Bordeira's beach, Beach in the Costa Vicentina natural park, Portugal

Bordeira's beach, also known as Praia da Bordeira, is a wide sandy beach on Portugal's west coast, set within the Costa Vicentina natural park near the small village of Carrapateira. Tall dunes rise behind the sand, and distant cliffs frame the shoreline, giving the whole place a raw, open look.

This stretch of coast was for a long time used only by local fishermen who worked from the cliffs above the shore. Over time, the surrounding land was brought under protection as a natural park, which has kept development in the area very limited.

At the southern end of the beach, a small river called Ribeira da Carrapateira forms a shallow lagoon that families with children often use for swimming. The same spot also attracts migrating water birds, making it a regular stop for anyone who enjoys watching wildlife.

The beach is only reachable by car since there is no public transport, and a free parking lot sits above the shore with a short boardwalk leading down to the sand. Outside summer, there are no lifeguards and no toilets on site, so it is worth coming prepared before heading down.

The northern end of the beach draws experienced surfers because the waves there are larger and more powerful, while the southern end stays calmer and is better for beginners. This natural split means both groups share the same stretch of sand without getting in each other's way.