Travel to Portugal

Day 9 Algarve (Praia da Rocha, Prainha, Carvoeiro) (62 Km.)

(in 24 km.) Praia da Rocha: We start the day visiting this beach, one of the most famous in the Algarve. Perhaps it is one of the most popular because it is right in front of Portimão, and the number of hotels, bars, restaurants and shops that are next to it. When we get there, the first thing we do is take a series of photographs from Miradouro dos Três Castelos, located on the western side of the beach.

We went down to the beach by some stairs located next to the Miradouro. The beach is very long and wide and has many services. We continue walking on the sand and after passing under the Miradouro, we arrive at the Praia dos Três Castelos, smaller and quieter, where rock formations eroded by the waves stand out in the water. We choose this place to have the first bath of the day.

(in 6 km.) Prainha: We went to visit this place by a recommendation of my parents. It did not appear in any guide as one of the best beaches to visit, but we still follow the advice. The conclusion: how can this place not appear in travel guides as a must? Prainha and Três Irmãos are beaches belonging to the city of Alvor and communicate with each other through a series of natural tunnels dug into the rock.

Três Irmãos is known for the three large rocks that surface on the water. Depending on the state of the tide you can go from one cove to another by walking on the sand or on the contrary it is necessary to get into the water. In the first of the coves, that of Praia da Prainha, we found a small restaurant. The rest of the coves also offer us turquoise waters and fantastic rock formations.

(in 20 km.) Carvoeiro: After spending the afternoon strolling through the shopping streets of Praia da Rocha, we arrived at this small town with just enough time to take a photo from one of the cliffs that escort its beach, in which its colorful houses stand out. Formerly a fishing village, now the bustle of tourists fills its streets, especially the central square located next to the beach, where we can find souvenir shops, bars and restaurants.

Algar Seco, a few hundred meters along the coast east of the main square and beach, is a popular nature site where ocean wave erosion has carved out grottoes, islets and water-spouts.It is also renowned in the vicinity for prime marine life spotting.

(in 12 km.) Armação de Pêra: We return to our accommodation.