This small, secluded beach is one of Algarve’s most romantic. Surrounded by tall cliffs, it’s accessed via a fossil-lined tunnel hidden on the ground. This carved tunnel feels like a “secret passage” and adds to the magical and mysterious atmosphere. A perfectly-centered rock in the sea makes it even more scenic.
All this is a hit on social media, and many people come just to photograph it. A beautifully-framed photo can be taken from a rock formation at the end of the tunnel, which has a “window” opening to the beach.
You should go in the morning and stay on the left side, since half of it (the right side) is shaded in the afternoon. The growing crowds in the summer also means that you won’t have much space to spread your towel if you come later. Staying in the late afternoon, just before sunset, when most people are gone, however, allows you to experience it at its most serene and romantic.
The golden sand is clean, and so is the water, which on a regular summer day is calm enough for swimming and crystal-clear for snorkeling. The sea is shallow but becomes deep very quickly, so children and those who can’t swim shouldn’t go very far out.
The water depth makes it a favorite site for cliff jumping. Thrill-seekers often walk up the steps carved on the cliff on the right side, and jump from a height of 5 to 7 meters (16 to 23 feet) when the tide is high. Others prefer to jump from the cliff on the left side, which is even higher. If you decide to join them, you should be very careful, as the beach has no lifeguards.
You should also remember not to stay too close to the cliffs, due to the risk of rockfall. Because of the access via the tunnel, which has steps, this is not a beach for those with mobility issues. And there’s always sand on the steps, which makes them slippery.
Bring water and snacks if you choose to spend some time here. There are no restaurants or facilities of any kind.
Location: Lagoa
Beach for: Couples, Social Media
Lifeguards: No
Bathrooms: No
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: No
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia do Carvalho
This beach is part of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, so if you think you’ll enjoy a coastal hike, you can walk here from the famous beaches of Marinha and Benagil in the east and from Vale Centeanes Beach in the west. Vamus bus 107 goes from Portimão and Lagoa to this beach, but this is a very infrequent service, especially on weekends. There’s another bus, number 52, but it only operates between May and October. It does offer a daily service (including weekends) that goes between the towns of Armação de Pêra and Alvor, stopping at this beach (it also stops in Praia da Rocha in Portimão and in the center of Carvoeiro). By car, it’s 15 minutes from Carvoeiro, 20 minutes from Armação de Pêra, and 40 minutes from Albufeira. There’s parking above the beach, at the end of Rua de Algarve Clube Atlântico, and it’s usually easy to find a spot. From there, you need to go down a staircase, and at the bottom is the tunnel that gives access to the beach (pictured below).
Beaches by Praia do Carvalho
As mentioned above, the beaches of Marinha, Benagil and Vale Centeanes are accessible on foot, if you follow the trail over the cliff. Benagil is the closest one, about 15 minutes to the east. If you head west instead, Vale Centeanes is reached in about 25 minutes. The trail is safe and you’ll have some amazing views along the way -- just take water and comfortable shoes.
Hotels by Praia do Carvalho
Rocha Brava Village Resort
Located 5 minutes by car from Carvalho Beach, this is a family-friendly clifftop resort. It consists of apartments and villas, and has three swimming pools, a restaurant, a supermarket, a gym, a children’s playground, and four tennis courts.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Rocha Brava Village Resort
Hotel Baia Cristal Beach & Spa Resort
This is yet another resort catering to families. It overlooks the ocean, is less than 10 minutes by car from Carvalho Beach, and offers double rooms or suites, a restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, a playground, a game room, a spa, and a tennis court.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Baia Cristal Beach & Spa Resort
Pestana Palm Gardens
Just 6 minutes by car from Carvalho Beach, this hotel has suites and townhouses surrounding a swimming pool. They feature a country-style interior, and many have a sea view. It also offers sauna and massage services, a tennis court, a fitness room, and a restaurant.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Pestana Palm Gardens