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Visitors guide with tips for the beautiful Algar Seco Portugal
The Algarve coastline in Portugal is absolutely stunning, and there are a few really unique places to visit. One of these is Algar Seco and its limestone cliffs. Algar Seco is centrally located between Carvoeiro and the Benagil cave. You can enjoy a walk on the Carvoeiro boardwalk or even discover the longer Seven Hanging Valleys trail. If you like nature and the coast, the limestone rocks around Algar Seco should certainly be on your Portugal itinerary!
What to see at Algar Seco?
What is Algar Seco?
Along the Algarve coastline, you can discover many unique rock formations. Algar Seco is one of these, and the coastline consists of impressive limestone cliffs. These cliffs are estimated to be between 24 and 16 million years old and were created during the Early Miocene!
The rock formations offer stunning coastal views, and there are even natural pools where you can swim when the tide is right. You can also explore the Algar Seco caves, the highlight of which is a Boneca cave.
The legend of Algar Seco
As with many rock formations, Algar Seco also has its unique story! According to legend, Princess Alfanzina had secret meetings with her lover, a poor coaler who was not liked by her father. Therefore, the king decided to have the commoner killed.
Algar Seco was where they used to meet, and it became a place of grief. According to the story, her tears are why the rock formations have holes. True or not, it makes for a good story!
What to see around the Algar Seco cliffs?
When you arrive at Algar Seco, you will find two stairs leading down. If you travel with children and have a stroller, you can leave it at the top of the stairs. The area below is not accessible for wheelchairs. One set of steps goes down to the right, where you can find Boneca Cave, the pinnacle, and the restaurant.
On the left side, you find the natural pool. You can swim here if the tide is high, but be careful with the waves and currents. They can be strong, and the rocks are sharp! However, you might see some youngsters and daredevils cliff jumping! Walking a bit further than the pool, you’ll find more rock cliffs and two natural windows. You can enjoy some fantastic ocean views here!
A Boneca Cave
So what is A Boneca exactly? The Portuguese word for doll is a boneca, and the cave is named after it because of its shape. When you’re on a boat tour sailing by, you can see the reference of a doll face much better. With a little bit of imagination 😉
You can also go inside A Boneca cave. There is an opening leading towards a small tunnel, and after some meters, you’ll see the two eroded arches. It’s a small chamber, and some people might be queuing to enter. Come early in the day to the cave to avoid this! Especially in summer, when the Algarve region gets many visitors.
A Boneca cave is open 24 hours, and you don’t need to pay an entrance fee. It’s part of the Algar Seco, which is entirely free to explore. Do be careful when you visit the dark, as the steps are steep and the nearby cliffs are uneven.
Restaurante Boneca Bar
Below the steps, and just before the tunnel, is an open space. Here, you can find Restaurante Boneca Bar, the perfect spot for a cold drink on hot days! But in the evening, the ambience is even more magical! Boneca Bar is only open in summer from April through the end of October.
Restaurante Boneca Bar offers some of the best views, so book a table online if you want to come for dinner! Boneca Bar is open from 11.30 AM until 11 PM and is closed on Sundays.
Algar Seco cliff walk
From the town of Carvoeiro, you can see a beautiful trail along the coast. It’s the Carvoeiro boardwalk, which is nearly 600 meters long. The wooden boardwalk is easily accessible for strollers and wheelchair users. Although walking the boardwalk could be done in about 10 minutes, you’ll most likely stop a few times to soak in the beautiful landscape and the ocean views!
The Carvoeira boardwalk starts next to the small fortress Nossa Senhora da Encarnação, built in 1670. Unfortunately, only a small section of the original walls remained after the 1755 earthquake, but the fort has been reconstructed since.
Opening times of Algar Seco
Algar Seco is open all year round, 24 hours a day. You do not need to book anything, and the area is free to visit. You can easily travel here independently, and no tour guide is required. However, guided tours often stop here, and you can join a boat tour or kayaking excursion along the coastline.
How do I get to Algar Seco Caves?
The location of Algar Seco is at Rua Das Flores in Carvoeiro. It’s a short distance from the town, and there are several ways to get there. Carvoeiro Beach is only 850 meters away, and the Benagil Caves are about 5 kilometres to the west.
By car
It is very easy to reach Algar Seco by car. Simply type Algar Seco in Google Maps, and you will get to the cliffs. There is a small parking lot nearby on Estrada do Algar Seco. This street goes all the way to the cliffs and runs along the Carvoeiro boardwalk. You can park further near the boardwalk if the parking lot is full.
