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Praia de Vale do Olival e Praia dos Beijinhos

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Praia de Vale do Olival e Praia dos Beijinhos

Lagoa

Despite its location at the westernmost end of the sandy bay of Armação de Pera, the sands at Vale Olival still lie within a typically rocky area. The cliff surrounding the beach is deeply gullied, indicative of the existence of rainwater runoff, around which reed and tamarisk plantations have grown up, reaching all the way to the beach. A torrential stream, bordered by dense riverine vegetation, runs out on to the sands in the rainy months.

The rocky walls rise up to the west and you can follow a cliff-top trail to the neighbouring beach, Praia dos Beijinhos. Typical coastline plants grow alongside the path and there are fabulous panoramic views over the ocean and the rock formations that have been carved out by the elements: rocky ledges, arches, sinkholes and underground galleries mark out the coastline.

Having arrived at Praia dos Beijinhos, a staircase descends the cliff face to the sands, lined by aromatic thyme and eye-catching sweet alyssum. On the small but welcoming beach, two huge rocky ledge cut into the horizon with just a slit between them.

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Note: You can only get to Praia dos Beijinhos on foot, using the trail that starts from Vale do Olival. Since there is a possibility of rockfalls or stones coming loose and falling on to the beach, you should keep a safe distance from the cliffs, and take care if you are walking along the cliff top, staying well back from the edge. You should be aware that a large part of Praia dos Beijinhos beach lies in an area where there is a risk of landslides.

Road access is by tarmacked road from the EN 125, turning south at Porches or from Armação de Pera; Praia de Vale Olival is at the far western end of Armação de Pera. There is plenty of informal parking on beaten earth next to Vale Olival and formal parking areas can be found in Armação de Pera. Support infrastructures include restaurants, WC and information facilities, and there are lifeguards on duty in the summer holiday season, but only on Praia de Vale Olival. Orientation: south.

Vale do Olival GPS: 37° 6'6.68"N 8°22'11.39"W

Beijinhos GPS: 37° 6'3.21"N 8°22'28.09"W

Facilities

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