Local Area
Click on the bullet points below and jump directly to the review.
- Beaches
- Caves
- Paddeling
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Shops
- Golf
- FIESA Sand Sculptures
- The Church of Nossa Senhora da Rocha
- The Bone Chapel in Alcantarilha
BEACHES
«Praia» means beach in Portuguese. There are several small beaches nearby, three of which are just about a five-minute walk from Quinta Polaris.
Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha
Fishing beach with a restaurant.
This beach is located just east of the church Nossa Senhora da Rocha. Here, you will find a fish restaurant open from early morning until approximately 9 PM. The beach is popular among the Portuguese. Here you can book boat tours, rent kayaks, and paddleboards.
Praia Nova
The beach is located on the west side of the church Nossa Senhora da Rocha. You can reach it from Praia da Senhora da Rocha via a tunnel carved through the cliff or by stairs from the top of the cliff.
Stairs down to Praia Nova.
Afternoon gathering for seagulls at Praia Nova.
Praia da Cova Redonda
This beach is east of Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha. Many consider it the finest beach nearby. There is a small kiosk where you can buy ice cream and drinks during the summer. A lot of shells wash ashore on this beach, and some people refer to it as the «Shell Beach.»
Praia da Cova Redonda.
Praia de Armação de Pêra
This beach is a bit farther east of Praia da Cova Redonda and stretches from Armação de Pêra to Galé, with several local names along its length. The first part of the journey follows cliffs, and the rest is sandy beach. It takes about an hour and a half to walk along the beach from QP to Galé. One passage past a stone wall may be challenging during high tide and simultaneous waves. Highly recommended!
Praia de Armação de Pêra
CAVES
Along the coastline west of Alporchinhos, you’ll find many impressive caves (algares/grutas), formed by water eroding the claystone over time. Eventually, openings on the surface connect with the water below. Some caves are large enough for the sea to rush in. All deep algares are surrounded by wooden fences to prevent falls. From the cliffside walks, you can look down into several of these caves. The most famous one, Grutas de Benagil, is located near the village of Benagil.
Algar de Albandeira.
Several operators offer boat tours along the coastline. The smaller boats can enter some caves if it is not high tide. Tours can be arranged from Praia da Senhora da Rocha or Praia de Armação de Pêra.
A boat trip to visit the caves.
PADDLING
If paddling westward from Praia da Senhora da Rocha, toward or past Benagil, you’ll pass several caves you can paddle into. Inside, you can marvel at the formations, which in some caves resemble vast cathedrals. During high tide, it may be difficult or impossible to enter some caves. Be cautious if waves are large, as they create strong currents near cave entrances.
Algar de Albandeira.
When you reach Praia de Albandeiras, you can paddle under the stunning rock formation, Arco da Albandeira.
Arco da Albandeira.
Take a lunch break at one of the beautiful beaches only accessible by sea.
Paddle break.
Grutas de Benagil
The largest cave, Grutas de Benagil, is near the village and features two sea entrances and an opening to the sky. The diameter of the «cathedral» is about 50 meters and well worth a visit. You can swim to the cave from the beach at Benagil in about 3 minutes.
Grutas de Benagil is an impressive cave near the village of Benagil.
Paddling Tip: When starting from the beach, always keep the kayak or board facing directly into the waves! If the kayak/board is angled, it will be washed back to shore. If two people are paddling in the same kayak, the front person should get in first, and the back person pushes off just as the «first wave» lifts the kayak. The front person paddles strongly to get past the waves, while the back person finds their position. The front person should also get out first.
HIKING
The most beautiful hike goes westward along the cliffs toward Benagil and Carvoeiro. However, the eastern hike along Praia de Armação de Pêra and onward to Praia Grande de Pêra and Praia dos Salgados towards Galé is also lovely.
Hike Westward Towards Benagil and Carvoeiro
The hike to Benagil takes about 1.5 hours. Begin by walking down to the small church (Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Rocha), located on the cliff (Senhora da Rocha). From there, head west along the cliff above Praia Nova. The trail descends to a narrow beach (Praia do Barranco) and then ascends the cliff again. Further along the trail, you will pass several beaches that are only accessible by boat. Enjoy the sight of «The Yellow Submarine», which can also be perceived as Algarve’s phallic symbol.
The yellow submarine/Fallos dos Algarve.
After a short walk, you’ll reach Praia de Albandeiras (a spectacular spot during large southern waves) and shortly after, the beautiful arch-shaped formation (Arco da Albandeira).
Praia de Albandeira.
Arco da Albandeira.
A little further on you come to a plateau with an opening to the first large cave (Algar de Albandeira). From the sea side it communicates with two other descents a little further up/north on the cliff.
From Praia de Albandeiras.
During stormy weather, the waves crash dramatically against the cliffs at Praia do Salgueiro.
Waves at Praia do Salgueiro.
