Faro in 1 Day for Friends - Walk the cliffs at Praia da Marinha — view the 'Titanic', heart and natural bridge
In Collaboration with Algarve Sensations. Updated on January 30, 2026.
Active, pet-friendly cliff-hike from Faro exploring Praia da Marinha, the top of Benagil Cave, Algar Seco (Boneca Cave) and the Chapel at Senhora da Rocha. Includes short beach break for swimming/snorkelling if conditions allow. Comfortable clothing and water recommended.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Algarve Sensations, inspired by the tour From Faro: Benagil Hiking Cliffs and the 4 Treasure Experience. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Walk the cliffs at Praia da Marinha — view the 'Titanic', heart and natural bridge
- View Benagil Sea Cave from the top for iconic photos
- Explore Algar Seco and the carved recesses around Boneca Cave
- Relax or swim at Praia da Senhora da Rocha and see the 16th-century chapel
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day guided minivan + cliff-hike exploring the 4 treasures of the central Algarve: Praia da Marinha, Benagil viewpoint, Algar Seco (Boneca Cave) and Senhora da Rocha. Active pace, short beach break included.
Meet at Faro Train Station (Largo da Estação 13) — check-in & briefing
Group meet-up, quick equipment check (umbrella, snorkel masks provided by the guide), safety briefing and route overview.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10 minutes early — the meeting point is outside the main station entrance at Largo da Estação 13 so the minivan can find you quickly.
- There are public restrooms inside Estação CP Faro; use them before departure. Charge phones and secure valuables — pockets on hiking jackets are handy.
- If you're coming by taxi ask the driver for 'Largo da Estação, Faro train station' — it's the same spot the guide uses for pickups.
Transfer (minivan) to Praia da Marinha
Scenic coastal transfer along the Algarve coastline to one of the region's most photogenic beaches.
Tips from local experts:
- Window seats are great for cliff and coastline photos — sit on the sea side of the van if you can.
- Spring mornings can be crisp; bring a light layer for the transfer and a sun hat for when we arrive.
- Use the ride to stow backpacks, apply sunscreen and get a short briefing on snorkeling safety if you plan to swim.
Explore Praia da Marinha cliffs — photos & optional snorkel
Walk the cliff-top trails, visit the famous viewpoints (Titanic / heart / natural bridge) and, if sea conditions allow, snorkel or relax on the beach. Umbrellas and snorkel masks provided.
Tips from local experts:
- Head to the main cliff viewpoint for the best group picture — the 'Titanic' and heart shapes are easiest to spot from the main lookout.
- Footwear: trainers or light hiking shoes are best for the cliff paths — cliffs are uneven and some short sections are sandy.
- If you plan to snorkel, the guide provides masks; spring water can still be cool — bring a thin rash vest if you get cold easily.
Transfer to the Benagil cave viewpoint (top of the cave)
Short drive to the Benagil area. We'll visit the viewpoint that looks down into the famous Algar de Benagil (sea cave) for photographs and to learn about the geology.
Tips from local experts:
- There is limited parking at the Benagil viewpoint zone — we arrive by minivan to avoid parking stress.
- The viewpoint is exposed — bring sunglasses and windbreaker if the breeze picks up along the cliff.
- This viewpoint gives the classic photo of the cave opening; keep a respectful distance from cliff edges when framing shots.
Visit top of Benagil Cave — panoramic views & photos
Walk to the viewpoint above Benagil Cave, admire the sea-carved interior from above and capture iconic shots. Guide explains cave history and best photo angles.
Tips from local experts:
- Best photos use a wide-angle phone lens or zoom out for the full circular opening — the guide will point to the exact spot.
- The viewpoint area is rocky and can be windy; keep backpacks close and hold phones/cameras securely for group shots.
- If you want to see inside the cave by boat, ask your guide about local boat operators — note this is optional and depends on sea conditions.
Transfer to Algar Seco (Carvoeiro)
Short scenic drive to Carvoeiro to visit the Algar Seco rock formations and Boneca Cave.
Tips from local experts:
- Carvoeiro's Algar Seco boardwalk has steps and viewing platforms — keep a buddy system in your group for photos and clifftop exploring.
- Hydrate during the short drive — spring sun can dehydrate quickly on active days.
- If you're hungry for a snack, the van will pause briefly for people to buy a quick coffee or pastry from Carvoeiro cafés near the site.
Explore Algar Seco & Boneca Cave — cliff trails and rock recesses
Walk the wooden boardwalks and steps around Algar Seco, view Boneca Cave and the sea-sculpted rock features along the Seven Hanging Valleys trail segment.
Tips from local experts:
- The Boneca Cave and nearby rock pools are great for dramatic photos — try shooting with the sun behind you for saturated colours.
- Watch slip hazards on wet rocks; group members should wear shoes with grip and avoid getting too close to cliff edges.
- Local vendors sometimes sell cold drinks nearby — a good spot to grab a quick refreshment before the beach break.
Transfer to Capela da Senhora da Rocha / Praia Nova (Porches)
Short transfer to the Senhora da Rocha area where the cliff-top chapel overlooks a scenic tunnel linking two beaches.
Tips from local experts:
- The chapel (Capela da Senhora da Rocha) sits right on the cliff — arrive with your camera ready for panoramic coastline shots.
- There is a short tunnel/footpath between Praia Nova and Senhora da Rocha beach — it's an iconic local photo spot for groups.
- Check tide and sea conditions with the guide before heading to the water — spring tides can vary and determine safe swimming areas.
Lunch & beach break at Praia da Senhora da Rocha / Praia Nova
Time to eat, swim (if conditions allow), relax on the sand or walk the short tunnel between beaches. Bring swim kit if you want to go in the water.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring cash/card for simple local beach kiosks — they sell light lunches and cold drinks; the group can share plates for a casual friends' meal.
- If you plan to swim, the guide recommends a short snorkel near the sheltered cove — masks are provided; spring water can be cool, so a short dip is ideal.
- Use this break to swap photos and plan any optional evening meetup — good snack options nearby include grilled fish or simple sandwiches at beach kiosks.
Return transfer to Faro Train Station (end of tour)
Relaxed minivan transfer back to Faro — approximate arrival at the original meeting point where the tour concludes.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect to arrive back at Faro around 15:00 — coordinate with your group about onward plans (dinner/reservations).
- If you want to keep exploring Faro, ask your guide for a quick recommendation for a post-tour coffee or a group tapas spot near the station.
- Store any wet swimwear in a separate bag in the van to keep the vehicle dry for other passengers — quick air-dry is possible if the sun holds.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor, Attraction, Meal |
