Portugal’s Algarve coast is thought for fairly just a few issues: golden sea cliffs stuffed with grottos and arches; historic white-washed villages; and seashores lapped by turquoise waters. It’s also house to some superb coastal mountain climbing!
I am not usually an enormous hiker, however it was unattainable for me to disregard the attractive cliff high views that beckoned in Lagos, Portugal. Lagos is a small city on the Algarve coast, recognized for its picturesque previous city and scrumptious seafood – and its proximity to Ponta da Piedade.
What’s Ponte de Piedade?
With its identify translating roughly to “Level of Mercy” or “Piety Level,” Ponta da Piedade is assortment of craggy rock formations that type a coastal headland not removed from central Lagos. The golden-colored rocks of the headland twist into sea arches and pure caves, hiding fairly grottos and tiny spectacular seashores.
It is comprehensible that this is among the most well-known landscapes in all of Portugal.
Visiting Ponta da Piedade is among the hottest things to do in Lagos, and there are a pair alternative ways to do it. You may merely drive out to the lighthouse at Ponta da Piedade; you’ll be able to take a boat tour from Lagos to see the rock formations from the water (I like to recommend this, too!), or you’ll be able to hike to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos.
I did each the boat tour and the hike, and personally loved the hike extra since you’ll be able to take your time and see much more.
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The Ponta da Piedade hike
Mountaineering from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade is just not a tough or lengthy hike; actually, it is solely about 1.5 miles one-way, and largely flat alongside wood boardwalks.
The hike could be a bit complicated ranging from central Lagos, nevertheless, as you might assume you’ll be able to stroll alongside the seaside itself, or maybe alongside the tops of the cliffs. However you’ll be able to’t.
The principle seaside in Lagos city (Praia da Batata) IS linked to some smaller seashores by way of rock-hewn tunnels which can be accessible at low tide. Nonetheless, this path solely goes so far as Praia dos Estudantes – so do not hassle attempting to observe the seaside.
The place to begin the Ponta da Piedade hike
That is the place it’s essential concentrate. Older guides and weblog posts would possibly let you know which you could stroll immediately from the seashores in Lagos alongside the sting of the coastal cliffs all the best way out to Ponta da Piedade. And this was true just a few years in the past.
Sadly, erosion and landslides have taken their toll on this a part of the Algarve, and the clifftop coastal path is now not a protected strategy to stroll out to Ponta da Piedade. Some posts will let you know to begin your hike at Praia do Pinhão, a reasonably little seaside only some minutes’ stroll alongside the highway from Lagos.
And whereas you will get TO Praia do Pinhão, elements of the previous coastal path past this seaside are both utterly washed out, or fragile sufficient that strolling alongside them is just not suggested.* (For those who select to strive it, simply know that you just’re doing it at your personal danger!)
As a substitute, the perfect place to start your hike is on the (new) official place to begin of the Ponta da Piedade hike, near Praia de Dona Ana. This is among the extra common seashores within the Lagos space, and is nicely value a go to by itself!
Within the final couple of years, the regional council in Lagos has labored on constructing a system of wood boardwalks to attach varied seashores and viewpoints alongside the coast surrounding Ponta da Piedade. You will get on this new boardwalk system on the finish of the Praia de Dona Ana parking space (Parking Dona Ana); the beginning of the boardwalk is precisely marked on Google Maps as “Ponta da Piedade Walkway Entry.”
You may both get to this boardwalk entry level by strolling from Lagos city (it is a few 20-minute stroll, however it’s largely alongside roads; you may take Av. dos Descobrimentos, flip left on Estrada Ponta da Piedade, after which left once more on Alameda Dr. Armando Soares Ribeiro), or by taking a taxi thus far.
*Observe: There are plans to increase the boardwalk system to attach Praia de Dona Ana and Praia do Pinhão, however it hasn’t been began but! Maybe in just a few extra years, your entire coastal stroll WILL be doable from Lagos.
Ponta da Piedade boardwalk
From right here, the boardwalk meanders near the coast – however not too shut, since landslides are nonetheless a hazard right here. There are offshoots to numerous viewpoints, and some areas with benches alongside the best way.
The boardwalks are large and flat, making this an easy stroll!
