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Ferragudo to Senhora da Rocha (Lagoa coast)

The Lagoa coast runs from the Ponta do Altar lighthouse at Ferragudo, past Carvoeiro and Benagil, to the clifftop chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha near Armação de Pêra — caves, arches and beaches only reachable by sea.

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Where is it?

Ferragudo, on the Arade river mouth opposite Portimão, has the Fort of São João do Arade; just west of the village stands the Ponta do Altar lighthouse (1893). At the eastern end of the municipality, the small Capela de Nossa Senhora da Rocha (Porches) sits on a narrow promontory; its fort was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. A tunnel in the rock links Praia da Senhora da Rocha and Praia Nova.

How to visit

By boat: cave trips leave from Ferragudo and Portimão heading east, from Carvoeiro and Benagil, and from Armação de Pêra, where local fishing boats take visitors to sea caves and beaches that can only be reached from the water. Kayak and SUP tours start from beaches along this coast. Departure towns: Ferragudo, Portimão, Carvoeiro, Benagil and Armação de Pêra.

How to visit

On foot

The Caminho dos Promontórios (about 7 km) follows the cliffs from the breakwater (Molhe) in Ferragudo to Praia do Paraíso in Carvoeiro. Further east, a coastal walk of about 6 km between Benagil and Senhora da Rocha passes sinkholes (algares) and arches. There is little shade — bring water.

Safety & rules

Benagil cave has its own rules from the Portimão harbour authority (Capitania): no landing on the cave beach and no swimming into the cave — see our Benagil guide. Everywhere on this coast, keep away from cliff edges and do not sit under the cliffs; wear the life jacket provided.

Safety & rules

Best time & families

Boats run most days from spring to autumn when the sea is calm; mornings are often calmer. Boarding from the beach can mean wet feet. Check each operator’s accessibility and age notes in our listings (unknown where not published).

Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons)

Operators for this trip (37)

Ferragudo Emotions

Ferragudo

Benagil caves · Sea caves & grottoes · Private boats & charters · River cruises · Water sports

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Specific page not available for sea caves & grottoes — see the operator website

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Information can change. Confirm prices, times and availability on the operator’s booking page.

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