Carvoeiro Boardwalk: A Scenic Walk Along the Coast

Throughout our month-long journey to Portugal as a part of our yr of journey, I used to be very excited to go to the Carvoeiro Boardwalk which was on my (moderately lengthy) record of issues to do in Cavoeiro and the Algarve.

I’d seen footage of the boardwalk and the superb Algar Seco caves and rock shapes on the finish of the boardwalk on-line and I couldn’t wait to go see them myself.

From our Airbnb close to Porches within the Algarve, we drove out to close by Carvoeiro able to discover and spend the day on this stunning city.

When you’re planning a visit to the Algarve Coast in Portugal then you definitely’re in for a deal with in the case of rock formations and delightful seashores. It’s positively probably the greatest Algarve coastal walks you are able to do.

This information will let you know the whole lot it’s good to know in regards to the Carvoeiro Boardwalk together with the best way to get there, info on advisable excursions, what to see and do close by and the place to eat and drink.

Strolling the boardwalk Carvoeiro has is a good day journey from wherever you’re staying within the Algarve so be sure to test it out!

How one can get to the boardwalk in Carvoeiro

In terms of the best way to get to the Carvoeiro Boardwalk, that relies upon quite a bit on the place you’re staying.

First issues first, you’ll have to get from the place ever you’re staying to the city of Carvoeiro.

Carveoriro is on the coast, about 10 minutes south of the city of Lagoa (to not be confused with Lagos). It’s round a 40-minute drive from Lagos, 35 minutes from Albufeira and slightly below an hour from Faro.

The simplest and quickest solution to journey within the Algarve is to rent a car. That’s what I did throughout my journey there because the buses weren’t tremendous common and this allowed us extra flexibility when exploring the seashores, caves and cities up and down the shoreline.

I exploit comparability websites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to e-book my automotive leases because it’s simple to verify costs and evaluate the very best offers!

When you don’t wish to drive, these excursions from Lagos embrace return transport to Carvoeiro, a guided stroll and a ship journey which is without doubt one of the greatest methods to completely recognize the fantastic thing about the coast.

• Lagos: Scenic Cruise to the Benagil and Carvoeiro Caves
• Lagos: Benagil Sea Cave Tour with a Local Guide

Driving to Carvoeiro Boardwalk

When you’re in Carvoeiro, you’ll be able to park up within the city and stroll straight from the city centre alongside the coast to the beginning of the Carvoeiro boardwalk close to Nossa Senhora da Encarnação Fort.

There’s additionally a small automotive park close to the fort, or you’ll be able to drive all the best way right down to Algar Seco and discover parking close to there however this skips out the boardwalk.

Buses to Carvoeiro Boardwalk

You can begin by getting a bus from close to your lodging to Carvoeiro. From there, there’s a bus route referred to as Rota das Falesias (cliffs route) that goes in a circle, connecting the cities of Portimão, Carvoeiro, and Marinha Seaside.

You possibly can hop on and off this bus and use it for nonetheless lengthy a ticket you purchase e.g., a single journey or 24 hours.

These buses run on daily basis, ranging from 9 am till 6 pm and you should purchase your ticket on the bus (be sure to have money although!).

Advisable excursions and actions for the boardwalk and Algar Seco Portugal

There are numerous nice excursions and actions from Carvoeiro and different cities within the Algarve. Listed here are only a few of them;

• From Carvoeiro: Benagil Caves and Praia da Marinha Boat Trip
• Carvoeiro: Benagil Caves Paddle-Boarding Tour

Strolling the Carvoeiro Boardwalk

The Carvoeiro boardwalk begins on the Nossa Senhora da Encarnação fort and ends at Algar Seco. You possibly can select to stroll in both course, beginning or ending on the fort.

For a Carvoeiro boardwalk map, I recommend utilizing AllTrails however you actually can’t get misplaced. It’s solely 600 metres and fairly apparent the place it goes.

Nossa Senhora da Encarnação Fort

The Carvoeiro boardwalk begins at Nossa Senhora da Encarnação Fort, or the Fortress and Chapel of Our Girl of the Incarnation.

Although it has a flowery title, the fort isn’t actually that a lot to take a look at and also you wouldn’t even essentially realise it was a fort.

It was initially constructed in 1670 to be used in defence towards pirates however was largely destroyed through the main earthquake in 1755.

