Location
Portugal
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Praia da Bordeira
Praia da Bordeira, also called Praia da Carrapateira, is a vast beach on the west coast of the Algarve in Aljezur municipality, inside the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. It lies just north of the village of Carrapateira, where the Ribeira da Bordeira meets the sea, and is one of the widest beaches in the region: a huge sweep of sand and high dunes between cliffs, with a river lagoon behind the beach. The Portuguese Naturist Federation (FPN) lists Bordeira among its tolerated beaches, with occasional nudism on the sand spit to the north, near a large rock called Pedra de Matez. A 2024 regional article notes that the beach is still on the federation's lists, but that it is now mainly a surf and family beach and naturism happens only at the northern end near the rocks. Expect strong surf, wind and cold water; the beach has a summer bar and lifeguards at the main access, while the northern end has no services.
Getting there
From the N268 between Vila do Bispo and Aljezur, turn into Carrapateira and follow the road towards the sea to the beach car park; a wooden walkway and dune path lead to the sand. Reaching the northern end near Pedra de Matez means a long walk across the beach, crossing the stream mouth, on soft sand. Buses between Aljezur and Vila do Bispo stop at Carrapateira, about 1 km from the beach. The walkway helps, but the naturist end is not wheelchair accessible.
Amenities
Legal context
Portugal's naturism law (Lei 29/94, revised in 2010) allows nudity only in areas a municipality has designated, and this beach is not among the nine official naturist beaches listed by the FPN in 2026. The FPN lists it as a 'tolerated' beach where naturist use is customary alongside clothed bathers; we found no reports of enforcement, but nudity here is customary rather than authorised. The beach lies within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, where dune protection rules apply.
Naturism at Praia da Bordeira sits under Portugal's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Portugal public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 37.2052, -8.8974
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 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 Bordeira a nude beach?
Only partly and informally. The Portuguese Naturist Federation lists it as a tolerated beach, with occasional nudism at the northern sand spit near Pedra de Matez.
Where is the nudist section?
At the far northern end, near the rocks, a long walk from the main access at Carrapateira.
Is it family-friendly?
The main beach is popular with families and surfers; nudity is confined to the northern end.
Are there facilities?
A summer bar and lifeguards near the main access; nothing at the northern end.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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