Location
Portugal
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Beach Alteirinhos
Praia dos Alteirinhos is the first beach south of Zambujeira do Mar on the Alentejo coast, within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park in the municipality of Odemira. It is a wide sandy beach closed in by a tall dark schist cliff, with rock outcrops that appear and disappear with the tide, so the usable sand varies a lot between low and high water. The Odemira municipal assembly approved it as a naturist beach in April 2008, and it remains one of only two official naturist beaches in the Alentejo (with Malhão). The beach is undeveloped, and its wild setting attracts both nude bathers and clothed families who come for the quiet. The Atlantic here is cold and can be rough, with strong currents. Being so close to Zambujeira, it gets busy in August, especially around the village's summer festival.
Getting there
From Zambujeira do Mar, follow the coastal road south; Alteirinhos is the first beach you reach. There is a parking area on the clifftop. A long staircase is the only way down the cliff to the sand, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Zambujeira is served by regional buses, and the beach is within walking distance of the village along the coast road.
What visitors say
Visitors describe a dramatic, wild beach with good sand at low tide and very little at high tide, so timing matters. The atmosphere is relaxed and mixed, with naturists and clothed families side by side. Common tips are to check tides, bring everything you need because there is no bar, and expect a tiring climb back up the stairs. The water is cold and waves can be strong.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Designated a naturist beach by the Odemira Municipal Assembly on 21 April 2008 under Portugal's naturism law (Lei 53/2010, which replaced Lei 29/94), and listed by the Federação Portuguesa de Naturismo. Nudity is optional; clothed bathers also use the beach (checked 2026).
Naturism at Beach Alteirinhos sits under Portugal's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Portugal public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 37.5187, -8.7882
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Portugal
Frequently asked questions
Is Alteirinhos an official nude beach?
Yes. The Odemira Municipal Assembly approved it as a naturist beach in April 2008, and it is on the Portuguese Naturist Federation's list.
How do I get down to the beach?
A long staircase from the clifftop parking area south of Zambujeira do Mar.
Are there facilities?
No bar or services on the beach; cafés and toilets are in Zambujeira do Mar.
When is the best time to go?
Around low tide in June to September; at high tide the sand nearly disappears.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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