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Praia da Ponta Ruiva

Praia da Ponta Ruiva

Vila do Bispo

The beach owes its name to a huge reddish rock sticking up out of the sea at the southernmost end of the beach, next to which a wave forms that is well-known to surfers. The reddish tones of this rock formation contrast strongly with the black of the schist cliffs surrounding the beach. Pedestrian access to the beach is along a trail of medium difficulty that descends the cliff at a spot where the slopes are not so steep. Despite being popular with surfers, the beach remains peaceful and almost devoid of people. There is an intense scent of rockrose, and you will see endemic juniper scrub, blown flat by persistent, strong winds. The plants growing closer to the beach, such as samphire, are resistant to sea spray. In the rainy months, a small stream cuts its way through the rocky wall of the cliff and on to the beach. On the way to the beach, you will often see African stonechats perched on the upper branches of the bushes, and birds of prey, especially falcons.

More information

Notes: The beach becomes narrow at high tide. Given the risk of landslides and loose stones falling on to the beach, you are advised to keep a safe distance from the cliffs.

The beach can be accessed from Sagres (not signposted) and Vila do Bispo (signposted), along approximately 6 km of dirt track. The descent to the beach is particularly difficult and it is recommended that you do not try it unless you have a four-wheel drive vehicle. There is a medium-sized, informal parking area on beaten earth. There are no support infrastructures and no lifeguard on duty. Orientation: north-west.

GPS: 37° 4'3.49"N 8°57'53.66"W

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