The Caminho dos Promontórios or Trail of the Handlands is a hiking trail covering about 7km (close to 4.5 miles) between two beaches – Praia do Molhe in the village of Ferragudo (in the west) and Praia do Paraíso in Carvoeiro (in the east). Inaugurated in the summer of 2018 when a 400-year-old watchtower known as Torre da Lapa was restored, it hasn’t yet become as popular as the more famous Seven Hanging Valleys trail also in the region of Lagoa. However, it’s very much worth discovering, as it also offers a striking scenery of headlands, secluded beaches, sea caves and sinkholes. The fact that few people know about it means that you’ll enjoy the views in peace and quiet. There are signs and displays along the way to explain the geology, fauna and flora, plus the history of the settlements in the region.
Praia do Molhe is where you can begin or end the trail. The small beach has a panoramic view of the city of Portimão and its marina. It’s named after the jetty (“molhe”) that marks the end of the Arade River and the beginning of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s frequented almost exclusively by local families and has calm waters.
The next beach is Praia do Pintadinho, another favorite of locals. It’s overlooked by a 19th-century lighthouse at the top of a headland (not open to the public) and has caves created by thousands of years of erosion. This is a popular spot to watch the sunset.
Continuing towards Carvoeiro, you arrive at Praia dos Caneiros, a very popular beach with a restaurant serving fresh fish and seafood. At low tide, this beach offers direct access to the quiet Praia do Torrado, a beach with small caves. In between is an environmentally-protected sea stack that’s the habitat of sea birds (with binoculars, you can see their nests).
Before you reach Carvoeiro you’ll encounter the aforementioned watchtower. The circular structure guarded the entrance to the Arade River, using smoke signals to warn the local population about pirates. Despite its lack of architectural relevance, its historical significance has granted it protection as a “monument of public interest”.
To the east are the beaches of Vale da Lapa, Cama da Vaca (only accessible from the sea), and Praia dos Três Castelos, which is quite beautiful and often empty (not to be confused with the beach of the same name in Portimão). The trail then ends practically in the center of Carvoeiro, at the beach of Paraíso.
The entire trail isn’t difficult, but you should use proper footwear and bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. It’s also recommended that you keep a safe distance from the cliffs. To cover the entire trail it takes about three hours (six to go and return), depending on how many stops you make to rest or photograph the coastline.
How to Get to the Trail of the Headlands
Praia do Molhe is located about 15 minutes by car from the center of Carvoeiro, following road M1272. It’s also 15 minutes from Portimão, crossing the Ponte Velha bridge. There’s parking by the beach. If you prefer to start the trail in Carvoeiro, note that parking there is very limited. If you’re relying on public transportation, you can take Vamus bus 110, which runs between Portimão and Lagoa and stops by the Vale Azinhaga campsite, a 10-minute walk from Praia do Molhe. However, there are only eight departures per day on weekdays and only four on weekends.
Hotels by the Trail of the Headlands
Hotel Casabela
Located in Ferragudo, by the beach of Praia Grande do Ferragudo and about a 10-minute walk from Praia do Molhe where the trail begins, this hotel has rooms with sea views, an outdoor pool in a tropical garden and a restaurant with a panoramic view.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Casabela
Victor's Village
Just a 10-minute drive from Praia do Molhe, this property is mostly made up of apartments. It’s in a quiet location on a hilltop and offers an outdoor pool and a restaurant, plus a minimarket for those who prefer to prepare meals in the apartments.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Victor's Village
Hotel Carvoeiro Plaza
Centrally-located in Carvoeiro, a short walk from Praia do Paraíso and the trail, this hotel has rooms with views of Carvoeiro Beach or of the pool. It offers the convenience of parking, which is a plus in a village with such a lack of parking spaces.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Carvoeiro Plaza