A favorite among locals due to its golden sands and calm, swimming-friendly waters, Praia Gale should be at the top of any beach-lover’s Albufeira itinerary. Steps away from the resort town of Gale, Praia Gale offers more than just sunbathing opportunities: you can spot marine life in natural pools between the rocks or explore the sandstone caves on either side of the sand.
The Basics
The Algarve is renowned throughout Europe for its spectacular coastline, which lends itself well to leisurely strolls. Easy-to-follow walking trails make it easy to explore the area on foot, regardless of your fitness level. From Praia Gale, you can follow a coastal path that reveals panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and gives you access to some of the Algarve’s best beaches. The majority of Algarve boat tours pass Praia Gale and showcase the sandstone caves and coves that are inaccessible by anything other than boat.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat—shade is limited.
- If you’re arriving by car, try to do so early in order to nab a parking space close to the beach.
- The beach is wheelchair accessible; a wooden walkway leads from the parking area right to the sand.
How to Get There
You can get to Praia Gale just by walking from town or other nearby beaches; better yet, arrive by water on a day excursion from Albufeira. Public buses from Albufeira also service the beach, and various parking lots offer access to the shoreline.
When to Get There
During peak season( July and August), the beach can get extremely crowded—arrive early. During those months, the beach is at its prettiest and most pleasant around sunset, when temperatures are cooler.
Dolphin Watching in the Algarve
The cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the Algarve make the region a home for bottlenose dolphins, which can be observed on a boat tour. A must for nature lovers, the majority of boat tours combine dolphin watching with visits to the Benagil Cave and Praia Gale.
