One of the best and most picturesque beaches in Portugal, which is one of the top 100 beaches in the world is Praia da Marina. There is a parking lot where you can leave your car. The kilometer-long beach strikes its beauty when the ribbed cliffs cross the Atlantic Ocean. This is a favorite place for photographers, because the natural backdrop produces gorgeous, vivid photos.
If you are holidaying in the Algarve, you can reach any town very quickly by car. For example, the drive from the city of Faro is less than an hour. But if you're traveling from the capital Lisbon, the road will take an average of 3 hours.
What to do at the beach
The parking lot is at the top of the cliff, so you can start to appreciate the local scenery right away. Take cool photos, enjoy the beauty, and you can go down to the beach.
There are long stairs to the beach, which is worth considering when you have to go up to the parking lot after your beach relaxation.
In addition to relaxing on the sand and swimming in the ocean, you can go snorkeling. The water is clear, so it will be perfectly visible sea creatures. Do not forget to bring your own equipment.
In the water are majestic rocks that hide underwater caves below. It is best to explore them at low tide.
It is also worthwhile to take a hike on the rocks and the surrounding area. No problem to get to the famous cave and the beach of the same name Benagil (go west). Inside the grotto is hidden "secret beach". You can also get here by boat or, if you decide to walk, you can ask to be taken back by sea.
If you go east from Praia da Marinha you will meet another picturesque place, Senora de Rocha beach.
Local food and cafes
There are no establishments on the beach itself, except for the snack bar, which is only open in summer, and the prices there are unreasonably high. But in its vicinity you can find great options for lunch or dinner. A bonus will be a beautiful view, especially at sunset time.
We suggest visiting the cafes and restaurants near Benagil Beach. There are family-run establishments with traditional Portuguese cuisine.
Be sure to try fresh seafood and fish dishes. Shrimp and bread platter, clam rice, grilled oysters and shells, Atlantic mackerel, charcoal sardines. Top it off with a salad of juicy, seasonal vegetables. Meat lovers will also find interesting dishes (like beef on a rock or piri-piri chicken).
And for dessert, enjoy a delicious ice cream, chocolate cupcake, delicate pudding or almond cake with milk foam coffee.
If you want to spend the whole day at Praia da Marina beach, it's better to take care of your meals in advance. For example, you can take food from a local restaurant and have a picnic on the beach.
