It is hidden between cliffs and access is not easy , which is why it has become an unofficial naturist beach . The authorities decided not to make it an official naturist beach due to difficult access and the risk of landslides. Even so, it is a beach that attracts more and more young people, including tourists, mainly couples, heterosexual or gay, who sunbathe without bathing suits. It is a romantic beach , with a splendid view from the top of the cliff and a beautiful natural landscape by the sea.

João de Arens Beach, Algarve It has been discovered, but João de Arens Beach remains a more or less well-kept secret that not even the tourist guides mention. It is hidden between cliffs and access is not easy , which is why it has become an unofficial naturist beach . The authorities decided not to make it an official naturist beach due to difficult access and the risk of landslides. Even so, it is a beach that attracts more and more young people, including tourists, mainly couples, heterosexual or gay, who sunbathe without bathing suits. It is a romantic beach , with a splendid view from the top of the cliff and a beautiful natural landscape by the sea.

View over João de Arens Beach, Algarve The cliff is the tip of a pine-covered promontory that has escaped the clutter of Portimão . This promontory is named after a shepherd who lived nearby, and the beach was named after him.

The calm waters of João de Arens Beach, Algarve Seen from above, access appears more difficult than it really is, and the beach appears smaller, as it is divided in half by the cliff. The two sides are connected by a tunnel cut into the cliff. When you go down the trail you reach the west side, where most people usually stay. The east side is therefore quieter. Be sure to visit both sides, as on the east side there is a beautiful view of the coast of Portimão framed by rock formations.

The tunnel that connects the two sides of João de Arens Beach, Algarve When the tide is very low, it is possible to go around the cliff or swim between the two sides. At high tide, the water level fills the tunnel to such an extent that it is no longer possible to cross it. If you decide to stay on the east side, move to the west side when the tide starts to rise.

Sign indicating that Praia de João de Arens is a naturist beach The sea is usually calm and crystal clear, so many go snorkeling and bring inflatable boats. However, few can stay in the water for a long time, as the temperature is usually low.

Rocks in the water at João de Arens Beach, Algarve There is a risk of falling blocks, which means you shouldn't get too close to the cliffs. If you want shade, bring a hat. There is no type of support equipment or lifeguard supervision. Don't forget to bring water and food, but don't leave trash on the beach!

Location : Alvor Perfect for : Naturists Surveillance : No WC : No Hat Rental : No Bar or Restaurant : No Accessible : No Parking : Yes

How to get to João de Arens Beach By car : Praia de João de Arens is about a ten-minute drive from the center of Portimão and less than ten minutes from Alvor. You can park at the end of Caminho da Praia do João de Arens, just before Villa Casa da Guarda (see below). You just have to follow the path to the top of the cliff (about a three-minute walk).

By public transport : Bus 14 on the Vai e Vem urban network leaves from Portimão (Largo do Dique) or the center of Alvor (roundabout on Rua do Rossio de São Pedro). It stops at Prainha, from where you can walk to João de Arens Beach. You just have to follow the João de Arens Road Path for about ten minutes. This bus only runs on weekdays (every half hour), but it runs via route 1P on weekends (only once an hour, except in the months of July and August, when the frequency increases to every thirty minutes ). From Alvor, the journey takes less than ten minutes, and from Portimão around 25 minutes.

On foot : If you like walks with panoramic views, you can also go on foot from P