Praia da Marinha: The Golden Arches

For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with ANA Aeroportos de Portugal (Faro Airport).

You can find the latest updates on Visit Portugal.

The best photo spots on Seven Hanging Valleys start at this beach. Walk along the cliff tops for a bird's-eye view. The contrast between orange rocks and blue sea is stunning. Capture the wooden stairs leading down to the sand.

Arrive before 8:00 AM for the best morning light. The 2026 tourist season will be busy during midday. Early morning offers quiet paths and soft shadows. Use a polarizing filter to make the water colors pop.

Look for the angle that creates a heart shape. This happens when you align two specific rock arches. It is the most popular shot on the entire trail. Take your time to find the perfect cliff position.

Benagil Cave: The Eye from Above

Benagil Cave is a natural wonder near Carvoeiro. You can photograph the cave from the trail above. Look through the eye or skylight into the beach below. This view provides a unique perspective of the cavern.

Stay behind the safety fences while taking your photos. The ground near the opening can be unstable. For more safety advice, check our coastal cliff safety tips. These tips keep you safe while you shoot.

The light inside the cave changes throughout the day. Midday sun shines directly through the top hole. This creates a bright spotlight on the interior sand. It is a dramatic scene for any landscape photographer.

Include people on the beach for a sense of scale. The cave is much larger than it looks in pictures. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the moving waves. This spot is a highlight of any 2026 Portugal trip.

Alfanzina Lighthouse Coastal Views

The Alfanzina Lighthouse stands tall against the blue sky. It serves as a great focal point for your photos. The white tower contrasts with the red cliff rocks. Capture it during the golden hour for warm tones.

Walk slightly past the lighthouse for better coastal views. You can see the trail winding along the cliffs. This area is featured in our Seven Hanging Valleys Trail guide. It is a must-see stop for every photographer.

The lighthouse was built in 1920 on a rocky point. It still guides ships along the Algarve coast today. Photograph the building from the east for the best composition. The surrounding low shrubs add green color to your frame.

Wait for the sun to dip low in the sky. The white walls of the tower will glow bright orange. This is the best time for long exposure shots. You can blur the ocean waves against the jagged rocks.

Praia do Carvalho: The Hidden Cove

Praia do Carvalho is hidden between high limestone walls. You access the beach through a hand-carved tunnel. Photograph the tunnel entrance for a framed shot of the sea. The beach itself is very photogenic and secluded.

The water here is crystal clear and deep blue. Capture the swimmers jumping from the surrounding cliffs. Ensure your shutter speed is high for action shots. This spot remains a favorite for local photographers in 2026.

The cliffs here are very steep and dramatic. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire cove. The sand is soft and light in color. It provides a clean background for your beach portraits.

Visit during low tide to see more of the caves. You can find small grottos at the water level. These offer interesting textures for close-up photography. The natural light reflects beautifully off the wet stone.

Vale de Engenhos: Hanging Valley Vistas

Vale de Engenhos offers dramatic views of the hanging valleys. You can see how water carved these deep ravines. The scale of the cliffs is truly impressive here. Use a tripod for sharp landscape photos during sunset.

The trail path is clearly marked in this section. Refer to our Seven Hanging Valleys Trail map for directions. You will find several benches for resting and viewing. It is a great place for panoramic shots.

In spring 2026, the cliffs will be covered in flowers. Yellow and purple blooms add a splash of color. Use a shallow depth of field for flower shots. Keep the blue ocean blurred in the background.

Look for the natural stone bridges over the water. These formations show the power of coastal erosion. They make excellent subjects for black and white photography. The shadows in the deep valleys add great contrast.