CARVOEIRO
37.09874º N ; 8.46930 W
There are two beaches at Carvoeiro, including Carvoeiro Beach (Praia de Carvoeiro) and Paradise Beach (Praia do Paraíso).
ALGAR SECO
BENAGIL
37°05′15″N; 8°25′33″W
Benagil is a small Portuguese village on the Atlantic coast in the municipality of Lagoa, Algarve, in Portugal.
Up to the late 20th century, the village's economy was based on ocean fishing, but it developed into a tourist area with a widely used beach, Praia de Benagil. It has few inhabitants but in the summer many people come from abroad. The population is roughly 60. Benagil village and beach are located close to the internationally famous Marinha Beach.
The main tourist attraction in Benagil is Benagil Cave (Portuguese: Algar de Benagil). Out of all the sea caves that dot the Algarve coastline between Lagos and Albufeira, the Benagil Cave is the only one that has been eroded both from the side and the top. This unique natural process has resulted in an opening in the ceiling that allows the sunlight to brighten up the grotto and the beach that it hides. In 2023, after concerns of over-tourism were raised, canoes, kayaks, and surfboards were banned and there have been some proposals to set up limits and admission fees for tourists
MARINHA BEACH (Praia da Marinha)
(Lagoa)
37.090166, -8.412522
Many consider Praia da Marinha to be the best beach in the Algarve and even in Portugal. International publications have also placed her on lists of the most beautiful in the world. In addition to a turquoise sea, it has peculiar rock formations, including a very famous one, with two arches that form a heart when seen from a certain angle on the top of the cliff. This scenario is often used in advertising campaigns and tourism promotion in Portugal, and can be even more impressive in person.
The views from the top of the cliffs are breathtaking, leading the more adventurous to take a trail to a series of other beaches. This is the Seven Hanging Valleys (Sete Vales Suspensos) trail, which is an unmissable experience for nature and hiking lovers.
At the end of the long staircase that leads to the sand, there is a restaurant with a bathroom. This is the only support equipment on the beach, which remains relatively wild. Be careful when crossing the rocks at the western end if, like many people, you want to see the rock formations up close, including the one with the two arches (called “M” or “the cathedral”). However, this side of the beach is not accessible at high tide. At low tide, it's worth the effort to get there, as for many it's the most stunning part of an already extraordinary beach.
The golden sand is clean, but much of it disappears when the tide rises, so the space between bathers varies every day and even throughout the day. The sea is usually calm and clear, and there is an underwater world to explore (seahorses, starfish, sea urchins).
Due to the shelter of the cliffs, it is never very windy. If you prefer to stay in the shade, bring a sun hat, as there are none to rent and you should not rely on the shade of the cliffs, due to the risk of falling blocks and landslides – always keep a safe distance.
The beach is often crowded in July and August, leaving no space for sports or for children to play. The rocks and access via the long staircase (with a total of 115 steps) are also not recommended for younger people, and do not provide access for those with reduced mobility. For this reason, visitors are almost all young tourists, who spend much of their time taking selfies and photographing the rocks. It's very tempting to stay here all day, so bring water and food. It is not always easy to get a table in the restaurant and the prices are above average.
Location: Lagoa
Perfect for: Couples, Social Media
Guarded: Yes
WC: Yes
Hat Rental: No
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to get to Praia da Marinha
By car: Praia da Marinha is about 15 minutes from Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra, 25 minutes from Portimão and Alvor and half an hour from Albufeira (via the A22 motorway and then the N125). You must follow the signs for Lagoa and then for the beach, which is signposted. There is parking near the beach access, but you have to arrive early to find a space.
By public transport: It is not impossible to reach Praia da Marinha by public transport, but it is not the most advisable, as buses run few times a day. The number 77 leaves from the Lagoa bus terminal and reaches Praia da Marinha in just 15 minutes, but only on weekdays, three times a day between May 1st and October 31st and only twice between November and April. Line 52 is in service every day, including weekends, but only five times a day (every two hours between 9am and 5pm). It runs between Alvor and Armação de Pêra, with stops at Praia da Rocha (Portimão), Ferragudo, Carvoeiro, and Praia da Marinha. For current times, check the Vamus website.
Beaches near Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha is close (10 minutes by car) to another major tourist attraction in the Algarve – the Algar de Benagil, accessible from Praia de Benagil. You can also go there by kayak: Kayak Tour to the Benagil Cave from Praia da Marinha.
If you like hiking, follow the Sete Vales Suspensos trail, reaching Benagil Beach in around thirty minutes. Here you can take a boat to the cave. The trail also passes through Praia do Carvalho and ends at Praia de Vale Centeanes. To the east, you can go to Praia da Senhora da Rocha, passing through Praia do Barranquinho, Praia de Albandeira and Praia Nova. If you choose to hike, take plenty of water and comfortable shoes. Although they are not difficult routes, they are quite long.
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