Praia do Submarino: Hidden Gay Nude Beach in Portugal's Algarve (2026)
Dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and one of the most beautiful gay nude beaches in Portugal—welcome to Praia do Submarino. Tucked along Portugal’s stunning southern coast in the Algarve, this men-only, clothing-optional beach is all about adventure, freedom, and jaw-dropping scenery. If you’re willing to hike a little and get your feet sandy, the reward is one of Europe’s most unforgettable gay beach experiences.
Below is your complete, no-nonsense guide—what to expect, how to get there, when to go, and why this beach has earned a permanent spot on our gay travel bucket list.
Below is your complete, no-nonsense guide—what to expect, how to get there, when to go, and why this beach has earned a permanent spot on our gay travel bucket list.
What Makes Praia do Submarino So Special?
Praia do Submarino is often called one of the most secluded and scenic gay nude beaches in the Algarve—and for good reason. This is a 100% men-only beach with a relaxed, respectful nudist vibe set against towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear water.
The name comes from the iconic submarine-shaped rock just offshore. Once you see it, there’s no doubt you’ve arrived. Add in natural caves, tucked-away coves, and enough rocky nooks to explore for hours, and you’ve got a beach that feels wild, private, and incredibly freeing.
ALGARVE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning your trip to Portugal's Algarve? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
Planning your trip to Portugal's Algarve? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
- Travel Insurance – Don’t leave home without it! SafetyWing offers super affordable travel insurance with straightforward pricing and flexible extensions—even if your trip is already underway. Protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and travel mishaps while you explore the Algarve and beyond.
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- Tours & Experiences – Book unforgettable adventures in the Algarve with Viator. Whether you're exploring the famous Benagil Cave by kayak or taking a boat trip to the grottos at Ponta da Piedade, Viator makes exploring the Algarve easy and fun.
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
How to Get to Praia do Submarino
Getting to Submarino is part of the adventure—and honestly, part of the fun.
- Drive time: About 20 minutes from Portimão
- Parking: Just before the horse stables (easy to find on Google Maps)
From the parking area, follow the coastal path to the left when facing the ocean. The walk takes 15–20 minutes, but plan closer to 30 minutes if you’ll be stopping for photos (trust us, you will).
🌟 Pro tip – You’ll want proper shoes, not flip flops, and a backpack to keep your hands free. The trail is rocky and uneven and requires some climbing at times.
Final Access
When you approach the cliffs, you’ll spot a metal bridge and stairs leading down to a small cove. From there, crawl through a short cave on the right—and suddenly, you’ll pop out onto Praia do Submarino.
That first reveal? Pure magic.
What's the Vibe?
On our visit, the vibe was:
- Men-only
- Fully nude
- Super relaxed and social
Guys tend to set up towels against the rocks, chat casually, and enjoy the sun. There’s nothing forced here—Submarino feels natural, calm, and respectful.
Here’s the real secret: keep exploring. If you climb around the rocks, you’ll find two additional hidden coves that feel almost private. We had entire sections to ourselves for hours, which is rare even on great gay beaches.
🌟 Pro tip – We share behind-the-scenes photos and videos as well as the spicier details from Praia do Submarino (and all our nudist travels) over on Patreon.
Beach Services & Amenities
Part of Praia do Submarino’s appeal is how untouched and raw it feels — but that also means there are no beach services or facilities of any kind.
You won’t find:
- Sun loungers or umbrellas
- Food or drink vendors
- Bathrooms or showers
- Lifeguards or beach staff
This is a completely natural, bring-your-own-everything beach. Once you arrive, you’re on your own — in the best possible way.
If you’re looking for a serviced beach day with cocktails and loungers, this isn’t it. But if you love rugged beauty, total freedom, and secluded coves, Praia do Submarino delivers.
What to Bring (Important!)
There are zero services at Praia do Submarino, so coming prepared makes or breaks your experience.
- Plenty of water
- Snacks or lunch
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Towel or beach blanket
- Proper shoes for the walk down (no flip-flops — the trail is rocky)
- Optional: water shoes for the pebbly shoreline
When to Go
If beach time is your priority, late April through early October is ideal.
- June–August: Peak summer—hot, sunny, social, and busy
- Late April–early June & Sept–early Oct: Our favorite sweet spot with warm water, fewer crowds, and great weather
- Winter: Mild and beautiful for hikes, but not beach weather
If you want sun, swimming, and nude beach days—avoid winter and aim for late spring through early fall.
🌟 Pro tip – In late summer and early fall, the beach begins to fall into shade around 5:00 PM. When that happens, many guys head over to nearby Praia de João de Arens, which stays sunny later and is perfect for a sunset swim.
Where to Stay
Casa Risa – Best Gay Men-Only Nudist Resort
Casa Risa is a men-only, nudist-friendly gay hotel located about 20 minutes by car from Praia do Submarino and João de Arens. It’s tropical, social, and perfectly positioned for gay beach hopping.
Guests often meet over the included breakfast, make plans together, and head to the beaches as a group. The hotel even offers weekly sunset boat trips that pass Praia do Submarino and João de Arens from the water.
⚠️ Note: At the time of writing, Casa Risa is closed for winter and listed for sale. We’re hopeful it reopens in spring or continues as a gay resort under new ownership.
Vila Joya – Best Luxury Splurge
For a high-end stay, Vila Joya is one of the Algarve’s most iconic luxury hotels. We love lunch at their casual beach restaurant, Vila Joya Sea, which offers jaw-dropping views and a relaxed alternative to the two-Michelin-star restaurant above.
Final Thoughts
Praia do Submarino is everything we love about gay travel: freedom, nature, adventure, and community, all wrapped into one spectacular setting. It takes a bit of effort to reach—but that’s exactly why it still feels special.
If you’re planning a gay trip to the Algarve and want a beach that’s breathtaking, genuinely men-only, and unforgettable, Praia do Submarino belongs at the top of your list.
🌟 Pro tip – Planning a trip the Algarve? From the best LGBTQ+ hotels to must-visit attractions, dining, and travel tips, find it all in our Gay Travel Guide to the Algarve.
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