Photos to follow.
Every autumn we return to the Algarve for it's stunning landscape, caused by the rock formations, the beaches and the lovely weather.
We stay at HPBs Rocha Brava Resort. It feels like a mini village with its bungalows, villas and apartments in beautiful landscaping. It's also super close to the stunning Vale de Centeanes beach, from, where the Seven Hanging Valleys trail starts.
Our apartment.
An owl in the tree outside the balcony wakes up at sunset when the Lighthouse flashes. He is a male Tawny and some nights the female replies.
Helders Restaurant Bar is open 10 am - 11 pm (closed Thursday). Looked after us extremely well on our first night. Very friendly and the pepper steak was excellent. Sky and TNT Sports if that's what you require on holiday.
'O Stop' at Centeanes Beach (open 7 days 10 am - 11pm) is a great beach bar. Lovely relaxed atmosphere at the rear of the pretty cove overlooking the ocean. Wide ranging menu from sandwiches to local specialities. Fish is superb. Very friendly service, not quick but then again not slow either, just relaxed which is perfect. It gets very busy at lunch times so booking is esssential. Also a wonderful spot for a sangria at sunset.
Centeanes is a fantastic little beach, although there is no shade unless you are silly enough to ignore the danger signs and sit really close to the cliff. You can pay to rent a shade. A cave at one end can be accessed at low tide. Sometimes the surf can be quite strong making getting in and out of the water a challenge. Unfortunately, some days the beach can be full of algae. And check the tides before you go.
If the tides are wrong we head to Praia Grande Beach in Ferragudo. A lovely large beach especially good for a walk or a relaxed swim - no waves or algae. There is a snack bar for drinks plus a restaurant on stilts with fantastic views. The Panoramic. Delicious fish or if you just fancy a snack the wraps are very good.
The Seven Hanging valleys trail is a hiker's dream. The ultimate coastal hike. This stunning coastal trek is often ranked as one of the best hiking routes in Europe, and trust me, it's easy to see why! With jaw-dropping cliffs, hidden beaches, and turquoise waters that stretch as far as the eye can see, this trail is an unforgettable way to explore the natural beauty of southern Portugal. This trail starts at Praia do Vale de Centeanes beach and ends at Praia da Marinha, which is often called Portugal's prettiest beach. The trail also goes on top of the Benagil Cave.
And on Google maps there is a spot that's marked "Best lunch bench in the Algarve" - which is actually inside Rocha Brava!
Unfortunately, whilst on the coastal path a European wasp (I think) stung me and 48 hours later I needed to see a Doctor. We saw Dr. Ronald Bakker, an English speaking private Doctor in Carvoeiro. At Centro Medico (up the steps from Veron Estate agents). Open Monday to Friday 09.00 to 13.00 and then 16.00 to 18.00 hrs. Saturday 10.00 to 13.00. No appointment necessary. Mobile 00351 934 014 125. He was so kind and prescribed antibiotics. 70 Euros to see the Dr. and 11 Euros for the prescription.
Back to the holiday. We enjoyed amazing weather and stunning sunsets.
One of our favourite views when visiting Rocha Brava is from the SKY bar at the Tivoli hotel. The setting and location is perfect for an evening cocktail before heading down into the town. The drinks are a little pricey but I guess the views make up for the increased price.
Another great location for a cocktail is the Boneca bar down in the cliffs at Algar Seco. Although you have to book months in advance for a table for dinner the staff are very friendly and always find us a table for a drink (quite early about 6.30 pm) with an amazing view. Must visit A Boneca (The Doll): A famous sea cave where two natural rock archways form views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Afterwards stroll along the Carvoeiro Boardwalk in the golden hour to watch the sunset. It starts at Algar Seco and finishes in Carvoeiro. It's only a 20 minute walk but the views are spectacular.
So much to explore beyond Rocha Brava. When you stay at a resort where everything's at your fingertips, it's tempting never to leave the premises but try to set aside a day or two to explore the Algarve - you won't regret it.
We decided to walk the Ludo Trail, a scenic route passing right through the saltpans and marshes of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. The trail connects the eastern edge of the Quinta do Lago resort to the Ludo area near Faro Airport. We parked our car by the wooden bridge crossing over to Praia da Quinta do Lago. The terrain is completely flat, wide, dirt and gravel tracks excellent for walking. Spot the Flamingos.
You can continue walking over a bridge to Praia de Faro or return to your car and drive over the bridge, which is what we did. It is a long sandy beach on Ilha de Faro and runs for about 5 kilometres. The waves are strong here so good for surfing. We stopped at the Mazu Restaurant for lunch overlooking the beach. Nothing to say! Simply perfect.
We love visiting the West Coast during our holiday. We stopped for coffee and a pastel de nata at Ti Raul in Arrifana. This small bar is located along the dramatic cliffs of surfers paradise Arrifana. It's an experience! Overlooking the stunning beach and ocean this cute and laid-back place is perfect for a coffee. Full of surfer dudes with a relaxed surfers vibe and the sound of waves as your backdrop. I really enjoyed my pastel de nata whilst enjoying the stunning view.
We continued on to one of our favourite restaurants on the West Coast. O Sargo in Aljezur. Very tasty, vibrant food, in a relaxed but lively restaurant with very efficient staff. Top it off, you're basically footsteps away from stepping on to the winning 2026 European beach of the year (Praia de Monte Clerigo). So good, we go every year.
Our last outing was to the Alvor Boardwalk. We walked along the beach to the breakwater then back into town along the boardwalk. We really enjoy walking over the marshes on the boardwalk. We do it every year. Beautiful scenery.
Enjoyed excellent simple Portuguese seafood overlooking the harbour at Casa da Mar. Perhaps just one chocolate mousse to share next time!!!
And as the sun sets on this unforgettable trip, it is easy to see why the Algarve steals the heart of everyone who visits. From the awe-inspiring golden cliffs to the beautiful beaches, every moment spent exploring the Algarve has felt like living inside a postcard. Leaving this paradise behind is never easy, but the memories of early morning swims, coastal hikes and excellent seafood will linger long after the suitcases are unpacked.
