Algar Seco and the Scenic Boardwalk

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The wooden boardwalk provides an easy path for families and casual walkers to enjoy the sea air. It stretches for several hundred meters and offers many benches for resting under the warm sun. You should look for the Boneca cave which looks like a doll from the ocean side. Access to this boardwalk is free and it stays open all day for your convenience.

Walking here during the early morning helps you avoid the large crowds of the peak season. The light is perfect for photography during the golden hour just before the sun sets over the water. Make sure to bring a bottle of water as there are few shops on the boardwalk itself. This stop sets a wonderful tone for the rest of your hike toward Benagil.

Vale de Centeanes Beach Rest Area

Vale de Centeanes Beach is a beautiful place to rest after finishing the initial boardwalk section. The golden sand is perfect for a quick break before you start the more rugged trail. You will find a small café here that serves cold drinks and light snacks to hikers. It marks the official start of the famous cliff-top path known for its incredible height.

The beach is surrounded by massive limestone cliffs that provide shade during the hot afternoon hours. You can use the public toilets located near the entrance of the beach for a small fee. Many people choose to swim here because the water is often very clear and refreshing. This is one of the most scenic viewpoints on Carvoeiro Benagil trail for coastal photos.

You must climb a set of steep stairs to continue the walk toward the east from here. The path becomes narrower and more rocky as you move away from the main beach area. Please watch your step and stay away from the edge of the cliffs at all times. The views of the coastline from the top of these stairs are truly breathtaking.

Alfanzina Lighthouse and Coastal Views

The Alfanzina Lighthouse stands tall on the rugged cliffs and serves as a vital landmark for ships. It has guided vessels safely along the rocky Algarve coast since it was first built in 1920. The surrounding area offers wide views of the Atlantic Ocean and the distant horizon for miles. You can often spot local sea birds nesting in the crags of the rocks nearby.

The area around the lighthouse is flat and provides a great spot for a mid-hike picnic. You will find several information boards that explain the history and the local nature of the region. The lighthouse itself is not always open to the public for interior tours during the week. However, the exterior is a perfect backdrop for your travel photos in the year 2026.

Hikers should follow the marked yellow and red signs to stay on the correct coastal path. The ground here is made of loose stones so sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended for safety. You might see small lizards darting between the bushes as you walk through the low vegetation. This section of the trail is peaceful and usually less crowded than the main beaches.

Carvalho Beach and the Secret Tunnel

Carvalho Beach is famous for its secret tunnel entrance that was carved by hand into the rock. You must walk through a dark passage to reach the soft sand of this hidden cove. The beach was once used by smugglers who wanted to hide their goods from the local authorities. Today, it is a favorite spot for travelers looking for a quiet place to relax.

• Entrance: Hand-carved stone tunnel with steps
• Facilities: None available on the sand
• Best for: Swimming and cliff jumping
• Cost: Free to access for all visitors

The water at Carvalho Beach is crystal clear and remains very calm during the summer months. It is an excellent spot for snorkeling if you have brought your own gear along. There are no lifeguards on duty here so you must be careful when entering the sea. The high cliffs protect the beach from the wind making it a very warm location.

This stop is often considered the most beautiful beach on the entire walk to Benagil village. You should spend at least thirty minutes here to soak in the unique atmosphere of the place. Leave the beach through the same tunnel and continue up the path to reach the final stops. The climb back to the cliff top is short but can be quite steep.

The Best Stops Between Carvoeiro and Benagil for Photos

The Benagil Cave is the most famous natural attraction in Portugal for many international tourists. You can actually see the famous cave hole from the cliff path without taking a boat. Looking down into the cave from above is a thrilling experience for every coastal hiker. You can learn how to find the Benagil cave hole safely by following the wooden fences.

The hole is surrounded by a sturdy fence to keep visitors a safe distance from the edge. You can see the beach and the turquoise water inside the cave from this high vantage point. It is a unique perspective that boat tours cannot provide to the visitors on the water. This is definitely one of the best stops between Carvoeiro and Benagil for your social media.

After viewing the cave hole, you are only a few minutes away from Benagil village. The path descends into the small valley where you will find several local seafood restaurants. You can reward yourself with a fresh meal or a cold drink after your long walk. Many hikers choose to take a taxi back to Carvoeiro to save time and energy.