Praia de São Rafael

Praia de São Rafael is a beach on the Atlantic south coast of the Algarve, close to the village resort of Sesmarias which is within the Municipality of Albufeira, Portugal.[1] This beach is located 2.5 miles (4.0 km) by road to the west of Albufeira old town centre and is 29.7 miles (47.8 km) west of the regions capital of Faro.[2][3] This beach is one of sixty nine[4] blue flag beaches[5] (2012) in the Algarve and is accredited with good facilities for the disabled.

Praia de São Rafael
Praia de São Rafael
Location of Praia de São Rafael
LocationAlbufeira, Algarve, Portugal
Coordinates37°4′29.03″N 8°16′53.41″W
GeologyBeach

Description

This small beach has fine gold sand and crystal clear water and is backed by golden limestone cliffs. On the beach itself there are many limestone rock formations[6] which have been eroded over a long period of time to form interesting formations and shapes many of which have names such as Ninho das Andorinhas or the Swallow’s Nest and Ponte Pequena or the Small Bridge.[7] The main beach can get very crowded during the peak summer period but there are some quieter spots around the beach amongst the rock formations a short distance from the main sandy areas. The beach has good facilities with toilets and public showers. During the summer season the beach is patrolled by lifeguards. There are Loungers, parasols and Pedalo's which can be hired. The beach has good access for the disabled having boardwalks and paved slopes running down to the beach from the car park to the rear of the beach.

Car Park

To the back of the beach there is a car park of which some places there are allocated parking bays for disabled drivers displaying a European blue badge. Parking can prove very difficult during the busy summer months as numbers are restricted so as not to weaken the cliffs.[7] From the car park there are paths and boardwalk down to, and along the beach which provides easy access for wheelchair users.

  • Praia de São Rafael
  • Beach and the Bar - restaurant on the right of the photograph.
  • Board walk around the restaurant
  • The access slope down to the beach.
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References
  1. Portuguese civilian survey: Sheet 52B Albufeira. Publishers: Instituto Geográfico Português (Portugal Civilian Survey). Scale:1:50,000. ISBN 972-8867-11-5
  2. "Spain & Portugal 2012, Tourist and Motoring Atlas. Pub:Michelin, 2011, ISBN 978 2067174153
  3. "Tours around the Algarve – ROTAS" (PDF). page 67(Page 34 in PDF format), references to beaches between Albufeira and gale. Turismo de Portugal-Algarve. Retrieved 21 November 2013.
  4. "General information for the Algarve, Portugal – Blue Flag Beaches". Information of details and number of blue flag beaches in the Algarve. Algarve Retreats – The Algarve Specialists. Retrieved 21 November 2013.
  5. "Praia de São Rafael". Blue Flag listing for Praia de São Rafael – Blue Flag website. The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) ©2013 All Rights Reserved. Retrieved 21 November 2013.
  6. AA Algarve – Spiral Guide.Author: Murphy, paul. Publisher:AA Publishing, 2003 edition. Work: Page 82, Six of the Best beaches around Albufeira. ISBN 0 7495 3209 2
  7. "Praia de São Rafael". Details and information about the beach. Copyright © 2013 Top 10 Portugal - Best of Portugal. Retrieved 21 November 2013.
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