The Carvoeiro boardwalk is a 570m wooden boardwalk along the top of cliffs near the beach town of Carvoeiro. The boardwalk offers stunning views of the coastline of the central Algarve. It’s an incredible and easily accessible way of exploring the cliff tops, and it’s suitable for all ages. It’s a great feature for anyone exploring nearby, and the stepping off point for the iconic Algar Seco area.
Where is the Carvoeiro Boardwalk?
The Carvoeiro Boardwalk is located around 500m from the town itself, it’s easily walkable from the town. But there’s plenty of roadside parking and a small car park available. If the car park is full most people park on the streets around the area. Parking is free. From the main road of Estrada do Algar Sêco there are three entrances to the Carvoeiro Boardwalk so its super easy to access!
Where does Carvoeiro Boardwalk Start and Finish?
The boardwalk officially starts closer to Carvoeiro near Forte de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação, an old fortress that’s now a church. It then runs for nearly 600m in an easterly direction along the cliff tops. There’s an entrance midway, and at the far end of the boardwalk. So no matter where you park, there’s a quick and easily accessible route to the boardwalk!
The Boardwalk – Passadiços do Carvoeiro
As you walk along the boardwalk, you’ll find informational signs and displays exploring the different types of environments found on the coastline. From the brush and scrub to the sandy dunes, cliffs and then marine life at the bottom of the cliffs. It’s a great place to learn about the habitats and see them up close!
Algar Seco – Detouring from the Boardwalk
As you walk along the boardwalk, you’ll find a slight detour and a steep set of stairs carved directly into the cliff. It’s an incredible introduction to an area called the Algar Seco. Although you can see part of it from the top of the boardwalk, the best way to really experience it is to head down and explore. You’ll find incredible rock formations, caves, blowholes, and natural pools with multiple pathways to explore. It’s perhaps more famous than the boardwalk itself but is does require some exploration and perhaps a sense of adventure! Explorers will be rewarded with interconnecting pathways, caves, and even more incredible viewpoints!
Good footwear is advised, and it’s not ideal for very young children or people with lower mobility.
How to Get to Carvoeiro with Public Transport
The main route to find the Carvoeiro Boardwalk using public transport is to head to the town of Carvoeiro first. From the town, it’s a short walk up the left (eastern) side of the cliff next to Praia do Carvoeiro. To get to Carvoeiro you’ll need to use a local bus service, as there are no nearby train stations in this part of the Algarve. You can either use the #107 or the summer Cliffs Line service from EVA, full details are available on the Vamus website.
The Cliffs Line operates between Zoomarine and Armação de Pêra, making its way along the coast to Ferragudo, Portimão, Praia da Rocha and Alvor. So if you’re staying in any of those places during the summer it’s a good option. The 107 is a bit more limited in that it operates only between Portimão and Praia do Carvalho with a stop in Carvoeiro – it is a year-round service though. We often recommend a rental car to really explore these parts of the Algarve that are less connected!
Boat tours and Trips – Near Carvoeiro Boardwalk
As you are walking along the boardwalk, you’re bound to notice many of the boats that come along the coast to explore Algar Seco and further along. It is actually one of the most popular things to do in Carvoeiro. You’ll find multiple operators and boats that depart Praia do Carvoeiro and head along the coast. These boats will work their way along the coast, through the stacks, arches and even sea caves in the area. The most famous sea cave being Benagil, but if you take a boat trip, you’ll find many many others you can discover. Additionally, you’ll find kayak and SUP rental available if you want to take a more active and personal trip along the coast. Just be aware that it can get very busy in some parts!
Here’s a quick list of our favourite boat tours and activities from Carvoeiro that will help you discover the coastline!
- From Carvoeiro: Benagil Caves and Praia da Marinha Boat Trip
- Carvoeiro: Benagil Caves Paddle-Boarding Tour
- Carvoeiro: Carvalho Beach SUP Rental
- Algarve: Carvoeiro and Benagil Walking Tour and Cruise
How Much does visiting Carvoeiro Boardwalk Cost?
Access to the boardwalk is completely free. Additionally, the street parking around the area is also free.
When is Carvoeiro Boardwalk Open?
Carvoeiro Boardwalk is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. There are no gates and or access control. Which is great for anyone wanting to try and catch an incredible sun rise from this point!
Refreshments Near Carvoeiro Boardwalk?
At the main car park is one bar/restaurant that is only open during the summer season – generally April to October. It’s called Restaurante Boneca Bar and it’s located at the eastern end of Algar Seco and accessed through a different set of stairs. Alternatively, you can head into Carvoeiro and check out the town and its options!
Should You Visit the Carvoeiro Boardwalk?
The Carvoeiro Boardwalk is a really impressive and easy way to explore the stunning cliffs of the Central Algarve. It is also the only way to see the Algar Seco which really should be known as one of the Algarve’s natural wonders! The boardwalk is right next door to Carvoeiro, so it can easily be combined with a day on the beach too. We recommend it to all our visitors!
Attractions Nearby:
- Carvoeiro – The Town of Carvoeiro is well worth exploring for it’s great seaside vibe and stunning beach.
- Algar Seco – The Algar Seco covers the natural rock formations that the boardwalk offers a view of, however there are other ways to get up close to them!
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