Caotinha Beach

Caotinha is a small cove where red sandstone cliffs come down to a crescent of sand and the water sits in a shade of turquoise that looks unlikely on this stretch of coast. It is reached down a rough track from the Benguela road and there is nothing there beyond a shack or two selling fish and drinks. Snorkelling round the rocks at either end is good on calm days. It is the beach people in Benguela name first when asked where to go.

What you actually see

• The cove - a small crescent of sand between red sandstone headlands.
• The turquoise water - unusually clear and coloured for the coast.
• The cliffs - red rock walls closing the bay at both ends.
• The rocks - snorkelling around the headlands on calm days.

When to go

May to October is the dry season and the best window. Weekends bring visitors from Benguela and the small beach fills. The rains from November to April make the access track difficult.

Honest expectations

The track down is rough and a four-wheel drive is the sensible choice. There are no facilities beyond a shack and no shade. The cove is small and gets crowded on weekends.

Nearby

Baia Azul is north along the coast, and Benguela is thirty kilometres away.