Within the early 1800s, it was rebuilt to its present type, with solely the partitions of the navy constructing remaining from the unique fortress.

Carvoeiro boardwalk

After the fortress keep on alongside the street and also you’ll come to the Carvoeiro boardwalk.

The boardwalk is about 600 metres lengthy and has some superb ocean views. There are just a few info boards telling you in regards to the flora within the space and the geology in addition to some locations to take a seat.

One of the best bit comes as you proceed on to the midway mark and past.

When you see staircases, go down them!

You’ll come out to some unbelievable limestone cliffs which have been formed and carved by the ocean and the wind over time abandoning caves, holes and funky patterns.

I’ve to confess to being fairly fascinated by the shapes and by all of the shells which might be embedded into the rocks!

When you’re carried out on this space, proceed on the boardwalk to Algar Seco.

Algar Seco

Algar Seco is without doubt one of the most stunning and simply accessible cliff areas within the Algarve there’s no have to get a ship journey or take a kayak journey to this one, not like the Benagil Caves!

Though comparatively small in measurement, you’ll be able to simply spend an hour exploring, taking photographs, and admiring the breathtaking views.

As you descend the steps from the street, you may have the choice to go proper or left.

It doesn’t actually matter which approach you go first however be sure to do go each methods so you’ll be able to take a look at the caves with the cool home windows, the swimming pools and all the opposite cool options.

Algar Seco Cave

When you go to the best as you come down the staircase, you’ll come throughout a restaurant the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a drink or seize a chunk to eat. It’s fairly expensive and I believe there are some higher ones (shared under), however it’s positively a cool spot for a drink!

In your approach down, you’ll additionally catch sight of the famend pinnacle referred to as “Boneca,” named after the Portuguese phrase for “the doll.” Many say it resembles a doll in its look.

Just some steps additional, you’ll attain the well-known tunnel that results in Algar Seco Cave.

Contained in the cave, you’ll be greeted by two giant holes within the rock that look a bit like pure home windows. Out of those, you get such a cool view of the Atlantic Ocean!

Algar Seco Pure Pool

Algar Seco Pure Pool is down the steps to the left. Although some folks say you’ll be able to swim in right here I personally wouldn’t advocate it. The tides can are available quick and the waves may simply throw you towards some rocks.

Swim at your personal danger, and positively not at low tide when there’s barely any water in there!

When you’re carried out exploring all of the superb sights alongside the boardwalk, you’ll be able to seize a drink or one thing to eat close by (see under for my suggestions), take a look at some extra walks and trails close by, or simply head again alongside the boardwalk to go dwelling or discover the city of Carvoeiro some extra.

The place to eat and drink close by

Seize a drink at A Boneca bar

The A Boneca restaurant is in Algar Seco, proper subsequent to A Boneca Cave among the many rocks and caverns. It’s positively probably the greatest Carvoeiro boardwalk eating places for those who’re on the lookout for an amazing view because it’s proper in amongst the rocks.

It’s an undeniably cool place to get a drink or some meals however it’s fairly expensive and I believe there are higher locations.

If you’re going to come right here, then time it with the sundown because the view is unbelievable. Simply make sure you e-book to get a spot because it’s a preferred place, particularly in the summertime!

Algar Seco Parque Residencial

On the finish of the boardwalk, simply earlier than you head down the steps to A Boneca and the caves, there’s a fancy-looking lodge and restaurant/bar referred to as Algar Seco Parque Residencial.

It’s open to the general public and has an amazing view and a calming vibe. It’s an amazing place to cease for one thing to eat or drink with a view when you’re carried out together with your stroll alongside the boardwalk.

Earth Store & Cafe

Regardless of being very busy throughout lunchtime after we went, the wait was worthwhile.

The meals served was contemporary, scrumptious, and extremely satisfying and the inside of the restaurant has tremendous spectacular views with a view tables outdoors.

The cafe has a bunch of native merchandise on the market too so you’ll be able to choose up a memento out of your journey.

Ranges, Carvoeiro

Again on the town, Ranges is a good place for food and drinks.

Contemplating its beachside location, the costs have been surprisingly cheap and so they serve meals all through the day being significantly well-liked for brunch.

I had a implausible espresso right here which I’d been lacking throughout our time in Portugal up till then. It’s positively one of many extra stylish Carvoeiro eating places. Nonetheless, it’s value noting that the service was a bit sluggish, so it may not be your best option for those who’re in a rush.

