Praia da Rocha was the first resort to be developed on Portugal's Algarve. It now consists of numerous multi storey hotels, shops, bars and restaurants perched on a cliff top running along the edge of the beach. As it was purpose built, it may seem to lack some of the character of the...

Praia da Rocha was the first resort to be developed on Portugal's Algarve. It now consists of numerous multi storey hotels, shops, bars and restaurants perched on a cliff top running along the edge of the beach. As it was purpose built, it may seem to lack some of the character of the other Algarve resorts but this is more than compensated for by the beauty of the sandy beach that runs for about 2km set against the sandstone cliff.

However the cliffs could be potentially dangerous, and the climb down to the beach may not suit some, while the beach is washed by the Atlantic not the Mediteranean and the water is therefore liable to be rougher and colder, so care should be taken particularly with young children. Despite this, the resort is suitable for families and its central location on the Algarve means it is ideally placed for renting a car and visiting the rest of the Algarve or maybe even taking a day trip to Spain.

Excursions are available to the Portugese capital Lisbon (2'30 hours away) or to the Andaluzia capital Sevilla (2 hours away) and the pilgrimage town of Fatima. The resort itself has three golf courses nearby, a water park and a casino. It is just over 30 minutes from Faro airport.

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