Praia do Canavial sits just to the west of Lagos' famous Ponta de Piedade. This is the other side to all the much-photographed and well known coves with their iconic rock formations and calm, crystal clear waters.
Canavial is a very different beach to its neighbours to the east; whilst it shares the same sandstone cliffs the similarities end there. You won't find any rock arches and stacks, just tall yellow cliffs. And this is quite a long beach as opposed to the tiny coves over the headland. Also missing is the shelter from the wind and the waves with Praia do Canavial catching a fair bit of the Atlantic surf, like neighbouring Porto de Mós.
But instead of comparing Praia do Canavial Lagos' other beaches you should appreciate it for what it is - a beautiful sandy beach backed by amazing sculptured cliffs.
A note of caution: it is best to visit the beach at low tide as the strip of sand here is quite narrow. This also means you will not have to sit too close to the cliffs as these can be unstable in places.