Despite being considerably long, the coast of Câmara de Lobos does not have the same number of bathing resorts as its neighbouring towns. Therefore, the Vigário beach is the main option for bathing. For this reason, it is commonly referred to as 'the beach of Câmara de Lobos'.
Around 400 metres long, it is made up of pebbles of different sizes. Choose a space with plenty of smaller stones, ideal for spreading your towel and relaxing. The mild water temperature ranges from 18°C to 24°C, depending on the time of year. After taking a few dips, you can enjoy one of the nearby cafés and restaurants.
If you've ever come across old photographs of the region showing women washing clothes on a beach or pictures of towels and sheets lying on the hot pebbles, 'bleaching in the sun', it's likely they were taken here, on Vigário beach. Until the 1970s, few households had piped water and there was no municipal well. Thus, the mouth of Ribeira do Vigário was the only place for washing clothes.
The Vigário beach is the main bathing resort in the city of Câmara de Lobos. South of Largo da República, it is free and has several services nearby.