Different issues to do in Carvoeiro

Apart from the Carvoeiro Portugal boardwalk, there are a lot extra issues to do on this space. Under are a few of my favorite issues we did throughout our journey.

Stroll the 7 Hanging Valleys Path

When you’re on the lookout for a protracted stroll alongside the cliffs, then you could possibly add on The 7 Hanging Valleys Path which is 1 km from the above Carvoeiro cliff stroll, or you’ll be able to drive to both finish of the path and begin from there.

The path might be walked from both course and is without doubt one of the greatest Carvoeiro mountain climbing routes (and in the entire of The Algarve!)

I began from Marinha Seaside the place there’s a pretty big automotive park (although it was full after I completed my return hike round 10 am), however you could possibly additionally begin from Praia do Vale Centianes which is nearer to Carvoeiro.

The path is a ten km return journey however there’s not an enormous quantity of elevation apart from some staircases to navigate. I believe the very best views are from Praia do Marinha, so advocate ensuring you try this part!

Hike the Path of the Headlands 

Another choice is the Path of the Headlands, which is a coastal stroll in the other way.

This path begins at Praia do Paraiso, situated 1 km west of the boardwalk.

When you’re up for a protracted stroll, you’ll be able to join each routes, making a path alongside the coast from Marinha Seaside, by way of Carvoeiro, and ending at Praia do Molhe in Ferragudo! This stroll from Carvoeiro to Ferragudo might be seen on the AllTrails+ app.

AllTrails is my go-to mountain climbing app for locating, planning and navigating whereas I’m out on the paths. With offline maps on AllTrails+, you might be assured you’re nonetheless heading in the right direction, even with out cellular sign

Take a ship tour or kayak to Benagil cave

Among the finest issues to do within the Algarve is to kayak or take a ship tour out to the Benagil Caves.

Simply don’t do that on a windy day like we ended up doing as attempting to launch your kayak to go away the cave is fairly intimidating. The seashore is steep and the waves are tremendous highly effective so you’re feeling a bit such as you’re doing to get sucked underneath (and I say that as somebody with coastal kayaking expertise!).

On a peaceful day, I’m certain it’s tremendous enjoyable!

From Carvoeiro, you’ll be able to rent a ship to the caves and if you wish to kayak to Benagil, you’re greatest off hiring from one of many corporations in Benagil itself which is a brief drive from Carvoeiro.

• Carvoeiro boat tour to Benagil Caves and dolphin watching
• From Benagil: Benagil caves kayaking experience

Loosen up on Carvoeiro’s seashores

Don’t miss the chance to chill out on Carvoeiro Seaside proper within the city. This sandy seashore is surrounded by limestone cliffs and is tremendous near the boardwalk. Likelihood is you walked from the seashore as much as the boardwalk after parking in Carvoeiro anyway!

One other of my favorite seashores in Carvoeiro is Praia do Paraíso. There’s a protracted staircase down right here and there’s not a lot seashore at excessive tide, however it feels tremendous secluded compared to Carvoeiro seashore and it’s simply stunning.

When is the very best time to go to Carvoeiro Boardwalk?

You possibly can go to the Carvoeiro boardwalk all yr spherical and it’s hottest in the summertime from mid-Could to September.

In the course of the summer time months, visiting the Carvoeiro boardwalk within the early morning is greatest because it will get so sizzling and might be tremendous busy.

Sundown can be a good time to go as you will get superb colors within the sky however you must count on it to be busy.

I visited the boardwalk in mid-late April and although there have been loads of folks about it didn’t really feel too busy and nor was it too sizzling (although do pack sun cream!).

FAQs in regards to the Carvoeiro Boardwalk

Remaining ideas on visiting the Carvoeiro Boardwalk, Algarve Portugal

The Carvoeiro boardwalk is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do within the Algarve and it combines a pleasant stroll with some unbelievable sights.

From the picturesque Carvoeiro Seaside to the fascinating Algar Seco, each step alongside the boardwalk is gorgeous.

Whereas summer time months could convey bigger crowds, early morning visits are sometimes a bit quieter (everyone seems to be on vacation in any case). Sundown is good for the reason that temperatures cool off, however do count on it to be a bit busier. My favorite time is certainly in the direction of dawn and earlier within the morning.

Be certain so as to add this to your Algarve itinerary throughout your journey to Portugal because it’s positively probably the greatest Algarve walks.