If you only take one walk during your stay in Carvoeiro, make it this one. The Carvoeiro boardwalk, known locally as the Passadiço, runs along the top of the cliffs from the edge of the village to Algar Seco, a maze of sculpted rock that ranks among the most beautiful natural sights on the Algarve coast.
It is short, it is free, and it is open at any hour. That makes it the perfect activity for your first evening, a sunrise before breakfast, or a gentle stroll after a long lunch.
The route
The boardwalk starts near the clifftop chapel of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação, just above Carvoeiro beach. From there, a raised wooden walkway of roughly 570 metres follows the cliff edge east towards Algar Seco. There are several entrances from the road that runs alongside, so you can join or leave the path wherever suits you.
The walkway is well maintained, mostly level, and has handrails along the way. That makes it suitable for most visitors, including families with young children. Allow around ten to fifteen minutes to walk it end to end, though you will almost certainly stop more often than you plan to.
What you will see
Along the way, the views open up over the Atlantic and the jagged coastline. Look down and you will spot hidden coves, sea stacks and deep sinkholes where the sea has eaten away at the rock. On clear days you can see the coast stretching far to the west.
Exploring Algar Seco
At the end of the boardwalk, a set of steps leads down into Algar Seco itself. This is where the real adventure begins. Over millions of years, wind and waves have carved the soft limestone into arches, tunnels, pools and terraces in shades of ochre and gold.
Do not miss A Boneca, a small cave with two natural windows that frame the ocean perfectly. It is one of the most photographed spots in Carvoeiro. Keep an eye out for fossils in the rock as you go, too.
The steps and rocks at Algar Seco are uneven, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Wear shoes with a good grip rather than flip-flops, and keep children close to you near the edges.
Our tips for the walk
- Go at golden hour: the hour before sunset turns the rocks a glowing amber. Sunrise is beautiful and almost empty.
- Bring water and a hat: there is very little shade on the boardwalk in summer.
- Combine it with dinner: walk out at sunset, then head back into the village for a seafood supper.
- Stay on the path: the cliff edges can be unstable, so keep to the boardwalk and marked areas.
It is a simple walk, but it captures everything we love about this corner of Portugal: dramatic nature, golden light and the sound of the sea, all just a few minutes from the village.
Make Carvoeiro your base
Our private villas sit within easy reach of everything in this guide. Casa Manala sleeps 8 across four bedrooms, and Casa Tres Rosas welcomes up to 12 guests in six bedrooms. Both have their own private pool for the end of a long day out.