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The golden cliffs from the magazines, at the hour when there are fewer people.
The golden cliffs from the magazines, seen at the hour when there are still few people about. We set off early, with short drives between Carvoeiro, Benagil and Marinha, and your driver waits at each stop. The boat to the caves is paid separately. For a first visit to the Algarve, taken at an easy pace.
The day, stop by stop
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Algar Seco
A few minutes' walk from the centre of Carvoeiro, Algar Seco is a cluster of sea-carved rock with steps, passageways and natural pools. The favourite corner is A Boneca, a small cave with two window-like openings onto the ocean. A clifftop boardwalk links it with the village, making for an easy short walk. Wear shoes with a good grip, as the steps are uneven, and go early if you want the Boneca without a queue.
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Gruta de Benagil
The Algarve's most photographed cave has an opening in its roof that lets light fall onto a small inner beach. You cannot walk in: it is seen by boat or by guided kayak, leaving from Benagil, Portimão or Armação de Pêra. Since August 2024, landing on the sand inside the cave and swimming in have been prohibited. We drive you to the departure point and wait; the boat trip is paid separately. The sea tends to be calmest in the morning.
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Praia da Marinha
From the clifftop viewpoint you look down on stone arches and a rock that, from the right angle, forms a heart. A long staircase leads down to the beach, where the clear water is good for swimming and spotting fish among the rocks. The Seven Hanging Valleys trail also starts here. Go early in the morning, before the groups arrive, and wear comfortable shoes for the steps, which take some effort on the way back up.
The essentials
- Duration
- 4–5 h · Morning
- Pick-up
- At your hotel. The final price depends on where you are staying; we confirm it when you tell us.
- Included
- The car and the driver, only for your group, tolls and water.
- Not included
- Entrance tickets and meals.
- Who it is for
- First visit to the Algarve.