Whenever we visit the Algarve, we rent a car with DiscoverCars. You can easily compare prices and book your car rental with trusted partners like Europcar, Sixt, and Hertz. Click the below banner to find car rental deals for your holiday and discover all the beautiful places along the Algarve coast!
From Portimão, it takes around 20 minutes to reach the Algar Seco cliffs. The drive from Lagos takes 40 minutes, and you’ll reach Algar Seco in just under one hour from Faro.
Public transport to Algar Seco
You can also easily reach Algar Seco by bus from larger towns. There is a circular route called Rota das Falesias, which means the route of the cliffs. The Cliffs Route stops in many places, such as Portimão, Ferragudo, and Carvoeiro, and you can visit Benagil Beach and Marinha Beach along the same route. There are 15 stops, with plenty of places to discover!
It is a hop-on-hop-off bus, so you can step onboard whenever you want for 24 hours. Tickets can be bought on the bus itself, and the price is € 15,00 per person. A 48-hour ticket costs € 20,00 per person. Children pay € 10,00 for 24 hours or € 15,00 for 48 hours. The bus line operates between 9 AM and 6 PM.
If you prefer to take a local bus, you can take the 107 bus from Portimão to Lagoa, onwards to Carvoeiro. The bus journey takes around 40 minutes. If you are in Lagoa, you can take bus line 107 as well, as it stops in town.
By Algarve boat tour
One of the most popular ways to explore the Algarve coast is by boat! Boats depart from multiple towns, including Portimão and Carvoeiro. Seeing the beautiful scenery from the sea is an experience in itself, and many boats pass not only the cliffs but also the famous Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach. You might even spot marine life, such as dolphins, from the boat! Secure your tickets below!
With a guided tour to Algar Seco
If you prefer to stay on the coast, you can also visit Algar Seco with a guided tour. So even when you don’t drive, you can see the spectacular views and colourful Algarve cliffs. There are also guided tours from Albufeira, Portimão, and Lagos. And although I think the Algarve region deserves more than a day, you can even enjoy a full-day trip from Lisbon!
By foot
Algar Seco is within walking distance from Carvoeiro Beach. Praia de Carvoeiro is located 850 meters from Algar Seco, and you can follow the Carvoeiro Boardwalk with beautiful scenery along the way. You’ll pass the fortress Forte de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação, and you can stop at the viewpoint Falésia do Carvoeiro.
When to visit Algar Seco Portugal?
Algar Seco Algarve is open all year round, but in the summer, it does get busy! In the high season, come early to avoid the crowds and the heat! The sunrise and sunset are stunning here and are some of the best times to visit the Algar Seco caves. We came around 9 AM in June, with few people around. Once we left, the car park was full, and it was getting busy quickly!
You can also come in the winter months, and it will be pretty empty that season! Just be careful with the weather, as the cliffs are unsafe to visit on stormy days. Pick a calm and sunny day, and you might have Algar Seco all to yourself! The winter is also a great time to hike the Seven Seven Hanging Valleys trail, and the temperatures are cooler.
Things to do near Algar Seco
Although your visit to Algar Seco might take 30 to 60 minutes, many nearby places are well worth seeing! Let’s take a closer look to make the most of your Algarve holiday!
Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro is a small and charming coastal town where many holidaymakers book accommodation. With easy access to Praia de Carvoeiro, you’re all set for a beach holiday! Carvoeiro has many restaurants and accommodations. Overall, it’s a great spot to have lunch or to book a longer holiday!
Praia da Marinha
If you like beautiful beaches, you’ll love Praia da Marinha! Marinha Beach is a sandy beach between Armação de Pêra and Carvoeiro. Come early to enjoy the short walk along the cliffs when it’s not so busy yet! You’ll find a natural arch and many rock formations in the sea. Afterwards, you can enjoy a dip in the ocean!
Benagil Cave
One of the most famous places in the Algarve region is the Benagil Cave! This amazing sea cave can be entered by boat or kayak. Numerous boat tours are available from nearby towns such as Albufeira, Lagos, and Portimão. They are an incredible way to enjoy this unique Portuguese coastline!
The Benagil Cave has become so busy over the years that restrictions are in place, and you are no longer allowed on the beach. By protecting the beach and cliffs from erosion, we can hopefully enjoy the cave for many more centuries.
PR1 LGA Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos
Besides the Carvoeiro boardwalk, you can also follow the PR1 LGA Seven Hanging Valleys Trail! This trail is a 6,45-kilometer (4-mile) linear route, and good walking shoes are definitely needed. The spectacular coastal path is one of the most beautiful in Europe!
