Villas in Praia da Rocha

Villas in the Algarve seaside town of Praia da Rocha

Praia da Rocha is one of the Algarve's most emblematic beaches, a wide expanse of sand curtained by warm-coloured cliffs, and a fantastic holiday destination for young people, families, and couples alike. The beach is backed by a small town full of restaurants, a wonderful place to rent a villa in Algarve with all the amenities on hand for a comfortable holiday. Alternatively, search for a villa in the quaint all-Portuguese town of Portimão just to the north. If you want to get away from it all, find a villa in Alvor for a natural beach away from the crowds.

Character villas with spacious gardens

Villas in Praia da Rocha meet all budgets and are a paragon of comfort, convenience and character. Pick from the myriad villas in the urban areas close to Praia da Rocha, or splash out on a villa in the countryside with a large garden and space for up to 15 people! Arrive at your private villa in Praia da Rocha, lay back in the comfortable outdoor furniture with a glass of wine in hand, and let your beach holiday at Praia da Rocha begin! Other features you are likely to enjoy include:

• Modern interiors
• Fully-equipped kitchens
• Internet

Praia da Rocha for family beach holidays

The town's beach of the same name is an alluring 1.5-kilometre stretch of fine golden sand backed by orangey coloured cliffs backing up the west and boasting shallow waters perfect for families. Rent a sunbed or follow the local's lead and lay down your towel close to the water's edge. When the tide goes down, it is possible to walk from Praia da Rocha westwards along several pretty coves, such as Praia do Vau and Praia do Alemão. You can discover intimate sea caves and rock pools for hours of family-friendly splashy fun. Further west, you can find additional beaches with beautiful scenery and impressive views. You can also get a holiday rental in Carvoeiro and enjoy the beaches less than 15 minutes from Praia da Rocha.

Praia da Rocha for surfers

The Algarve is popular among surfers due to its wave guarantee. Exposed to the Atlantic Ocean on both the west and south coast, you can find a good break on this coastline pretty much every day of the year. The locals congregate at Praia da Rocha, close to the jetty, for the best breaks. Beginner surfers are better off surfing the waves a bit further to the right of the beach, where it is less busy and the waves less powerful. If you are looking to spend your holiday in a more luxurious area, we suggest you rent a villa in Almancil, a town only 45 minutes away from Praia da Rocha.

Praia da Rocha for foodies

Praia da Rocha is an urban vessel for eateries representing gastronomic culture from all over the world, including Chinese, Italian, British, French, Spanish, Thai, Mexican, Indian, and even Portuguese. It's all here in this one little town where you will never go hungry! The town's restaurants sit cheek by jowl from one end of the main avenue along the top of the beach to the other and cater for all budgets. You can easily walk from your private villa in Praia da Rocha to the restaurants. At Portimão Marina, wonderful fish restaurants predominate, bathed in the aroma of barbecued sardines.

1. Explore the Algarve on a catamaran
2. Learn about the area's industrial past
3. Discover the beautiful Santa Catarina Fortress
4. Cook a delicious meal at your villa
5. Take a day trip to a local village
6. Experience the excitement of karting
7. One for the shopaholics!

1. Explore the Algarve on a catamaran

Take a catamaran from Portimao and sail along the Algarve's spectacular western coast. Discover the chimerical rock formations that characterise this shoreline and the startling caves of Benagil, stopping only for a delicious meal of barbecued fish. Heaven! If you have a villa in Praia da Rocha near the sea, you can plan multiple short cruises to explore various parts of the Algarve.

2. Learn about the area's industrial past

This compelling museum is dedicated to the area's former fishing and canning industry. Located in a cannery factory, the equipment is in great condition and still in its original location. Don't miss the museum's movie theatre, with fascinating footage of the cannery in full operation. You can walk from your villa in Praia da Rocha to the museum and explore at your pace.

3. Discover the beautiful Santa Catarina Fortress

Take a walk around the lovely Santa Catarina Fortress, located just behind the east side of the beach and lovingly restored to its former glory. It is home to original artillery and a historic lighthouse. The fortress affords great views of the river, beach, and town beyond. If you are a fan of history and would like to explore the artillery, the fortress is the perfect place to start. If you have a holiday letting in Santa Maria, making a trip to Praia da Rocha to visit the museum should be on your itinerary.

4. Cook a delicious meal at your villa

Want to take advantage of the beautiful kitchen in your rental villa? Head to Mercado Municipal, stock up on wonderful fresh food and cook a fabulous meal. The fish and seafood selection will have your eyes on springs, and there are many fine fruit and veg merchants, butchers and delicatessens to choose from.

5. Take a day trip to a local village

Drive out to the lovely fishing village of Ferragudo, situated across the estuary from Portimao. The village sports a delightful riverfront, the medieval Castle of São João do Arade, and marvellous views back to Portimão and Praia da Rocha.

6. Experience the excitement of karting

Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve is one of Europe's longest and best tracks. Welcoming staff, a buzzing atmosphere and top-notch equipment – an unforgettable adrenaline-fuelled day out is guaranteed! Getting a villa in Praia da Rocha makes it convenient to go karting during your free time.

7. One for the shopaholics!

The shops at Praia da Rocha are a tourist-oriented assortment of boutiques and stalls selling everything you need for your stay and souvenirs to remind you of it. On the first Monday of the month, a market is held selling wonderful locally-made textiles and wood carvings. Alternatively, head to the neighbouring town of Portimão for myriad stores selling branded labels.