Cristina Ferreira's Algarve Escape: A Rare Chameleon and a Moving Beach Await

With August around the corner and summer calling for vacations, our thoughts are filled with beaches and retreats. Among the stories and photos shared on social media, dream destinations multiply, but it was Cristina Ferreira's vacation that caught our attention.

The presenter decided to head to the Algarve with her boyfriend, João Monteiro, and shared some snapshots of these restful days on social media.

Between swims, dinners, and strolls, Cristina visited true Algarve hotspots: she dined at chef Olivier da Costa's restaurant, explored the Quinta do Lago area, and even made an appearance at the Conrad Algarve. But there's one location in particular that stands out—it seems Cristina spent a few days at Praia do Ancão, next to Vale do Lobo.

Despite being surrounded by luxury resorts, golf courses, and million-dollar homes, Praia do Ancão has free and public access, a true refuge in the heart of the Algarve's premium zone.

But what makes this beach even more special are the hidden curiosities few know about. To start, the dunes and pine forests surrounding it are one of the few places in Portugal where you can still find the Mediterranean chameleon in the wild, a protected species and symbol of Ria Formosa. It's a true natural sanctuary, where the balance between luxury and wildlife seems effortless.

Moreover, the calm waters near the Ria hide a true treasure of biodiversity. They're rich in cockles, razor clams, and clams, which continue to feed Algarve's gastronomy, especially in the famous cataplana.

And if all this wasn't enough, there's another curious detail that couldn't be left out: this is a beach that moves. Yes, you read that right. Over the years, due to changes in currents and sediments from Ria Formosa, part of the sandy area has advanced or retreated several times. After strong storms, there are even records of the beach "changing places," making it almost a nomadic beach. A phenomenon that's not exclusive to this beach but is common along the Ria Formosa coast.

If you're curious about this beach that Cristina Ferreira visited—and love discovering paradisiacal corners in Portugal—check out the gallery we prepared with this and other noteworthy beaches to decide which ones to visit this summer.