Many people find this beach even more beautiful than Praia do Camilo and Praia da Dona Ana. Most people, however, never end up seeing it, as it’s hidden down a steep cliff and requires a hike down an unmarked trail to reach it. Those adventurous enough to go, are rewarded with a secret paradise of extraordinary beauty.
Nestled between rocky cliffs, it has 50 meters (165 feet) of sand, even during high tide. Because it’s sheltered by the cliffs, it’s never windy and the water is calm and crystal-clear. It's an unofficial nude beach, so most people are in their birthday suits. It was going to be made an official nude beach, but authorities don’t want to officially recognize it as a beach (nude or otherwise), due to the potential risk of rockfall. As elsewhere with cliffs, make sure you don’t lie directly below them or where rocks could fall.
If you want to sunbathe, go in the morning, as a large part of the sandy area is shaded by mid-afternoon. You’ll inevitably want to take photos of the stunning scenery of ochre cliffs, but be respectful of the fact that most people are nude and won’t appreciate being photographed.
Because this is a wild beach, there are no lifeguards or facilities of any kind. So make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks, and take all the trash with you! If you get hungry or need to use the bathroom, you can go to the restaurant above Praia do Camilo nearby.
Before or after you take the trail down to the beach, walk over the cliffs for a breathtaking view of the rock formations on this coast.
Beach for: Naturists
Lifeguards: No
Bathrooms: No
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: No
Accessible: No
Parking: No
How to Get to Praia dos Pinheiros
Praia dos Pinheiros is hidden between two of Lagos’ most famous attractions -- Praia do Camilo and the Ponta da Piedade headland. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the center of town to Praia do Camilo, and from there you need to walk over the cliff in the direction of the lighthouse of Ponta da Piedade. About halfway, you see the trail (pictured above) leading down to the beach. Carved by nature and the footsteps of visitors, it has paths and steps all the way to the sand. Make sure you use good footwear (don’t wear flip flops) for the irregular surfaces. Even if you take baby steps, you should have your feet in the sand in less than ten minutes. If you’re driving, there’s limited parking in the area around Praia do Camilo.
The hourly bus that connects central Lagos to most of the beaches (number 2), stops by Praia da Dona Ana, and from there it’s about a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, take the tourist train that stops at Ponta da Piedade, where you can then walk back over the cliffs to this beach. You can also reach it by sea, on a kayak or boat tour. To know how to get around Lagos, see the transportation guide.
Beaches by Praia dos Pinheiros
As mentioned above, Praia do Camilo is a short walk from Praia dos Pinheiros. Praia da Dona Ana is also within walking distance. For their exact locations, see the Lagos beaches map.
Hotels by Praia dos Pinheiros
Cascade Wellness Resort
This resort has standard rooms, apartments and villas (many of them with sea views), for all kinds of travelers looking for a few days at the beach. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Praia dos Pinheiros, and includes swimming pools, a spa, gym, golf course, tennis courts and three restaurants.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Cascade Wellness Resort
Villas D. Dinis
Located on the road that links the center of Lagos to Ponta da Piedade (and the beaches of Camilo and Pinheiros), this highly-rated property consists of traditional villas with rooms and suites. They’re all uniquely decorated, in a colorful and romantic style, and are for adults only. Outside are private patios and a swimming pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Villas D. Dinis
Costa d’Oiro Ambiance Village
Praia dos Pinheiros is a short walk from these Mediterranean villas with different rooms and suites. Facilities include swimming pools, a restaurant serving Portuguese cuisine, a fitness center and a spa.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Costa d’Oiro Ambiance Village