By Monika
Carvoeiro Boardwalk – a Stunning Cliff Walk Near Algar Seco.
Are you ready to be surprised?
We certainly were when we walked the Carvoeiro Boardwalk in the Algarve.
What started as just a scenic way to get from Algar Seco to our lunch spot in Carvoeiro, ended up being one of the best coastal walks we experienced in Portugal!
If you’re looking for epic ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and a walk you won’t forget, this boardwalk should be at the top of your list.
Bonus tip: there are tunnels, grottos, and other unusual limestone rock formations to explore along the way so you can continue your Algar Seco adventure!
Want to know how to get there and what not to miss?
Find out here!
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- Carvoeiro Boardwalk – a Stunning Cliff Walk Near Algar Seco.
What is the Carvoeiro Boardwalk?
It’s a short (only 600 meters long) but spectacular wooden path that hugs the coastline above the limestone cliffs, the Algarve is known for.
It starts from the charming seaside town of Carvoeiro and leads you to one of the Algarve’s most jaw-dropping spots – Algar Seco.
Good to know: Carvoveiro Boardwalk is also known as Carvoeiro Cliff Walk, Passadiços do Carvoeiro, and Caminho do Algar Seco
How to get to the Carvoeiro Boardwalk
By car:
The easiest way to get to the boardwalk is to drive.
Parking is fairly easy. You can park either on the Carvoeiro side, by the Forte de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação, or at Algar Seco, which may be a little easier as that parking area is larger.
It will also allow you to explore the amazing, one-of-a-kind Algar Seco before you start your stroll.
Carvoeiro Boardwalk map:
If you’re staying in Albufeira or Lagos, Algar Seco is a 35-40 minute drive from either town and only 22 minutes from Portimão.
READ MORE: Driving in Portugal Made Easy: My Best Tips for a Safe Road Trip.
➡️ Need a rental car? Explore Expedia Car Rentals or Discover Cars for great deals!
By bus:
It’s not the easiest way of getting around the Algarve, but it’s possible. You can take bus #107 (the Portimão – Praia do Carvalho line), which has a few stops in Carvoeiro (including the center and the beach) and also stops at Algar Seco.
Check the bus schedule carefully, as it doesn’t run very frequently!
What to see along the boardwalk
Enjoy the views
Just walk along the path and take in the amazing scenery – that in itself is worth your time, but there is more!
Explore the cliffs
If you start your walk at Algar Seco, you can continue your adventure here, and if you’re heading there, this stop on the boardwalk will give you a taste of what to expect when you get there.
Just about halfway through the boardwalk, you’ll notice a staircase leading down towards the base of the cliffs.
We walked this path after our visit to Algar Seco, on our way to Carvoeiro and further to Praia do Paraiso to start hiking the Trail of the Headlands.
So we skipped it and decided to check it out on our way back (our car was parked at the Algar Seco lot). On our way back we were tired and almost skipped it, but I am so happy that we found some more energy to explore this area – it is simply breathtaking!
The tunnels, the grottos, the stone stairs and winding paths along the cliffs are stunning and I dare to say that this area may even be more interesting than the “actual” Algar Seco!
See what you can expect in our photos below:
Incredible, right? And all you have to do is go down the stairs to take this detour!
Explore Algar Seco
Definitely check out the unique structures and the famous A Boneca Cave at Algar Seco – one of the end points of the boardwalk. It is a must-see!
For a meal with the most incredible views of the area, stop by the Boneca Bar, located inside Algar Seco, right by the cave entrance!
Explore Carvoeiro
Wander around the charming streets of the town, have some delicious food and relax at The Carvoeiro Beach (Praia de Carvoeiro)
Helpful hint: don’t miss the tiled pictures on the posts of the half wall you can see as you’re approaching Carvoeiro!
Nearby attractions:
If you’re craving more coastal views after this picturesque short walk, try one of the nearby hiking trails.
Carvoeiro Boardwalk and Algar Seco are located between the trailheads for two amazing Algarve hikes: the better-known Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and the much less crowded Trail of the Headlands.
If you haven’t visited the iconic Benagil Cave yet, consider adding it to your itinerary, as Benagil Beach (where the boat/kayak tours start) is only a 10-minute drive away from the main Algar Seco parking lot.
Best time to visit the Carvoeiro Boardwalk
The boardwalk can be accessed all year.
It does get busy in the summer months and is definitely busier midday than in the mornings and evenings.
When we walked it from Algar Seco, there weren’t that many people yet, but on our way back in the afternoon, it was much busier!
Coming early or late will also allow you to escape the summer heat.
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How long do you need to walk the Carvoeiro Boardwalk?
To just get from one end to another, you’ll most likely need no more than 15 – 20 minutes, however, you should add time for photo stops and rest time at one of the benches along the way.
Add at least 30 minutes (I recommend an hour) to explore the cliffs at the bottom of the staircase.
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Is the Carvoveiro Boardwalk worth it?
100% yes! It’s the perfect combination of an easy walk and unforgettable scenery, whether you just want to slow down and soak up the views or spend some time wandering around the otherworldly cliff landscapes.
Where to stay near the boardwalk?
You have many good choices of accommodations near the boardwalk.
To stay right by Algar Seco, you can book an apartment or a villa at the Algar Seco Parque – a hotel complex located directly above the Algar Seco rocks.
You can find many nice places in Carvoeiro, Lagoa, Portimão and Albufeira.
Check the map below – zoom out for more options:
FAQ:
The boardwalk is approximately 600 meters (about 0.4 miles) long. It takes 15–20 minutes to walk one way, but you’ll want to add extra time for photos and exploring the cliffs.
It runs between Algar Seco and the town of Carvoeiro. You can start at either end, depending on your preference, your plan for the day, and where you park your car.
On the Algar Seco side: larger parking area and close to the A Boneca cave.
On the Carvoeiro side: park near Forte de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação, close to the beach and town center
Yes – the boardwalk is flat, well-maintained, and easy to walk. There are benches along the way to rest and enjoy the views. It is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Note: If you wish to explore the area at the base of the cliffs, you’ll have to take the stairs down, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues
No, the boardwalk is completely free to access year-round.
I hope I’ve encouraged you to explore the Carvoeiro Boardwalk during your time in the Algarve. It was such a nice surprise for us, as it offers SO much more than just a scenic way to get from Algar Seco to Carvoeiro!
Wandering how to include a visit to Algar Seco and the boardwalk in your Portugal travel plans? Follow this Lisbon and Algarve itinerary for a day-by-day schedule!
Need help planning your trip? Here is an easy-to-follow guide: How to Plan a Trip to Portugal in 7 Easy Steps.
Let me help you plan your trip!
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About Monika
An avid traveler and a passionate trip planner, mildly obsessed with being organized and prepared 🙂
Well aware of how precious travel time is, I’m here to share my experience and help you get the most out of your vacation time.
“Taking the hassle out of trip planning”
