Praia do Evaristo

Praia do Evaristo is the kind of place locals hope tourists won't discover - a tiny cove with a legendary restaurant serving the freshest grilled fish on the Algarve coast. The beach is small and intimate, tucked between ochre cliffs west of Albufeira, but the real draw is the Restaurante Evaristo built right into the cliff face above the sand. The restaurant has been serving fish caught that morning for decades, earning a devoted following among locals and in-the-know visitors. The setting is unbeatable - tables overlooking the small cove, the smell of fish grilling over charcoal, and the sound of waves below. Many consider it the best beach restaurant in the Algarve, and long lunches here are a treasured local tradition. The beach itself, while small, is beautiful. Clear water, interesting rock formations, and fewer people than you'd find at nearby São Rafael or Galé make it a pleasant spot for swimming and snorkeling. At low tide, rock pools emerge around the edges of the cove. The combination of excellent food and unspoiled beach makes Evaristo a complete Algarve experience in miniature.