Praia João de Arens: Best Gay Nude Beach in Portugal's Algarve (2026)
Golden afternoon sun, sculpted limestone caves, and one of the most social gay nude beaches in southern Europe—Praia João de Arens is where the Algarve’s gay beach scene truly comes alive.
Located just outside Portimão on Portugal’s southern coast, João de Arens is a gay popular clothing-optional beach that blends natural beauty with a lively, cruisy energy. While it’s often paired with nearby Praia do Submarino, João de Arens stands on its own as the Algarve’s best sunset beach and most active gay gathering spot.
Below is your complete, no-nonsense guide to Praia João de Arens—what to expect, how to get there, how to find the gay section, when to go, and why this beach has earned a permanent spot on our gay travel bucket list.
Located just outside Portimão on Portugal’s southern coast, João de Arens is a gay popular clothing-optional beach that blends natural beauty with a lively, cruisy energy. While it’s often paired with nearby Praia do Submarino, João de Arens stands on its own as the Algarve’s best sunset beach and most active gay gathering spot.
Below is your complete, no-nonsense guide to Praia João de Arens—what to expect, how to get there, how to find the gay section, when to go, and why this beach has earned a permanent spot on our gay travel bucket list.
What Makes Praia João de Arens So Special?
Praia João de Arens is widely considered the crown jewel of the Algarve’s gay nude beaches—and once you arrive, it’s easy to see why.
Compared to Submarino, João de Arens is:
- Larger
- Sandier
- More social
- West-facing, meaning sunlight lasts until sunset
Towering cliffs frame a wide stretch of sand, while caves and rocky paths lead to hidden coves and secluded nooks. As the afternoon progresses, the beach fills with men arriving from Submarino once it falls into shade—creating an easygoing, flirtatious, and unmistakably gay atmosphere.
This is a beach made for lingering.
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:
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🌟 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 João de Arens
Getting to João de Arens is straightforward, especially if you’re already visiting Praia do Submarino.
Drive time:
About 20 minutes from Lagos or Portimão
Parking:
Along the dirt road near the horse stables (easy to find on Google Maps)
Two Ways Down to the Beach
- Scenic Route (longer): From the parking area, head to the footpath on the right when facing the horse stables, following the coastal path along the cliffs. This route takes around 30–45 minutes and offers stunning views—but requires good shoes and a steady footing.
- Direct Route (faster): Continue straight ahead past the horse stables. After the lone house, the road curves slightly left, revealing a steep but manageable trail down to the beach. This takes about 15–20 minutes.
🌟 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.
How to Find the Gay Section
When you arrive at João de Arens, the first stretch of beach is mixed—straight couples, clothed visitors, and nudists all share this section.
To find the gay nude beach:
1. Look toward the left side of the beach
2. At low tide, you’ll see a cave opening near the rocks
3. Crawl through the cave
4. Step out into the gay section—you’ll know immediately
This area is:
- Mostly nude
- Predominantly gay
- Much more social and lively
From here, you can continue exploring further left, where caves, coves, and rock formations create one of the most visually stunning—and adventurous—nudist beaches we’ve ever visited.
What's the Vibe?
João de Arens is noticeably more energetic than Submarino, especially after mid-afternoon.
Expect:
- Men-only nudist crowd
- Social, cruising-friendly energy
- Lots of movement around the rocks and caves
- Peak activity from 4:00 PM onward
Despite the action, the atmosphere remains relaxed and friendly. Guys chat, explore, sunbathe, and take their time—it never feels rushed or aggressive.
🌟 Pro tip – We share behind-the-scenes photos and videos as well as the spicier details from Praia João de Arens (and all our nudist travels) over on Patreon.
Beach Services & Amenities
Like Submarino, Praia João de Arens is completely natural.
You won’t find:
- Sun loungers or umbrellas
- Food or drink vendors
- Bathrooms or showers
- Lifeguards or beach staff
This is a bring-everything-with-you beach, which is part of its appeal.
What to Bring (Important!)
There are zero services at Praia João de Arens, 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
The best time to visit Praia João de Arens is late April through early October.
- June–August: Peak season with the biggest crowds and strongest energy
- Late April–May & September–early October: Ideal sweet spot—warm water, fewer people, and perfect weather
- Winter: Beautiful for coastal walks, 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 – Low tide is essential for accessing the gay section easily—check tide charts before you go.
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 João de Arens is bold, beautiful, and unapologetically social. The combination of long afternoon sun, dramatic caves, and a lively gay crowd makes it one of the most memorable nude beaches we’ve visited in Europe.
If you’re planning a gay trip to the Algarve, do not skip this one. Start your day at Submarino, then finish here at João de Arens for sunset—you’ll get the full experience.
🌟 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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