The Algarve region of Portugal is famous for the sea caves that have been formed along the coastline. Renting a boat is the only way to access these natural rock formations. If you wish to enter these caves, we recommend that you rent a small RIB boat.
The Algarve region is located in the very south of Portugal. Famous for its dry and warm climate, you will certainly fall under the spell of its fishing villages and natural coves.
There is no ideal season to rent a boat in Portugal. The sun is present all year round. Temperatures can be very high during the tourist season in July and August. The sea is generally calm for renting a boat, so you can easily access the beaches and caves. However, beware of heavy seas, as it can be impossible or even dangerous to access the caves.
We have prepared a one-day sailing itinerary from Lagos, Portugal. Renting a boat in the Algarve is the best way to visit Lagos and its region.
1/ Start your itinerary from the small village of Lagos
Go to the port of Lagos to start your itinerary in the Algarve region. Be sure to bring sun protection and lots of water and food before you leave.
It’s easy to rent a boat in the Algarve from the port of Lagos. Indeed, Lagos is the largest port in the region and you will find a wide range of boats for rent on SamBoat.
Once your boat is ready, you will have to navigate on a canal that crosses the city. You will start your itinerary by visiting the first natural cave, Ponta de Piedade.
2/ Lagos – Ponta de Piedade (2.3 miles – 9 minutes)
Ponta de Piedade is an exceptional natural site with extravagant cliffs that plunge into the sea. You can easily walk through the arches and caves by renting a boat in Algarve. We recommend you to visit this little corner of paradise in the early morning to avoid the tourist crowds, especially if you go in high season. If you want to enjoy the landscape a little bit longer, you can anchor in this area as the sand at the bottom ensures a good grip. To continue the exploration of caves, sail a little more in the direction of the Benagil cave.
If you venture into the caves, make sure you have good piloting skills. It is quite narrow and the boat can also be difficult to handle with bigger swells.
3/ Ponta de Piedade – Algar de Benagil (8 miles – 32 minutes)
Leave the caves of Ponta Piedade and go to the cave of Benagil. You will sail along the entire coastline before reaching the caves. Benagil is the most famous cave of the Algarve region and it is also one of the most impressive. With a huge dome, this little corner of paradise is only accessible by boat. You can get off on a small beach in between beautiful cliffs. The orange rock reflects on the turquoise water and you can see the sun through the holes formed by the rock. Once your visit is over, continue along the coast towards Covo Beach.
4/ Algar de Benagil – Vale Covo Beach (1.7 miles – 7 minutes)
After a morning full of sightseeing and adventure, head to Covo Beach to enjoy a small picnic under the sun on the beach. This beautiful cliff-lined beach is the perfect place to sit and enjoy the scenery. You can anchor easily, and the small coves will protect you from the swell.
5/ Vale Covo Beach – Praia de Rocha (4.2 miles – 17 minutes)
Leave the small beach of Covo Beach for the neighbouring beach Praia de Rocha. Praia de Rocha Beach is a huge white sand beach bordered by red rock formations and vegetation. It is an absolutely unique landscape. You can stop for a sunbath at this beach or at the following if you prefer: Amado, which is quite famous as a surfing spot. After a beautiful afternoon on the beach, it will be time to leave in the direction of Lagos.
On your way you will pass by the big beaches of Alvor and Praia.
6/ Praia de Rocha – Lagos (6 miles – 24 minutes)
After a beautiful day at sea, enjoy your return to land in the small town of Lagos. It’s a very touristy town, known for its charming and small picturesque streets. To end your day, walk through the alleys in search for small local specialties and pastries. The city’s bakeries and restaurants are known for serving fresh and tasty meals.
If you like sailing in turquoise waters and rock formations, you might want to check our itinerary in Corsica.
🍃 By doing this itinerary entirely on a sailboat you will navigate 35 km and save 6 litres of fuel.
