Our Beach of the Week series takes us up the west coast of the Algarve this week, through the Costa Vicentina natural park and to the shores of Carrapateira, where we find Praia do Amado. This big beautiful beach is a must-visit for tourists, surfers, nature lovers and locals alike. The sand stretches for around one kilometre and there are several wooden stairs leading down the cliff to the water.

There are two bars, which serve simple food and drinks and offer a shady place to sit while you can enjoy the scenic view and watch surfers catch some dreamy waves. And if you feel like joining in on the fun, there are several surf schools on site, that offer anything from a simple rental of boards or wetsuits to a full lesson for beginners or intermediates. At the top of the cliff two big parking areas provide easy access. In the summer months this is a very popular destination, but in the off-season it is usually deserted and makes for a great walk on the beach. But whatever time of the year you find yourself here, one thing is guaranteed; the magical sunset over the ocean is something you should not miss out on.