Emma’s Holiday Guide to Praia da Rocha: Relaxation & Adventure

Praia dos Tres Castelos beach. This beach is a 15-minute walk from the main Praia da Rocha beach, and it's smaller and quieter! If you don't mind walking the extra 15 minutes, this one is next to the main beach! Keep in mind that you have to walk down a lot of stairs to get to this beach. If you struggle to walk up and down these stairs, consider going to the main beach instead.

Viewpoint of Tres Castelos. Close to the beach is a walkway that offers an overlook of the fantastic beach views.

Praia da Rocha beach. This is the main beach in the area, and it is huge. It can get overcrowded, however, if you find a space, then it's okay! There are little bars along the back of the beach, making it easy to grab a drink and snacks!

Boat trip to the Benagil Caves. A boat trip is not only a great experience, but also a way to see the Benagil Caves and many other caves and sites. It's worth mentioning that many of the boat tours are on smaller boats, so if you feel sea-sick easily, consider opting for a larger boat.

Wander around the markets. In the hustle and bustle of Praia da Rocha, there are markets and shops worth going into for a browse!

La Dolce Vita, an Italian along the main strip, is definitely worth visiting! The food was delicious! I recommend booking in advance or arriving early, as there may be a long queue.

Amanti, an Italian that is close to the hustle and bustle. There are two locations for this restaurant within a 30-minute walking distance, so depending on where you are staying, you could go to the closer one.

Hollywood Steakhouse is a fun, Hollywood-themed restaurant serving western cuisine. It is located along the main strip and is worth visiting if you haven't been there before!

The Irish Rover. I went here for drinks, and the atmosphere is excellent. They have live singers and a pool table, and a good selection of drinks. It is located along the main strip, so it's a reasonable walking distance after a meal or during the day.

Use the Bolt app instead of taxis - it's incredibly cheap! For a 10-minute drive, it's approximately €3. We used Bolt everywhere! Since you pay through the app, ensure you connect your Revolut card.

If you plan to walk, wear comfortable footwear, as the terrain is very hilly.

It can get chilly in the evenings due to the breeze, so be sure to pack appropriately.

If you are self-catering (like I was), I'd recommend buying ciabatta bread and various fillings (cheese, meat slices or vegetarian alternatives). This is a simple and affordable lunch that you can easily pack.

WHO WOULD THIS TYPE OF TRIP BE SUITED TO?

This trip really has something for everyone – whether you're looking to unwind in peaceful surroundings or stay active and explore. That said, if you require a wheelchair or find walking long distances or uphill challenging, it may not be the most comfortable option. And if vibrant nightlife is a priority, Albufeira would likely be a better fit for you.

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT VISITED?

La Dolce Vita! The atmosphere was great and it felt very authentic!

AIRLINE COMMENTS:

Jet2 were great! It was a smooth flight! I always get cold on planes, so I recommend bringing extra layers if you're like me!

BEST EXPERIENCE FROM THE TRIP?

Spending time relaxing at the beach was my favourite! The slight wind at the beach meant I could relax without being too hot! The waves at this beach were big, which was very fun!