The trail is easy to follow, but we use AllTrails for all our hikes in Portugal and around the world. The app lets you know exactly what to expect and provides more information about the PR1 LGA trail. Many people follow the same route back, so you’ll be hiking for 12.9 kilometres (8 miles).
The elevation gain is around 331 meters, but if you visit some beaches like we did, you will have to hike up to the trail again. The Seven Suspension Valley Trail takes about 3,5 hours to complete if you keep walking. But it will most likely take much longer, as the views are so beautiful. For that reason, many hikers take a bus back or order a taxi. The trail can be started in Carvoeiro or at Praia da Marinha.
Hiking Tips!
- Park near Carvoeira, especially later in the day, as the car park at Marinha Beach is often very busy! Early birds will find plenty of parking space at Marinha Beach in the morning.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen on this hike, as there is no shelter! There are some restaurants nearby, but bringing snacks and sandwiches is also a great idea!
- Hike off-season when the sun is less powerful and the beach less busy.
- Stay on the trails and don’t go to near the cliffs!
Ferragudo
If you prefer charming towns after seeing the coast, Ferragudo is a must! Especially in spring and summer, the town is extra colourful, with flowers everywhere! Discover the small old town and admire the views over Portimão from the church. And remember to visit the beach, as you have a fantastic view of Ferragudo Castle!
Hotels near Algar Seco
Especially in the summer months, Carvoeiro Algarve is a stunning area where you can spend some days exploring the beaches and nearby sights. You can stay in the town, but there are also some fantastic hotels near the sea. Carvoeiro’s location is very convenient, as you can easily explore the west and eastern parts of the Algarve. You can check out the deals on the map below, but I’ve also outlined three unique hotels near the ocean.
📍 Budget-friendly Algarve hotel: Slightly land inwards, you can stay at Placid Village. It is only a short walk from town, and the self-catering apartments are in a lovely area. There are nearby restaurants and a swimming pool on site.
📍 Midrange gem: One of the best hotels in the Algarve is right at your doorstep at Algar Seco! Algar Seco Parque is an incredible hotel with 2 swimming pools and ocean views. The Algar Seco Parque apartments have 1 or 2 bedrooms and have fully equipped kitchens. Outside, you can enjoy the gardens. Perfect for an Algarve holiday or an even longer stay!
📍A luxurious Algarve holiday stay: At Tivoli Carvoeiro, you will enjoy a 5* service with 10* ocean views! The world-class hotel is nestled on a cliff overlooking Vale Covo. There is an onsite restaurant, spa and two swimming pools. Jacuzzi on the balcony? Also, that can be arranged! Centeanes and Carvoeiro Beach are also within walking distance.
FAQ
How do I get to Algar Seco caves?
When you type in Algar Seco in your GPS, you can easily drive to the limestone cliffs on the Algarve coast. If you travel by public transport from Portimão or Lagoa, you can take bus 107. Rota das Falesias also operate a circular hop-on hop-off bus.
How long to spend at Algar Seco?
Most people will be visiting Algar Seco for 30 minutes to one hour. You can also walk the Carvoeiro boardwalk and visit the town of Carvoeiro.
Conclusion
If you like nature, consider adding Algar Seco Portugal to your travel plans. It is a bit touristy, but you can avoid the crowds by coming early in the summer months. The stunning views over the Atlantic are unique and a great place for hiking. The Carvoeiro area is lovely to stay overnight, too, and many beaches are nearby.
I first hiked the Carvoeiro boardwalk and parts of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail while exploring the coast in 2021, when there were still travel restrictions with COVID-19, and I completely missed this spot! You might even miss this spot if there are no people and you don’t know what to look for!
If you visit Algar Seco between autumn and spring, there will be fewer people. It’s the best time for coastal hikes in the Algarve, and prices will be lower, too. There might be more rain in the winter months, and many restaurants may be closed. Also, not all boat tours will operate, but some do.
Discover more amazing places in the Algarve Region!
- 30x amazing things to do in Faro, Portugal
- 25x The best things to do in Lagos, Portugal
- 15x Best things to do in Tavira, Portugal
- How to visit the Benagil Cave Algarve + Best Tours
- Visit the beautiful paradise beach at Cacela Velha
- Visitor guide with tips for the beautiful Algar Seco
- The beautiful paradise of Ria Formosa Natural Park in the Algarve
- Beautiful views at Praia da Marinha beach Algarve
- Discover the beautiful town of Monchique
- Discover the colourful town of Ferragudo in the Algarve
- How to reach Praia do Barril Beach and the Anchor Cemetery
- Fuseta: A guide to beaches, food and activities
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