This beach is located roughly between the town of Carvoeiro and the famous cave of Benagil, so it’s one of the main departure points of the boat tours to the cave. There are many apartments above it, so it can get crowded with local families. It’s a relatively long but narrow beach (especially at high tide), not allowing much space between sunbathers. There are only a few sunshades and loungers for rent, so you might want to bring an umbrella if you prefer shade.
This is a Blue Flag beach, meaning it’s clean and safe. A ramp makes it accessible by wheelchair.
The water is unpredictable, going from rough to very calm in a matter of hours. Sometimes it’s clear and perfect for snorkeling, but only those who know how to swim should go far from the shore, as it gets deep quickly. There are lifeguards between June and September. At low tide you can explore a small cave on the western side (the right side, when facing the sea).
It’s backed by tall, golden cliffs, which shelter it from the wind. There are wonderful views from the clifftop, and the left side is the starting point (or the end) of Algarve’s most beautiful walking trail, known as the Seven Hanging Valleys and relatively easy to do. From here you can go all the way to the region’s most recommended beach, Praia da Marinha, 5.7 kilometers (3.5 miles) away. On the way you can stop at Praia do Carvalho and Praia de Benagil.
At the entrance to the beach is a restaurant serving light meals and grilled fish. It overlooks the beach, so it’s a good spot at any time, but especially at sunset.
Location: Lagoa
Beach for: Families
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia do Vale de Centeanes
You can walk from the center of Carvoeiro to Praia do Vale de Centeanes, going up the main road for 20 to 25 minutes. By car it’s just 5 minutes. The drive from Armação de Pêra is about 20 minutes, and from Albufeira about 35. As you get close to Carvoeiro, you’ll see signs pointing to the beach. There’s parking behind it, but your chances of finding a spot decreases the later you arrive. Vamus bus 107 departs from Portimão, passes by Lagoa and Carvoeiro, and stops on the road above this beach. However, it’s a very infrequent bus, especially on weekends. There’s also bus 52 that’s in service between May and October, going between the towns of Alvor and Armação de Pêra every two hours, seven days a week, stopping in Praia da Rocha (Portimão) and Carvoeiro.
Beaches by Praia do Vale de Centeanes
As mentioned above, you can walk to Praia do Carvalho, Praia de Benagil and Praia da Marinha from Praia do Vale de Centeanes, if you follow the trail over the cliffs. A 25-minute walk down the road takes you to Praia do Carvoeiro. By car, Praia da Marinha is less than 15 minutes away.
Hotels by Praia do Vale de Centeanes
Pestana Palm Gardens
This is the closest hotel to Praia do Vale de Centeanes. Its apartments and townhouses accommodate between 3 and 6 people, and surround a large swimming pool. Some have a sea view. Facilities include a restaurant, a gym, a spa and a tennis court.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Pestana Palm Gardens
Tivoli Carvoeiro
This is the most luxurious hotel by Praia do Vale de Centeanes, located a 15-minute walk up the road. It has 248 luminous rooms, many of them with sea views. More views may be enjoyed from the rooftop bar, from the restaurants and the swimming pools. There’s also a spa.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Tivoli Carvoeiro
Hotel Baia Cristal Beach & Spa Resort
Located on a clifftop above Praia do Vale de Centeanes, this resort offers sea views and easy access to the beach. There’s an indoor and an outdoor pool, a spa, a tennis court, a children’s playground, a restaurant and a bar which often presents live music.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Baia Cristal Beach & Spa Resort
Vale de Milho Village
Just a 5-minute drive from the beach, this highly-rated resort consists of contemporary townhouses with a private garden and swimming pool. There’s no restaurant, but guests may prepare and enjoy meals in their houses. Each unit has two or three bedrooms, so it’s the choice of families and groups of friends.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Vale de Milho Village