much protection from the wind, so it can feel cooler than at other beaches in the region. The water is also very cold and currents can be strong, so it’s not great for swimming. There are lifeguards on duty in the bathing season.
This is essentially a beach to relax surrounded by natural beauty or to surf. Many surf schools bring their clients here. There are days when you see more people in wetsuits than in bathing suits. The sea can be very rough in autumn and winter, so only pros should surf here outside the spring and summer months. In the warmer seasons, however, the waves are good for beginners. The northern side (the right, when facing the sea) is where experienced surfers should go, as the waves here are usually bigger. You can rent surfing equipment at the beach, from the surf school connected to the bar. This bar is open in the summer and is the only facility at the beach. There are years when it also rents wicker parasols.
Those not looking to ride waves, simply enjoy walking around or sit admiring the wild and unspoiled setting with dunes stretching inland all the way to the village of Carrapateira. On the southern end you see a river (the Ribeira da Carrapateira or Ribeira da Bordeira), which sometimes forms a lagoon as it reaches the Atlantic. Because it’s shallow and calm, it’s perfect for children. Above it, on the clifftop, is a viewpoint with a breathtaking panorama. There’s a boardwalk which leads down to the sand. This is the main access to the beach from the parking lot.
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