The trail meanders through beautiful landscapes with pleasant scents, leading to stairs that descend to Praia da Marinha, where simple food and refreshments are available during the summer.
Praia da Marinha.
Sand structures at Parque de Merendas.
«Cormorant Rock» at Praia do Pao.
From there it is only a short distance up to a plateau, Parque de Merendas, where you get a great view along the cliffs. Just west of the plateau you can see the beautiful double arch Arco Natural from a ridge.
Arco Natural.
From here, the hike to Benagil takes about 15 minutes and offers many fantastic viewpoints. Be sure to look down into the most famous and magnificent cave along the Algarve coast, Grutas de Benagil.
View from Parque de Merendas.
Once in Benagil, you can enjoy refreshments at the beach Praia de Benagil. You may also visit the restaurant Pescadores, which offers excellent food and a wonderful view of the beach. Pescadores is very popular, so during the busiest summer months, it can be challenging to find a table. The restaurant is located on the left side of the hill descending to the beach.
Praia de Benagil.
The cliff trail from Benagil to Carvoeiro provides a wonderful hike of about an hour. Along the way, you will pass a lighthouse, Farol de Alfanzia. Just before Carvoeiro, at Vale de Centianes, there is a beach where you can enjoy simple food and refreshments. Carvoeiro features small beaches nestled between cliffs.
This hike is recommended for those who enjoy a longer trek from Quinta Polaris. If you take the round-trip hike from Quinta Polaris to Vale de Centianes, you should expect about 5 hours of walking plus breaks. Remember to bring water on warm days.
Hiking east towards Galé
The easiest way to start the hike is to walk down the road/street between Vila Vita and Vilalara, towards the cliffs and follow the cliff path to the left. On the way, you pass opposite the beautiful Praia dos Beijinhos.
Praia dos Beijinhos.
Where the cliffs end, a staircase leads down to the beach Praia do Vale do Olival, which is the start of Praia de Armação de Pêra, which slides over ever-increasing «new» beaches and extends to Galé.
At low tide, it can be difficult/impossible to pass a high stone wall that extends down to the beach, below the beach promenade belonging to Armação de Pêra. You can then walk up the beach promenade and down to the beach shortly after.
High tide, difficult passage.
On the way to Galé, after passing the end of Armação de Pêra and Praia dos Pescadores, you also have to cross a small, calm river, which flows through the sand. Sometimes, especially at high tide, the riverbed can be so deep that you have to wade almost to your waist. Fascinating waves on windy days.
From Praia dos Salgados.¨
Just opposite the dunes is a bird sanctuary, Lagoa dos Salgados, where you can walk along a long wooden bridge and later take a path down to the beach. The hike to Galé takes approx. 1.5 hours each way.
You can continue hiking from Galé towards Albufeira. After about 30 minutes you will come to a the great fish restaurant, Evaristo. It is not as cheap as the usual beach restaurants, but it is recommended! It is still a bit far to Albufeira.
Evaristo, beach restaurant.
Other Hikes in the Algarve
There are many other hiking trails outside the local area of Alporchinhos. Below is a link to a website showcasing alternative routes:
https://www.walkalgarve.com/algarve-map-algarve-hiking-trails-algarve-walking-routes-hiking-portugal
Via Algarviana Rota Completa
This is a 315-kilometer-long point-to-point trail near Alcoutim, Algarve, Portugal. It is the complete route for a multi-day trek along the Via Algarviana (GR13), connecting Alcoutim with Cabo de São Vicente. The trail is primarily used for hiking, mountain biking, and backpacking. It is rated as challenging. The route passes through many historic towns and picturesque villages, covering all types of terrain—off-road, paved, rugged, and rocky in some areas. It offers opportunities to enjoy cultural attractions and admire the stunning mountain views.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/portugal/algarve/via-algarviana-rota-completa
RESTAURANTS
It is inexpensive to eat out in Portugal. Many great dining places are located near Quinta Polaris (in Alporchinhos), but consider taking a trip to Armação de Pêra and/or Silves.
Alporchinhos – Local Area
- Villa de Italia is the closest, just outside the eastern gate, slightly past Aurora Pub. Try the white cod (bacalao) here, a dish that two people can share. It’s more than enough for each person. Also, sample their specialty—pepper steak! During the busiest part of the season, this restaurant is highly popular, so arrive early in the evening or stop by one day in advance to book a table.
- New Delhi Indian Restaurant is located right next to Villa de Italia.
- Indian Curry House is on the north side of the road, just before you reach the Supermacado.
- Grelador is located in a basement on the left-hand side of the road, just after passing Indian Curry House and before reaching the Supermacado.
- Tasca 26 – Restaurante & Tapas Bar (+351 282 074 003), Quinta da Alegria 4. On the left side of the road from QP towards the Supermacado. Reservations are required. Recommended.
