Praia da Bordeira

Bordeira is the biggest beach on the Costa Vicentina, an enormous open sweep of sand backed by a dune system that runs inland, with a stream and lagoon at its northern end that changes course and shape after every winter's storms - sometimes running along the back of the beach, sometimes cutting straight through. A boardwalk crosses the dunes from the car park. Because it is so large it never feels crowded even in August, and at low tide the exposed sand runs for a kilometre. The clifftop circuit from Carrapateira, a driveable and walkable loop, gives the view down onto the whole system and continues to Praia do Amado, the neighbouring beach and surf school centre. Wind here is severe - Bordeira is a kitesurfing and sand-in-everything sort of beach - and the Atlantic is cold with heavy currents.

What you actually see

• The scale - an open sweep of sand that stays uncrowded even in August.
• The dune system - protected dunes crossed by a boardwalk from the car park.
• The shifting lagoon - a stream and pool that change course every winter.
• The clifftop circuit - the loop from Carrapateira with views over the whole beach.

When to go

May to September for swimming; year-round for walking, which is arguably better. Half a day. Mornings are calmer before the wind builds.

Honest expectations

Very strong wind most afternoons - sand blows constantly. Cold water and dangerous currents; lifeguard cover is limited and seasonal. No shade and minimal facilities. Walking on the dunes damages them and is restricted to the boardwalk.

Nearby

Praia do Amado is south on the same circuit; Carrapateira village is inland.