Cliff top walk from Rocha Brava to Benagil via Prai do Carvalho walking and hiking route

Walk Instructions

Start Point

Turn left outside Casa Bonina heading for the main Rocha Brava entrance. Turn right at the main entrance, passing the Jardim do Farol restaurant on the right.

Turn right down the tarmac road to the lighthouse, (which is open for viewing on Wednesdays at 2, 3 and 4pm) Follow the path to the left in front of the lighthouse, you will see wooden posts marked with red and yellow lines; these are the signposts that mark the walk to Carvalho beach.

The first descent is quite challenging as parts of it are eroded, but still quite possible with sensible footwear and walking poles. The remainder of the walk is absolutely fine with some magnificent views.

The walk is part of the seven hanging valleys coastline walk from Carvoeiro. Not far before you reach Carvalho beach you will find a beautiful elevated picnic area with a magnificent view over the Atlantic Ocean. Don`t forget to take a picnic!

From here it is another 5 minutes walk to the paved steps that lead down to Smugglers Cove. Take care on the path just below the steps which overlooks the sandy cove. At the bottom of the first long flight of steps (133), turn sharp left, down further steps (36) through a tunnel in the cliff rock onto the beach.

After a rest or a swim continue the walk by returning through the tunnel and up the hill opposite turning right at the top to follow the coastal path behind a new development with its swimming pool and continue round to a concrete path down past fishermen's cottages to a sandy Benagil beach where a café will provide a refreshing drink or leisurely lunch.

Leaving the beach trudge up the road to the left (turn left on top of the hill) back through the village to pass through the new development to the track back down to Smugglers cove. Up the steps to the car park and left along the coastal road through Algarve Club Atlantico after following this road passing beautiful villas for app. 20 minutes you turn left to Rocha Brava Fountain.

Alternatively turn right at the top of the hill, continuing along the road and up the incline, then left at the top back towards the lighthouse, passing another two restaurants on the way!

A cliff top walk from Benagil to Marinha Beach.

The area to the east of Benagil is a beautiful place to walk. An easy local walk for the reasonably fit.

Sensible shoes and dry weather are needed.

Drive down to Benagil Beach and up the other side. Park on the right hand side after the hairpin bend beneath the "O Algar" Restaurant, pulling well off the road.

Go up the steps by the left side of the “O Algar” Restaurant and follow the path to the top. Keeping to the cliff edge path, you will see a large fenced off blow hole.

Take the path again, keeping to the sea side and listen for the roar of the sea from the hole.

Most of the rest of the way is easy walking on broad level paths.

Divert around the first inlet which is fenced off and the diversion very clear. There is a second small inlet and then a larger one with many paths around them where you can choose if you wish to walk on or stop for a picnic/rest. Well way marked all the way to Marinha Beach

The return, simply retrace your steps.

Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the ‎level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.