- Quirinu´s wine & grill (+351 282 013 8179, Rua dos Areeiros 1, Alporchinhos. Exit through the North Gate and turn right, then left at the first intersection. About 100 meters up the street you will find this great eatery on the left. Recommended.
- Restaurante Veleiro is a lovely dining spot on the left-hand side of the road, down towards Armação de Pêra. You can confidently order either fish or meat here.
- Ristorante Belmondo is idyllically situated near the cliffs at Hotel Viking.
- Ocean Restaurant is located in Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa, one of Portugal’s finest and most expensive resorts. The restaurant has two Michelin stars. Only visit if you are comfortable spending a significant sum and are dressed appropriately! Book via phone: +351 282 310 100. Additionally, there are several other great dining options at Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa. Occasionally, fireworks are launched from Vila Vita—this has happened on September 28th two years in a row.
Fireworks from Vila Via September 28th, seen from Quinta Polaris.
Armação de Pêra
- Raj Indian Restaurant is highly recommended. It is located on the western end of the beach promenade, facing the sea, and is part of the Holiday Inn hotel. The restaurant offers good and inexpensive food. They have indoor seating as well as an outdoor patio, making it a fantastic spot to dine while watching the sunset. You should aim to be there around 7 PM if you want to eat outside and catch the sunset. Phone: +351 282 320 260.
- Casa de Pasto Zé Leiteiro serves amazing and affordable seafood. This restaurant is located on the outskirts, on the eastern side of the town, on Rua das Portas do Mar 17. Phone: +351 282 314 551.
- L’Oasis Pizzeria Italiana is a great Italian pizza restaurant. It is situated on Rua Dom Joao II Lj 1, directly up from the beach promenade and near Raj Indian Restaurant. Phone: +351 282 312 869.
- There are also many fun and unique places along the beach promenade and further into the old town.
Silves
Spend an evening in the historic town of Silves. Here you’ll find a magnificent castle and several excellent dining options. Two notable ones are:
- Restaurante Rui Marisqueira (located slightly within the town) on Rua Comendador Vilarinho No 27. This spot is popular, so during the busiest tourist season, you’ll need to arrive before 8 PM to secure a table. The seafood platter/dish is highly recommended! Phone: +351 282 442 682.
- Churrasqueira Valdemar is located along the promenade on Rua Francisco Gomes Pablos N124. Highly recommended. Phone: +351 282 443 138.
SHOPS
Intermarché Super is a great place for grocery shopping, offering a wide selection of food and beverages. Algarve Shopping is located about a 15-minute drive from QP, and IKEA along with several other shopping centers are in Loulé.
Grocery Shopping
The most practical option for grocery shopping is Intermarché Super (supermarket), located a 5-minute walk from Quinta Polaris. Here, you’ll find a good selection of fish (note: avoid buying «fresh» fish on Mondays), meat, vegetables, beverages, and essentially everything you might need.
Intermarche Super.
Algarve shopping
Algarve Shopping is a large shopping center, a 15-minute drive from Quinta Polaris through Guia. Start by driving through Armação de Pêra towards Alcanterilha along N269-1. Turn right at the junction before entering Alcanterilha (by a brightly colored building). Drive past the Zoomarine water park, through Guia, and you’ll reach the shopping center.
IKEA and Other Shopping Centers in Loulé
IKEA is established outside Loulé. Additionally, you’ll find several other large shopping centers in the same area. To reach Loulé, take the A22 motorway towards Faro, about a 30-minute drive from QP. Inside the town of Loulé, there is also a fantastic market open on Saturdays.
Golf
The Algarve is known for many excellent golf destinations. There are numerous golf courses for all skill levels and group sizes. Use the websites below to explore different courses:
Hvem vil skrive noe om golf i området? Skriv og send til simterje@gmail.com.
https://www.casalcubo.com/golf-courses-in-the-algarve/
https://www.myguidealgarve.com/algarve/golf
FIESA Sand Sculptures
An annual sand sculpture festival with a new theme each year. Visit Sand City here:
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Rocha
The church is idyllically situated on a narrow cliff protruding into the sea, separating the beaches Praia Senhora da Rocha and Praia Nova. In September, a procession is held from the church down to the fishing beach on the eastern side, where blessings are given to the beach and the fishermen who work there. According to legend, a woman washed ashore on this beach. She had been in the sea for a long time, but her skin was well-preserved. She was made a saint.
Nossa Senhora da Rocha.
The Bone Chapel in Alcantarilha
In the village of Alcantarilha, there is a chapel, Capela dos Ossos de Alcantarilha, just south of the parish church Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which dates back to the 16th century. The interior walls are covered with hundreds of human skulls and femurs from the old cemetery, which was abandoned when the chapel was built.
Capela dos Ossos de Alcantarilha.
You can read more about Capela dos Ossos de Alcantarilha here:
Quinta Polaris 