Praia da Rocha Baixinha / Algarve / Portugal

Not a million miles from Albufeira lies a collection of beaches that fall within the Vilamoura area of the Algarve. Praia da Rocha Baixinha is also known as Shorty Beach as well as the Beach of Tomatoes and is located near to the Vilamoura Marina and is one of the most sought after beaches in the whole of the Algarve. It is a popular spot for for surfers of all types who have some experience. The season is mainly from March to October although offseason is possible.

There is a lovely large sandy beach with plenty of room to launch and land a kite. The beach can get very crowded in the summer months of June, July and August and you may find that time restrictions apply, particularly at weekends. You can get from Vilamoura by following the signs to Felesia Beach and from the Aldeia das Acoteias take the dirt track to Falesia or Rocha Baixinha.

As with all of this coastline, the predominant wind direction from March to October is a thermal south west with a speed of between 10-2 knots. The rest of the year brings the levante from Tarifa and this is a mixture of easterlies at a speed of between 10-22 knots. The water quality is clean and this is a very good kite spot. There are some nice waves during the winter and with the levante wind. The spot also works with all tides. The summers are warm and you can get by with just a pair of shorts, but come the winter and you will definitely need to suit up.

There is parking here and a surf shop. There are also toilet and shower facilities, places to buy a snack and the beach is supervised during the summer season. For supplies and a choice of shops and restaurants, head into nearby Vilamoura. For nightlife try either Vilamoura, Albufeira or Quinta da Lago – all are excellent.

During the summer months look out for time restrictions and avoid kiting in the middle of swimmers.