6 amazing places at the Algarve coast in Portugal

The Algarve coast in the southwest of Portugal, situated on the Atlantic Ocean, is especially known for its golden yellow rocky beaches and famous rocky cliff formations. You should definitely explore these 6 enchanting places when visiting the Algarve coast:

1) Ponta da Piedade

Not far from the city of Lagos and the beautiful rocky beach Praia Dona Ana, the headland of Ponta da Piedade is considered the most beautiful rocky cliff formation in the Algarve. From the lookout point above the cliffs, one looks down directly on the rocks, grottos and the famous arched bridge Ponta Da Piedade, which is surrounded by the rough Atlantic Ocean. A staircase leads down to the rocky bay, which is often crowded with fishing boats for excursions. From the top, you do not only have a great view of the rock formation but you can also look along the headland to the bays and beaches near Lagos.

2) Algar Seco

Algar Seco is a rock formation near the coastal town of Carvoeiro, which looks like a city carved into rock. One walks over stone stairs through partly quite narrow rock archs & rock passages. The incidence of the sunlight creates beautiful patterns in the rocks, which makes the Algar Seco a great photo scenery.

3) Praia dos Três Irmãos

The Praia dos Três Irmãos (in English: Beach of the Three Brothers) is one of my absolute favourite beaches in the Algarve, because the rocky landscape here is so varied in terms of scenery and there is so much to explore, as there are arches and small caves in the rocks everywhere.

4) Praia do Paraíso

Praia do Paraíso, located near the bay of Carvoeiro, is a hidden secret. On the way there, from the hill you can enjoy a beautiful view of the bay of Carvoeiro and the white houses of the coastal town. One gets to the beach by a white stairway that, depending on the perspective from which one looks, seems to lead straight down to the sea. By descending, you feel as if you were actually approaching a paradise of golden rocks washed by the azure water. The nice thing is that the beach is less touristically crowded so that you can enjoy here an idyll & quietness specially in the early morning hours.

5) Benagil Cave

The Cave de Benagil is the most beautiful and famous of the golden caves on the Algarve coast. You can reach it directly from the nearby Praia de Benagil by swimming or Stand Up Paddle Surfing or by booking one of the cave tours with one of the excursion boats, for example departing from the port city of Portimão. The sunlight entering through the opening in the rocky ceiling makes the grotto shine in a breathtaking golden tone.

6) Cabo de São Vicente near Sagres

The Cabo de São Vicente near Sagres is the most south-western point of Europe. Here, one cannot only eat the last bratwurst before America at a bratwurst stand, but one has a great view from the steep and barren cliff coast to the thunderous waves of the very rough Athlantic and the lighthouse of the cape. The nearby beaches, among others the Praia do Beliche are a paradise for surfers and from here you can also visit the fortress Fortaleza de Beliche in Sagres.