Mornings and evenings are the best time for walking on the boardwalks, especially during summer. There is no shade to hide, and hikers are exposed to the sun during the entire walk. In the cooler winter months, you can do the walk any time of the day.
During the course of the month April, we have rented an Airbnb apartment in the seaside part of Praia de la Roche, Portimao. Right before the crowds of parties and sun seeking youngsters make their yearly pilgrimage to town, and take over the main street of the Praia de la Roche. Every day was a walk on the beach, occasionally spotting one or two other furry friends along the same way – what’s not to like. And while lots of Algarve’s region beaches are dog friendly, between October and April you are able to walk your dog during the whole day, between the month of May till the end of September, you are limited to before 9 am and after 7 pm. However you don’t always want to be stuck in the same place over and over – so what else is there to do with your pups?
- Praia de la Rocha Boardwalk: one of the Algarve’s most famous beaches, but also the shortest one, features a boardwalk that runs the length of its expansive shoreline. The wide, well-maintained path is great for dog walking and offers numerous access points to the beach. Perfect spot for stunning sunset views. During the low tides, there are a good number of coves to explore during your walk.
- Alvor Boardwalk: This protected natural haven contains a wide array of habitats, including vast sand dunes, ancient salt pans, traditional farmland, and thriving salt and freshwater marshes. Also popular destination for kite surfing or paragliding. This extensive wooden structure starts its winding course from parking lot Praia de Alvor or the little village harbour, right alongside the fishermen’s huts. It takes you alongside the beach/Marina through the wetlands and shallow blue lagoons. Strolling on the boardwalk, far to the north you’ll clearly see Monchique massif silhouetted against the horizon. The boardwalk is suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs/prams and bicycles. Dogs allowed, poo bags provided near parking area.
- Carvoeira Boardwalk: Located south of the town of Ferragudo in the Lagoa region of the Algarve. It begins at the Nossa Senhora da Encarnação fort and ends at Algar Seco. Free parking is available next to the church closer to the start of the boardwalk or the other side near Algar Secco. There is paid parking in the village, and just slightly further afield there is more free parking available. This boardwalk will take you over a variety of beautiful clifftops with access to coves and caves.
- Ponta da Pientade Boardwalk: The cliffs of the Ponta da Pientade offer a dramatic landscape. And even more stunning sunset views of the coast. This scenic boardwalk (2 km each way) provides wonderful views over the coastline. These footpaths navigate the cliff tops and never ending stairs leading to the picturesque cove. The headlands over the cliff structures are welcoming you to take your romantic partner for a picnic or leisurely stroll. You will need your own transport (plenty of free parking on site), take a taxi/uber or walk from Lagos town. During the summer months, local Mini Train Lagos will take you to the end for a small fee of €3.50.
- Loule Boardwalk: Praia de Garrao to Quinta do Lago – 4.8km long, stretching along the Ria Formosa from Vale do Lobo to Quinta Do Lago. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The boardwalk starts at the parking lot of Praia do Garão (Garão Beach) next to Fins Restaurant and Beach bar or from Alcao where there is additional parking. It finishes at Quinta do Lago. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit. There is a future plan to eventually extend the boardwalk to Quarteira and make it possible to walk or cycle from the Vilamoura Marina all the way to the external perimeter of Faro Airport.
With so many great choices – which one will you pick?
If you still looking for something new – off the beaten path there is one more to explore …
- Sagres Fortaleza Circuit: Sagres sits at the very South-Western tip of Portugal boasting a stunning landscape of steep cliffs that drop off into the vast ocean below. Cape Sagres viewpoint offers beautiful views of the sea but be aware of the strong winds during your boardwalk. Normally considered an easy route, 3.2 km long loop takes an average of 50 minutes to 1 hour to explore without rushing. It’s a very popular hiking trail, but you can still enjoy some solitude during the quieter hours of the day. The trail is open all year round and is interesting to visit at any time.
- Opens daily 9.30am – 5.30pm (last entry at 5pm)/ longer opening hours during summer months.
- Entry: €3 – cash and card payment accepted, dogs free. Dogs are allowed within the grounds except the Museum.
Sagres is small enough that it can be easily explored within a day. Plenty of parking availability and few available camping sites within the town. The cycle path connecting Sagres to Cabo de Sao Vicente is incomplete but rideable and traffic is never bad so using the road is totally acceptable. Cabo de Sao Vicente lighthouse opens at 10 am (temporarily closed during our visit).
“Respect the nature and stick to the boardwalks to protect the delicate ecosystems and wildlife in the area.“