Praia de São Rafael
Located approximately four kilometres to the west of Albufeira old town centre, Praia de São Rafael is a Blue Flag beach recognised officially for its cleanliness. It marries the rich blue of the sea with a wide triangle of golden sand. This is edged by attractive rocky cliffs the colour of butter and biscuits which are etched with caves and grottoes and are perhaps best explored by renting a stand-up paddleboard or kayak.
Snorkelling is another common activity, with the submerged rocks offering plenty of hiding places for fish and other marine creatures. But there are plenty of beachgoers happy to paddling in the shallows before soaking up the sun or building sand castles too.
Amenities on Praia de São Rafael include the option to hire out sun loungers and umbrellas. There are public toilets and showers, and good access for those with reduced mobility due to boardwalks leading down to the beach from the two car parks.
Another unmissable feature of the beach for first time visitors is the stylish high-end restaurant which is nestled between the sand and the cliffs. Summertime sees Praia de São Rafael watched over by lifeguards.
Nearest town/city
Albufeira
Lifeguard service
Yes
Activities
- Diving & snorkelling
- Swimming/bathing
Facilities
- Shower
Awards
![Blue Flag Award](/images/blue-flag-logo-sm.gif)
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Current weather (Sun Sep 8th 03:00)
![Clear sky](/images/weather/png/200/01n.png)
(Clear sky)
17.5°C / 64°F
Sea temperature
18.8°C65.9°F
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Rate Praia de São Rafael
Algarve
Portugal
Beaches nearby
- Praia dos Arrifes (0.2 mi)
- Praia das Andorinhas (0.4 mi)
- Praia da Coelha (0.8 mi)
- Praia do Castelo (1 mi)
- Praia da Baleeira (1.1 mi)
- Praia do Evaristo (1.3 mi)
- Praia da Balbina (1.4 mi)
- Praia Manuel Lourenço (1.6 mi)
- Praia do Peneco (1.7 mi)
- Tomás Franco Beach (1.7 mi)