The Praia de Sao Rafael or Sao Rafael Beach of Portugal This beach area is very close to Albufeira and is a gorgeous area with breathtaking views over one main beach and several smaller beaches. The main beach has facilities and is accessable for the disabled. Some of the smaller beaches are not so easy to access. A little climbing down is necessary to get to them or one could walk through the water to them when there is low tide. The scenery above the beaches is really worth taking the time to walk around to see. This is a view over two smaller beaches in the area. There is a lot less going on than at the main beach.     Breathtaking views over the cliffs make this area worth going to even if you are not planning on using the beach itself.   Ships with tourists often pass by.   Trails take you through the landscape above the beaches and remarkable views are around each new bend.   The building in the image is the area where the main beach is located. Smaller beaches can be reached using separate trails or by walking around the rocks in the water during low tide.   We spent time at this small beach in the image below. There were very few people there and it was quiet and relaxing.   Though the beach was smaller, there was plenty of space for the few people there.   It was a hot day and the water was so clear and refreshing.   This was a hole through one of the cliff walls.    The area has quite a few rocks. It is relaxing just standing there and watching and listening to the water crash against them.       All text and photos found on this website are our own. Please be fair and give credit where credit is due.