Praia da Ponta Ruiva, Atlantic beach in Sagres, Portugal.
Praia da Ponta Ruiva is a beach in a small cove that stretches for several hundred meters along the coast. Black schist cliffs frame the shoreline, while a distinctive large red rock formation marks the southern end.
The geological layers here formed over millions of years through ancient processes of heat and pressure that shaped the landscape. The black schist cliffs and red rock formations represent different stages of geological transformation.
Surfers value this beach for its consistent waves and proximity to other renowned breaks in the area. Birdwatchers come to observe African stonechats and falcons living freely along the cliffs.
Reaching the beach requires a medium-difficulty hike down the cliffs, so wear sturdy shoes and plan time for the descent. Be aware that the paths can become slippery in wet conditions, so check the weather before visiting.
When the tide recedes, natural rock pools form between the stones and retain warmer water than the open ocean. These shallow basins appear only at certain times and create a different swimming experience from the main beach.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
