If there is a constant that characterizes the landscapes of the western extreme of the Algarve is the wind. At the end of the European continent, where the land ends and the sea begins, the Atlantic breath shapes not only geography but also the experience of the visit. But there are exceptions. And one of them comes almost as a well -kept ‘secret’ among the cliffs.
In the village of Sagres, where the angry sea and the open sky meet, there is a beach that stands out for its singular location. Beliche beach, despite exposure to sucky pontoes, is protected by the limesties that surround it. According to Visit Algarve, this cove, excavated between the cables of Sagres and São Vicente, benefits from a southwest orientation that the safeguard of the dominant winds, namely the north.
Natural shelter between vertical rocks
With access from the 268 National Road, on the way to Cabo de São Vicente, Beliche beach requires a short walk. A long staircase leads to the sand, flanked by imposing cliffs, where it is possible to observe limestone stratification and obvious signs of old collapse.
According to the same source, these geological formations house caves and serve as habitat to endemic plant species, whose presence justifies the classification of the area as a biogenetic reserve of Sagres.
Despite its relative seclusion, this is a beach sought by surfers and bodyboard practitioners. The guidance of the cove allows the ripple to enter, while the relief configuration guarantees less suction cup waters. Explains the Visit Algarve website that, during the bathing season, there are support infrastructures, including surfing school, restaurant and surveillance.
The protection conferred by the cliffs contrasts with the remaining surrounding territory. According to the same source, Cabo de São Vicente, located about six kilometers, is known as strong winds and cliffs that exceed 70 meters. Therefore, the shelter provided by the beach of border becomes even more evident, functioning as a kind of natural refuge.
Explore beyond
The proximity of the Sagres Fortress offers a historical complement to the bathing visit. This structure, erected in the fifteenth century by order of Infante D. Henrique, offers wide views of the ocean and the coastal cut. Writes the Revigorate portal that, near the entrance to the fortress, is a 43-meter-diameter wind rose, whose full discovery and excavation only took place in the twentieth century.
Route to the extreme of the continent
A few minutes by car is the São Vicente cable. According to the same publication, this geographical point was considered by the Romans as the end of the known world. The lighthouse installed there since 1846 remains operational, being a reference for navigation. Although it is not possible to visit it inside, the space has a museum, store and coffee.
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Despite the natural charm, there are risks to consider. It refers to the Algarve Visit that Beliche Beach is classified as limited use due to the constant threat of collapses. It is therefore recommended distance from the cliffs, both in the sand and on the upper tracks. The visibility of erosion and previous collapse signs reinforce the need for caution.
Surf in open sea, even with wind
Other beaches in the immediate vicinity also offer good conditions for the practice of water sports. Tonel Beach, for example, has more aggressive waves and a sand that almost disappears on high tide. According to the same source, the strength of the currents advises against bathing to the least experienced, but attracts surfers of various levels.
Already Praia da Mareta, closer to the center of Sagres, is protected by a rock formation that softens the winds. He adds to that, in addition to the extensive sand, this beach benefits from sun exposure throughout the day, becoming appealing to bathers.
Towards the Largo with licra
On the opposite side, Martinhal Beach offers access to limestone, accessible by boat. These formations hide caves and submerged caves, ideal for diving. According to the same source, the water remains cold, even in summer, and the use of fact of licra is recommended.
The distance between the wind and the shadow
The uniqueness of Beliche beach lies in the combination of unusual factors in the Western Algarve: natural shelter, good waves and accessibility. Its location, halfway between the village and the cable, makes it a natural stopping point, either for those looking for adrenaline on the waves or for those who just want to escape the wind.
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