Overview
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1. Praia Da Prainha & Praia Dos Tres Irmaos
37° 07′ N, 08° 34′ W
Praia dos Três Irmãos is a wide and spacious beach with a beautiful feature. Here, you can see these unique rock formations, called the “Three Brothers” rising out of the water. Surrounded by cliffs and with a backdrop of lush greenery, Praia dos Três Irmãos is a picturesque spot, perfect for a day of relaxation.
Right next to Praia dos Tres Irmaos, you find Praia da Prainha. It is a secluded beach, tucked away between beautiful rock formations and cliffs. This idyllic beach is a hidden gem, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and natural doors in the cliffs. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful sunset, like we did.
In our opinion, Praia da Prainha was the most beautiful beach in the whole of the Algarve.
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2. Praia Da Bordeira
37° 11′ N, 08° 54′ W
Praia da Bordeira is a beautiful stretch of coastline, located in the western part of the Algarve. This beach is not only surrounded by rugged cliffs but there are also gigantic sand dunes providing a stunning backdrop for beach walks, which make this beach truly unique. Behind the dunes, you will also find a small lagoon that forms at low tide, creating a unique landscape that’s perfect for exploring.
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3. Praia Da Marinha
37° 05′ N, 08° 54′ W
Praia da Marinha is known for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and golden sands. You can not only explore the beach but you can also walk over the surrounding cliffs and enjoy a beautiful view over Praia da Marinha, the cliffs, and the endless sea. If you want to witness an incredible sunrise, Praia da Marinha is the place to be.
Tip: Praia da Marinha is the start or ending point of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
4. Praia Da Albandeira
37° 05′ N, 08° 23′ W
Praia da Albandeira is a picturesque and secluded beach with some beautiful rocky cliffs. Typical for this beach is this one rock formation in the middle, dividing the beach in two. A stair is built on top of this rock to access both sides.
5. Arco De Albandeira
37° 05′ N, 08° 24′ W
If you are looking for an impressive rock formation, Arco de Albandeira is the place to be. This impressive arch-shaped rock formation is located next to Praia da Albandeira and was created over thousands of years of erosion by the sea and wind. It stands tall and proud, surrounded by the endless blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Arco de Albandeira is a popular spot for sightseeing and photography, as it provides a breathtaking backdrop for any photo. If you’re visiting Praia da Albandeira, be sure to take some time to visit this stunning natural wonder.
6. Ponta Da Piedade
37° 04′ N, 08° 40′ W
Ponta da Piedade is another stunning natural rock formation located in Lagos. It is one of the most famous and best places to visit in Algarve. This impressive landmark consists of a series of towering cliffs, carved out by the wind and waves over thousands of years, that created a bridge-like formation over the sea. You can take a boat tour through the many sea caves or you can walk down a winding staircase to reach the base of the cliffs. The view from the top of the cliffs is breathtaking, with a panoramic view over the surrounding beaches and waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
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7. Benagil Cave
37° 05′ N, 08° 25′ W
If you like caves, how about sea caves? The Benagil Cave is a stunning sea cave, famous for its unique dome-shaped ceiling and its location directly on the beach. There is a large hole in the ceiling, through which a large beam of light shines in. At the right time of day, the beam of light shines straight at a rock in the cave, creating this picture-perfect scenery. You can also stand on top of the cave and look inside through the hole. This unique sight makes it also one of the most famous places to visit in the Algarve.
There’s a small beach inside but the access to the cave is filled with water, so you can not enter the cave by foot. The only way to get inside the cave is by swimming, renting a kayak or SUP, or taking a Benagil cave tour by boat or kayak. We do not recommend swimming because the current can be unpredictable and the sea too rough, making it too dangerous to swim.
Practical
Most rental companies charge € 15 per person for 1,5 hrs.
Most of the rental companies start renting from 08:00 or 08:30 to 17:30 (last rental).
8. Boneca's Cave
37° 05′ N, 08° 27′ W
Boneca’s cave or “Gruta da Boneca” is a limestone cave, known for its unique shape, creating a natural window to the ocean. The cave is named by a fisherman, who saw a doll-like shape in a stalagmite, which is the translation of “Boneca” in Portuguese. It’s one of the most unique places to visit in Algarve. Besides the cave, you can also explore the surrounding limestone formations and take a refreshing dip in the natural pool.
9. Yellow Submarine Rock
37° 05′ N, 08° 23′ W
The Yellow Submarine Rock is a unique natural landmark that captivates visitors with its striking appearance. Situated along the picturesque coastline, this rock formation resembles the iconic submarine from The Beatles’ song “Yellow Submarine.” The rock is made of limestone and is characterized by its distinct yellow color, which is enhanced by the warm sunlight that bathes the region.
10. Ria Formosa - Ludo's Hiking Trail
37° 00′ N, 07° 59′ W
The Ludo Trail is a bit of a hidden gem in Faro. It was one of our favorite things to do in the Algarve. This beautiful trail takes you through the unique landscapes of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, along salt marshes, lagoons, and sand dunes.
As you hike along the well-marked paths, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Keep an eye out because, if you are lucky, you might be able to spot some incredible wildlife like frogs, tortoises, crabs, and even chameleons. One of the highlights of the Ludo Trail is that you might even spot flamingos in the shallow waters along the way.
Extra: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
37° 05′ N, 08° 24′ W
The Seven Hanging Valley Trail is a beautiful hike along the stunning coastline of Portugal’s Algarve region. This beautiful trail takes you along the rugged cliffs, impressive sinkholes, and azure blue seas, and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the area.
The trail is 5,7km long (linear) and takes you along a series of seven picturesque hanging valleys. These valleys are characterized by steep cliffs that drop dramatically into the turquoise waters below. If the whole trail is too long for you, you can easily do just a part of the hike. The path is well-marked but also offers some challenging sections that require careful footing and a sense of adventure.
The best part: This trail takes you along 3 of the above-mentioned places.
Praia da marinha
Benagil cave
Boneca's cave
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
