Hidden gems in Algarve

Algarve's Hidden Treasures

Explore the southern coast of Portugal through its geological and architectural landmarks. This collection features the dramatic limestone stacks of Ponta da Piedade and the sea caves of Benagil. It includes Faro’s 18th-century Baroque churches, such as Igreja do Carmo with its bone chapel, and the historic anchor graveyard at Praia do Barril. These sites highlight the region's maritime history, from 20th-century lighthouses to traditional tuna fishing heritage, alongside secluded beaches sheltered by high ochre cliffs.

Algarve's Hidden Treasures — Map

Derek Turner / CC-BY-SA

A

Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade is a headland with a group of rock formations along the coastline of the town of Lagos, in the Portuguese region of the…

Joseolgon / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Marinha Beach

Praia da Marinha is one of the most emblematic beaches of Portugal with a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, located on the Atlantic coast…

Tibor Kovacs / CC BY 2.0

C

Praia do Camilo

A small cove in Lagos accessed by a 200-step wooden staircase. It is enclosed by high limestone cliffs and features calm waters sheltered from the wind.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

D

Praia de Benagil

Located in a traditional fishing village, this beach serves as the primary departure point for boat trips to the nearby Algar de Benagil sea cave.

Kris / CC-BY-SA

E

Igreja do Carmo

An 18th-century Baroque church in Faro known for its twin bell towers and the Capela dos Ossos, a chapel lined with the skulls and bones of Carmelite monks.

F

Farol de Ponta da Piedade

Built in 1913 on the site of a 16th-century hermitage, this square-towered lighthouse stands 51 meters above sea level on the rugged headland of Lagos.

BiiJii / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Praia do Barril

Situated on Tavira Island and accessible by a miniature train, this beach features the Anchor Graveyard, a memorial of over 200 anchors left by former tuna fishing fleets.

Ludo Vyskoc / CC-BY-SA

H

Igreja Matriz de São Pedro

A 16th-century parish church in Faro featuring a Mannerist main portal and a Baroque interior with carved gold-leaf altarpieces and 18th-century azulejo tiles.

Other Lists

Algarve's Unmissable Coastline & Culture Algarve's Best Beaches Algarve Heritage Sites Algarve's Sacred Sites Algarve Viewpoints Algarve's Culinary Delights