Beach of the Week: Praia do Pintadinho and Praia do Molhe

The first time I discovered this beach was while following the Caminho dos Promontórios (Trail of the Headlands) from the Farol da Ponta do Altar (a lighthouse in Ferragudo) towards the town of Ferragudo.

I used to do this walk quite often during lockdown. It’s a beautiful scenic short walk, offering views of secluded beaches and sea caves. To walk this route, wear a good pair of shoes as it can get rocky and uneven in some spots. If you wish to continue walking from Praia do Pintadinho, you can do so by-passing Praia do Molhe and heading toward Praia Grande.

But let’s get back to Praia do Pintadinho, a nice, small beach, where a beach club, EDDS Beach, was recently built on top of the beach, with private parking. This is a perfect place with a sophisticated atmosphere to stay by the pool on comfortable sunbeds, enjoy a nice meal and coastal views. It’s great to visit in the evening for a romantic dinner and to watch the sunset over the ocean. During the summer season, there are many events going on and DJ nights.

The beach is framed by colourful limestone cliffs, and one of the most eye-catching features is a natural dome with two archways. Its sheltered position offers protection from wind and calm waters, making it good for swimming and snorkelling. From here, you can enjoy the view of the marina and the town of Portimão. When the tide is low, you can explore the amazing caves and rock formations and take beautiful pictures. This beach is peaceful and convenient, making it ideal for all ages. There are a few sunbeds for rent, parking spaces nearby and a family-run beachfront restaurant known for fresh fish and traditional Portuguese food, which gets very busy at lunchtime. Despite being in the popular village of Ferragudo, Pintadinho Beach tends to stay calm and not overcrowded even in the summer season, giving you a peaceful and authentic seaside experience.

If you decide to walk to Praia do Molhe, you will find a very small beach named by the long stone pier (molhe), which separates the river Arade from the sea. Historically, the pier played an important role in maritime navigation, safeguarding fishing boats and merchants’ vessels as they entered the river. Ferragudo village has deep fishing routes and this beach was used by local fisherman as a launching point and as a place to repair their boats and nets. This beach is not monitored or serviced, which means there is no lifeguard or sunbeds. My favourite time to come here is sunset, when the whole view is covered in golden light and you can enjoy panoramic sea views. This beach is a fantastic place to soak up history, watch traditional fishing life, and enjoy the dramatic scenery where river meets sea.

Tereza Pedro is originally from Slovakia and now based in the Algarve, with a master’s in mass media. Passionate about lifestyle and storytelling, she captures the essence of daily life through a blend of creativity, international perspective, and coastal living—all while raising her son.