Praia da Balança

Praia da Balança is a secluded beach located near Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, Portugal. It is approximately 3 km south of the city of Lagos and is part of the Costa d'Oiro area, which is known for its stunning landscape featuring yellow cliffs and rocks. The beach is recognized for its natural beauty and tranquility, making it a popular postcard image of Lagos and the Costa d'Oiro.

This small east-facing cove is surrounded by high cliffs and rock formations and is known for its sandy shores and small coves. The beach is also known for its caves, both big and small, adding to its picturesque scenery. It should be noted, however, that visitors should maintain a safe distance from the cliffs due to the possibility of rockfalls.

Despite the serene environment, Praia da Balança is not usually crowded, often having few visitors. This could be due to the difficult and potentially dangerous access to the beach. It can be reached either by a challenging climb down a gully from the clifftop or by boat or kayak. It is a popular stop for paddleboard and kayak tours, and boat trips from Lagos or Ponta da Piedade are also recommended.

Visitors to Praia da Balança can enjoy swimming in the sea and admiring the stunning landscape. However, it's important to be mindful of the tide as the beach can be completely covered at high tide.

There are no support facilities or lifeguards available on the beach, and visitors are advised to take this into consideration when planning their visit. Despite the lack of amenities, Praia da Balança remains a favorite among many for its unique charm.

In addition to the beautiful beaches, the city of Lagos offers attractions such as its gastronomy, which includes a variety of seafood dishes and local wines from the Algarve region. Lagos is a popular tourist destination known for its sunny climate and leisure activities.