Praia de São Rafael is a beach on the Atlantic south coast of the Algarve, close to the village resort of Sesmarias which is within the Municipality of Albufeira, Portugal.

This small beach has fine gold sand and crystal clear water and is backed by golden limestone cliffs.

On the beach itself there are many limestone rock formations[6] which have been eroded over a long period of time to form interesting formations and shapes many of which have names such as Ninho das Andorinhas or the Swallow’s Nest and Ponte Pequena or the Small Bridge.

Parking can prove very difficult during the busy summer months as numbers are restricted so as not to weaken the cliffs.

[7] From the car park there are paths and boardwalk down to, and along the beach which provides easy access for wheelchair users.