Praia do Martinhal

VERIFIED

Highlights

Large sandy beach around 2 km east of Sagres
Family-oriented resort setting behind the bay
Offshore islets and marine-life interest
Surf, bodyboard and windsurf listed by VisitPortugal
Part of the wider Costa Vicentina natural-park landscape
Official 2026 Blue Flag listing for Martinhal

Full description

Praia do Martinhal sits around 2 km east of Sagres, in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, where the south-west Algarve begins to soften into a broader bay. Official tourism sources describe it as a large sandy beach with regular swell, appreciated by surfers and windsurfers, while the offshore rocks form small islets that shelter marine life and give the bay a distinctive seaward view. The beach is closely associated with a family-focused resort setting behind the sand, but it remains a public beach and should be presented independently. Its wide sand, nearby services and easier access make Martinhal especially useful for families, couples and visitors staying in or around Sagres who want more space than the smaller cliff beaches nearby. Martinhal has a different character from Tonel and Beliche. It feels more open and practical, with a resort and water-sports atmosphere rather than a dramatic cliff-cove setting. VisitPortugal lists Blue Flag, seasonal surveillance, sunshade rental, parking, bar, restaurant and activities including surf, bodyboard and windsurf. These services may depend on the bathing season and local concession operation. ABAAE lists Martinhal as a 2026 Blue Flag beach, with the bathing season from 1 June to 30 September 2026 and the Blue Flag season from 1 July to 30 September 2026. Sea and wind conditions can vary, so visitors should always follow local flags, signage and official safety guidance.

Meeting point

Praia do Martinhal, Sagres, Vila do Bispo, Algarve, Portugal

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Important information

Suitable for

Families staying near Sagres
Visitors seeking a larger beach close to the village
Couples wanting a practical beach with services nearby
Water-sports users when conditions are suitable
Visitors interested in a resort-adjacent beach setting
Beach walkers
Visitors exploring the south-west Algarve

Not suitable for

Visitors seeking a remote wild beach with no resort influence
Visitors expecting guaranteed calm sea conditions
Visitors requiring verified accessible-beach support without current confirmation
Those who prefer small cliff coves
Visitors wanting a nightlife-focused beach setting

Includes

Blue Flag 2026 listing

Seasonal beach surveillance

Sunshade rental

Car parking

Bar and restaurant

Surf, bodyboard and windsurf activity

Offshore islets

Family-oriented resort context

Best Time to Visit

June to September for the official bathing season and full summer beach support. May, June and September are often more comfortable for families and beach walks, with less peak-summer pressure.

Know before you go

ABAAE lists the 2026 bathing season for Martinhal as 1 June 2026 to 30 September 2026. ABAAE lists the 2026 Blue Flag season for Martinhal as 1 July 2026 to 30 September 2026. At the time of verification, ABAAE showed the Blue Flag as not yet hoisted, consistent with the season not having started. Facilities, surveillance and water-sports services may vary by season and concession operation. Although Martinhal is more family-oriented than some Sagres surf beaches, sea and wind conditions can still vary. Visitors should follow beach flags, local signage and official safety guidance before swimming or practising water sports. The surrounding dune and natural-park environment should be respected; use marked access routes where available. Accessibility support for the current season was not fully verified and should be checked before visiting.