Praia dos Corais

Arrive at the wrong time and there is no beach at all. At high tide, the water takes the place of the sand and crashes straight into the rocks. When the sea pulls back, a strip of sand reappears between Praia da Concha and Resende, as if it had always been there. Praia dos Corais is exactly that: an interval, not a fixed address. And you reach it the slowest way possible, stepping on stone.

The beach the tide allows

Corais lies between Praia da Concha and Praia do Resende, just past Concha heading south. If you already know Concha, you know where to start. The rest is a matter of the clock.

The beach only appears at low tide. At high tide, the sand disappears, and there is nothing left to spread out a canga. That is why planning comes before desire here: check the tide times before you set out, and arrive once the water has receded.

Over the rocks, no shortcut

The trail is difficult and made only over rocks. There is no path over land: no packed earth, no alternative way out for anyone who gives up halfway. The whole route depends on balance and on watching where you step.

Closed shoes are not a detail, they are a requirement. And the most important rule applies to the return: leave before the tide comes in, because the path over the rocks becomes submerged. Anyone who lingers on the sand uses up the safety margin the outward trip gave them.

The name belongs to a wave, too

Corais is also the name of a coral-bottom surf break, well known among experienced surfers. As a break, it has hollow rights and lefts, is advanced level and works with a high-period east swell and low tide. It is not a wave for learning: anyone without experience over a coral bottom should stay on the sand, watching.

Who it's for

Corais is for those who accept an outing that demands effort and attention, and for those who like a beach that doesn't show up all day. It suits walkers who are steady on rocks and advanced surfers who know the break. It is not recommended for people with mobility difficulties, for small children, or for anyone who prefers to arrive by car and choose where to sit. Those looking for a beach with simple access, right next door, will find Concha.

Practical info

• Where it is: between Praia da Concha and Praia do Resende, just past Concha heading south.
• Getting there: difficult trail, over rocks only; there is no path over land.
• Tide: the beach only appears at low tide; at high tide the sand disappears.
• Safety: go at low tide, wearing closed shoes, and come back before the tide comes in, because the path over the rocks becomes submerged.
• Surf: the Corais break has hollow rights and lefts over a coral bottom, advanced level, with a high-period east swell and low tide.
• What to bring: closed shoes.