Beach · Algarve

Praia do Vau

Praia do Vau is in Portimão, on the stretch of coast just west of Praia da Rocha, ringed by gentle cliffs.

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Praia do Vau
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Forecast: Open-Meteo (model, indicative). Always check the flag. · Tides and detailed forecast

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Beach guide

Praia do Vau is in Portimão, on the stretch of coast just west of Praia da Rocha, ringed by gentle cliffs. Portimão council says it is chosen mainly by families, for its easy access on foot and because children can play safely at low tide. There is parking, restaurants, toilets and a health post that opens in summer. Lifeguards cover the bathing season, and the beach is on the 2026 Accessible Beach list, with bathing equipment and assistance. Praia dos Careanos sits right next door. MEO Beachcam runs a live webcam at Praia do Vau.

Good for
  • families with children
Get directionsSee it on the map
Type
Sea beach
Region
Algarve
Water quality 2025
Excellent
Blue Flag
Yes, 2026
Coordinates
37.1194, -8.5581

Before you go

Bathing season
1 Jun – 30 Sep 2026, with lifeguards
Access
Easy access on foot
Accessibility
2026 Accessible Beach, with bathing equipment and assistance
Parking
Parking available (Portimão council)
Public transport
Vai e Vem route 14: Praia do Vau stop, weekdays
Facilities
Restaurants, toilets, showers and a summer health post

Good to know

  • With young children, aim for low tide: that is when Portimão council describes Vau as safest for play.
  • On weekdays, Vai e Vem route 14 calls at the Praia do Vau stop every 30 minutes (timetable checked in October 2026).
6 sources checked for this guide

Every fact above was confirmed in these sources (Portuguese Environment Agency, local councils, the Blue Flag operator, transport operators and others). Rules, timetables and seasons change: check locally.

Praia do Vau · Algarve

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Water quality: official 2025 bathing-season classification (European Environment Agency / APA). Editorial description by Portal Turismo Portugal. Before you go, check lifeguard cover, the flag and access, especially outside the bathing season. Blue Flag 2026 awarded by ABAAE, the Blue Flag operator in Portugal (official list); check on site whether the flag is flying.