Location
Portugal
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Praia do Malhão
Praia do Malhão is a long, wild Atlantic beach about 5 km north of Vila Nova de Milfontes in the municipality of Odemira, inside the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. It is several kilometres of pale sand broken by dark rock reefs, backed by protected dunes and low cliffs with viewpoints. Only the northern end is naturist: in April 2019 the Odemira Municipal Assembly unanimously approved it as an official naturist beach at the request of the Portuguese Naturist Federation, and signs mark where the naturist section starts. The southern end, closest to the car parks, is the clothed, lifeguarded area. Because the beach is so long, the naturist section is spacious and rarely crowded even in August. There are no bars, toilets or shade on the sand, and the Atlantic is cold with strong currents and surf.
Getting there
From Vila Nova de Milfontes, take the EN390 north about 5 km, turn left onto the EM1072 toward the coast and follow the dirt road to the car parks (around 600 spaces). Boardwalks lead from the car parks down to the sand. From there walk north (right, facing the sea) along the beach until you pass the sign marking the naturist area. There is no public transport to the beach. The walk is flat on sand but not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Visitors praise the scale and emptiness of the beach and the unspoilt dunes; the naturist end feels remote and peaceful. The main complaints are the lack of any services, the bumpy dirt access road, and wind. Many warn that the sea is rough and unsupervised at the naturist end. Bring food, water and a windbreak.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
The northern section was approved as an official naturist beach by the Odemira Municipal Assembly on 30 April 2019 under Lei 53/2010 and is listed by the FPN. Signs mark the boundary; lifeguards cover only the southern clothed zone (checked 2026).
Naturism at Praia do Malhão 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. 37.7802, -8.8021
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
Which part of Malhão is naturist?
The northern end. Walk right (north) from the boardwalks until the sign marking the naturist area.
Is it official?
Yes, approved by the Odemira Municipal Assembly in April 2019.
Is there parking?
Yes, large dirt car parks (about 600 spaces) reached by a dirt road off the EM1072.
Is it safe to swim?
Take care: the Atlantic is cold with strong currents, and lifeguards only cover the southern clothed section.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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