Praia do Camilo Travel Guide and Attraction

Praia do Camilo is one of the most beautiful and photogenic beaches close to Lagos, in the Algarve of Portugal. It prefers within some cliffs, clean water, and sandy beaches and is mostly preferred by the locals, visitors, and tourlover. It is situated between two other magnificent Algarve gems: Praia da Dona Ana and the splendid Ponta da Piedade. In fact, TripAdvisor ranks Praia do Camilo among the best things to do in Lagos.

In this article, I will briefly explain what makes Camilo beach stand out from other beaches in the Algarve and why it should be on your list of places to visit.  

Praia do Camilo Beach: A Stunning Overview

Praia do Camilo small beach but beautiful. The pale yellow sand is fine, and it encourages one to walk naked on it or to sunbath on the warm tinge of the shore. However, due to its size, the beachfront tends to be reduced, especially during high tide, leaving much of the beach area enclosed. Ideally, it is best to visit the Horseshoe Bay beach during low tide, when the beach is more stunning, less crowded, and allows people to spread out more. 

For a peaceful vacation in a less crowded environment, visit during the winter months. Other places, such as Camilo, may attract a large number of people during the summer season. It is better to visit the place early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds, or you can watch the splendid sun set from the top of the cliffs.  

Stairway to Heaven

Find the Stairway to Heaven at Praia do Camilo, one of the most stunning spots in Lagos, Portugal. This secret paradise beckons visitors to descend a roughly 200-step wooden staircase descending dramatic ochre cliffs to golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters beyond. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming and photography, it provides a stunning backdrop of the Algarve coastline. Arrive early in the morning for a more tranquil experience, with snorkeling gear in tow to see the colorful marine life washing up along the shore.

This is truly breathtaking because, after climbing the staircase, it feels like you are in the center of a small piece of heaven.  Stairs are an element of the visit, just as they are when moving downward; they provide a view of the beach and the adjoining coast. Finally, when you reach the bottom, you’ll find that it would have been worth it to make that effort. The descent may be slightly tiresome, more so after a day of sunbathing at the beach, but the uphill climb is well worth the toilsome adventure to here.  

Cliff Views: An Unmatched Algarve Panorama

For instance, It boasts some of the world's most beautiful cliffs. From there, one gets a panoramic view of the beach and all across the Bay of Lagos. With cliffs cutting across the location and clear blue waters, the site looks inviting and could easily feature in a brochure.  Do not miss taking a short stroll from Praia do Camilo to Ponta da Piedade, the symbol of the Algarve.

This magnificent headland is a spectacular series of natural sea arches, cliffs, and dramatic underground caverns eroded by the Atlantic over millions of years. The cliffs surrounding this beach are considered to offer some of the most captivating views in the region, especially for those who enjoy photography. 

How to get there

The most convenient way to get around the Algarve is by car. Don’t forget to rent a car if you don't own one. Praia do Camilo is around one hour’s drive west of Faro Airport. The nearest town is Lagos. The beach lies along the road in Lagos to Ponta da Piedade.

It is easy to find; you can input the following address in your GPS, and you are good to go: Estrada da Ponta da Piedade, Praia do Camilo, 8600-544 Lagos, Portugal. There's parking in the lot across the street from the restaurant, but it is limited. It's recommended to come early to get a parking space, since it's the high season. If not , you can always park your car in the berm alongside the road. 30-minute walk from the center of Lagos to Camilo beach.

Best Time to Visit

Camilo beach, Portugal is a popular destination year-round, with the peak tourist season occurring from June to September. Because the beach is relatively small, many vacationers congregate at the ocean simultaneously during the tourist season. If one is visiting during the summer, they must rise early in the morning to secure a prime spot on the sand. In the evening, when there are fewer people around, one can walk to the cliffs for a vantage point view of the beach. 

Praia do Camilo, like many beaches, changes pace during the winter season and becomes a quiet and serene spot. Algarve does have a cool winter season, but the beach remains open; it is not crowded, so it is very quiet. The beach remains cool and serene to view in the winter, with fewer people than in the summer and other seasons.   

The Magic of the Sunset 

Tourists who want to fully appreciate Praia do Camilo should do so at sunset, as it remains a vibrant period for the beach. The sun sets, leaving behind a beautiful orange hue over the cliffs and sea. As much as taking a closer look at the sea using binoculars, sometimes from the cliffs by the beach, the scenery is breathtaking, with tinges of orange, pink, and purple in the sky and the sea.  

But if you do not want to spend the day on a crowded beach, going to Praia de Camilo for the sunset view is more than enough. It is a very calm and peaceful way to travel and admire the views of the Algarve coast, and the cliffs make a great backdrop for the sunset. 

Nearby Attractions

Among the famous beaches of the region, one can name Praia da Dona Ana and Ponta da Piedade. As mentioned earlier, Praia do Camilo is located between two other must-see attractions in Lagos: One of the best and most beautiful beaches in Algarve is Praia da Dona Ana, situated near Ponta da Piedade.  

Praia da Dona Ana: Praia da Dona Ana is a nearby location, larger than Praia do Camilo, and an excellent place to stock up on sunbeds for sunbathing or swimming. Scattered on this island is another attractive element—clear water and bizarre rocks. 

Ponta da Piedade: A picturesque coast that consists of beautiful sea cliffs, natural bridges, and gulfs. It is one of the most beautiful coves in the Algarve, and there's a short trail leading to it from Praia do Camilo. Both spots are worth the 5-10 minute walk, and hiking the beautiful coastline around Lagos enhances the experience. 

Beach restaurant near Camilo Beach

Above the cliffs, the restaurant O Camilo, from which the beach takes its name. The restaurant is very popular among locals and offers a lot of regional fish and seafood dishes. There’s a nice panoramic view of the city from the restaurant. It's a good restaurant, but the pricing is below normal. All are open 11 a.m. to midnight; Closed on Monday.

Because there are no other restaurants on or near the beach, you might want to bring a water bottle and a couple of snacks with you.

Accommodation Nearby

Villas D. Dinis. This highly regarded guest house is located near Ponta da Piedade. It was not lacking anything to ensure we had fantastic holidays at Algarve. Costa d’Oiro Ambiance Village. This charming 4-star hotel has a pleasant terrace and a swimming pool.

They also provide a variety of activities to make the most of your stay in Lagos. Cascade Wellness & Lifestyle Resort. This 5-star resort features a large outdoor terrace complete with a fantastic pool. Pac4Portugal offers some vacation rentals with gated pool near Carvoeiro and the Lagoa area.