The most beautiful cliff hikes in the Algarve

If you're looking for a breathtaking way to experience the natural beauty of the Algarve, look no further than the region's stunning cliff hikes. The trails offer breathtaking vistas of the golden cliffs and crystal-clear Atlantic waters, making an unforgettable adventure. In this post, I've compiled a list of the most beautiful cliff hikes in the Algarve to inspire your next outdoor excursion. From towering heights to hidden coves, these hikes are sure to leave you in awe. So, lace up your hiking boots and join us as we explore the best cliff hikes in the Algarve.

Praia da Marinha, Algarve

1. Carvoeiro beach to Praia do Vale da Lapa

​Distance	2.6 kilometers (one way)
Time	1 hour
Start	Praia do Carvoeiro
Must see on the way	Praia do Paraiso & Praia dos Três Castelos
End	Praia do Vale da Lapa

This is one of my favorite hikes because this trail takes you along some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. On this hike you’ll find sea caves, sinkholes and a variety of secluded beaches. For the long route and more details make sure to check out walkalagrve.com. The cliff hikes are never difficult as you always just follow the ocean. In this case, keep walking in western direction with the ocean on your left side.

How to start:

Walk up the road in western direction from Praia do Carvoeiro and leave the road to the cliff trails at Praia do Paraiso.

Important: a part of the trail recently collapsed into the ocean. This means that from Praia do Paraiso, you need to follow the road for a little and follow this path back to the trail.

Good to know

• This is a short hike of just 1 hour.

• Make sure to check out the route around the collapsed trail.

• The route is one way. If you don't want to walk back, the easiest way to get back is by taxi. The price of the taxi is between €5 - €10.

Hiking route: Carvoeiro beach to Praia do Vale da Lapa.

Cliff hike down to Praia dos Três Castelos

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2. Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centeanes

​Distance	12 kilometers (one way)
Time	hour 4-5 hours
Start	Praia da Marinha
Must see on the way	Praia do Marinha, Benagil, Praia do Vale Espinhaço
End	Praia do Vale de Centeanes

You can walk this trail in either direction and it's absolutely stunning! Praia da Marinha is considered one of Europes most beautiful beaches and I 100% agree. Secluded beaches, sea caves, natural bridges and spectacular views are all here to be found at Praia da Marinha. On the way you will also pass the famous Praia do Benagil. This beach has a spectacular beach cave that can be viewed from above but more so from the inside. It's not possible to walk to the sea cave but in high and mid season you can usually find some boat or sup tours that will take you to the cave.

For more details about the trail make sure to check out this amazing Algarve hiking website walkalgarve.com.

Good to know

• This is a long hike of 4-5 hours.

• You'll pass one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe!

• The route is one way. If you don't want to walk back, the easiest way to get back is by taxi. The price of a taxi back to Praia da Marinha is between €8 - €11.

Hiking route: Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centeanes

Praia da Marinha, Algarve

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3. Praia do Amado to Praia da Bordeira

Distance	6.2 kilometers
Time	1.5 hours (one way)
Start	Praia do Amado
​Must see on the way	viewing points along the way
End	Praia do Bordeira

I'm such a fan of this piece of surfers paradise on the Southwest coast of the Algarve. Nature is so wild and untouched here, it's just unbelievable. The scenery is completely different from the South coast trails. Another reason why the Algarve is amazing. Nature just changes dramatically as soon as you go around the corner from south to west. Watching the waves and dramatic cliffs with the many viewing points makes this walk very unique.

Good to know

• This is a short hike of just 1,5 hour.

• Make sure to check out the wooden boardwalks and viewing points on the way.

• The route is one way. Transport back to your staring point is hard to find. You can choose to take the same route back or go trough the village and hills.

Hiking route: Praia do Amado to Praia da Bordeira

Praia da Bordeira, Algarve

Check our this link to the route.

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4. Ponta da Piedade (Lagos) to Praia da Luz

Distance	11 kilometers (one way)
Time	3 hours
Start	Ponta da Piedade
Must see on the way	Rocha Negra & Praia do Barranco
End	Praia da Luz (beach)

How to start Once you're at the starting point of Ponta the Piedade don't forget to check it out first! Go down the steep wooden steps and see the beautiful rocky caves and sea bridges! Once you're up again, start walking in western direction and you'll find a boardwalk going towards Praia da Luz. Now it does not get much easier than this, just keep walking in western direction with the beautiful ocean on your left side. You'll pass Praia do Canival and Praia do Porto Mos. Now just keep walking and eventually you will get to the beautiful Rocha Negra. Continue the unpaved trail to the town and walk all the way down to the cute beach town of Praia da Luz. Congrats, you're here! Time to enjoy a drink, kick back and relax!

Hike from Lagos to Praia da Luz

Summarizing:

• This is a medium long hike of 3 hours.

• Make sure to check out Ponta da Piedade at the start.

• The route is one way. If you don't want to walk back, the easiest way to get back is by taxi from Praia da Luz. This costs between €11 - €15.

Hiking route: Ponta da Piedade (Lagos) to Praia da Luz

Rocha Negra, Praia da Luz