This wide beach is about 500 meters in length and has fine gold sand and is backed by sandy golden low cliffs prone to some erosion during wet weather some of which can be hazardous with rock falls. To the rear of the beach there are several large holiday apartment and hotel complexes along with numerous holiday and residential villas. These developments are dissected by small lanes and paths giving access to the beach with the main access lane being Rua Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro in the Forte de São João neighbourhood of Albufeira.