Praia de Loulé Velho, Sand beach in Quarteira, Portugal
Praia de Loulé Velho stretches between Quarteira and Vale do Lobo with ochre cliffs rising behind golden sand and a dense pine forest backing the shoreline. The beach features open sandy areas alongside shaded sections beneath the trees, creating varied spaces for different visitors.
This beach served as a fishing hub since ancient times, as evidenced by Roman fish salting facilities whose remains surface occasionally when sea conditions shift the sand. These archaeological traces point to centuries of human activity on this coast.
The western section draws families from the surrounding area, while the eastern part near the Vale do Lobo golf course serves visitors seeking a clothing-optional experience.
A boardwalk provides wheelchair-friendly access to the beach, and rental services offer loungers, parasols, and water sports equipment. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months to ensure visitor safety.
At the western end a small lagoon called Lagoa da Foz da Ribeira do Almargem forms where freshwater meets the sea, creating a distinct environment. This brackish zone offers visitors a chance to observe a different ecosystem within the same beach setting.
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