The boardwalk at the moment ends shortly earlier than the parking space on the Ponta da Piedade lighthouse, although there are plans to utterly re-do this space, too, with new parking areas, viewpoints, and extra boardwalks.
For now, the stroll from the present boardwalk entry to the lighthouse with none main detours will take you possibly half-hour.
BUT, there are undoubtedly some detours you would possibly need to make!
Visiting Praia do Camilo
One detour I feel you must make is to take the steps all the way down to Praia do Camilo, which is arguably the prettiest seaside alongside this complete coast. There are lots of steps (220 or so) to get all the way down to the small seaside, however it’s undoubtedly value seeing.
The seaside is called for a rock formation (to the left aspect of the seaside in the event you’re it from the steps) that appears sort of like a camel mendacity down.
This seaside is not enormous, however it’s completely attractive, particularly on a sunny day.
There’s additionally a restaurant close by known as O Camilo that’s the greatest spot for lunch alongside the coast – I had some calamari right here that was scrumptious!
The stroll from the beginning of the boardwalk to Praia do Camilo is barely about 10-Quarter-hour, after which it is one other Quarter-hour alongside the boardwalk to Ponta da Piedade.
Attending to Ponta da Piedade
If you get to Ponta da Piedade, there are a number of completely different spots to view the grottos and sea arches from above. Some dust paths lead out onto the tops of the rock formations themselves, however as all the time watch out on these as some could also be unstable because of erosion.
Additionally close by are some outlets and vendor stands, in addition to a small cafe close to the lighthouse (although personally I would not get something greater than a espresso or chilly soda right here).
The most well-liked factor to do when you get to Ponta da Piedade is to climb down into the grottos by way of a well-known stone staircase. (Sure, once more it is lots of steps – 180 this time!)
Down within the grottos, there are often locals with small boats providing rides by a number of the close by arches and caves. These excursions are extra casual than those you’ll be able to ebook from Lagos city (for instance, there will not be any commentary), however it is perhaps an excellent choice if that is going to be your solely go to to Ponta da Piedade.
Extra coastal boardwalks
Whereas the hike to Ponta da Piedade itself is perhaps sufficient for you, know that there’s one other stretch of coastal boardwalk to to west of the lighthouse. This part of boardwalk intersects with some paved strolling/biking trails, and gives up much more fairly coastal views.
This part of boardwalk will take you above Praia do Canavial, the place the boardwalk ends on Rua do Canavial. (Remember to cease for views at Miradouro da Praia do Canavial, which is a few 20-minute stroll from the Ponta da Piedade lighthouse.)
From any level alongside your stroll, it is easy to retrace your steps to return to Lagos on foot.
Ponta da Piedade boardwalk FAQ
Listed below are another questions you may need about this hike!
The place does the Ponta da Piedade boardwalk begin?
Presently, the boardwalk begins close to the Praia de Dona Ana car parking zone off Alameda Dr. Armando Soares Ribeiro, at a spot marked “Ponta da Piedade Walkway Entry” on Google Maps. It ends close to Praia do Canavial on Rua do Canavial (marked as “Ponta de Piedade Boardwalk Endpoint” on Google Maps).
Ultimately, the boardwalk ought to lengthen to Praia do Pinhão, however as of 2024 solely goes so far as Praia de Dona Ana.
How lengthy is the boardwalk?
There are a pair completely different sections of boardwalks which can be open to date.
Presently, from the entry level to the Ponta de Piedade lighthouse, the stroll takes about half-hour. From the lighthouse to the “endpoint,” you’ll be able to anticipate one other half-hour of strolling. (Although it took me loads longer since I took all of the detours and stopped so ceaselessly for images!)
From Lagos to Ponta de Piedade and again with loads of stops (and possibly a lunch break), I’d enable not less than half a day so you do not really feel rushed!
Is the boardwalk accessible?
Whereas I did see some bike riders and households with strollers on the boardwalk after I went, there are nonetheless some wood steps at sure factors (particularly on the entry level of the boardwalk). So it isn’t precisely wheelchair-friendly.
Do I’ve to remain on the boardwalk?
The boardwalk system is just not but absolutely full, so there are at the moment some sections the place you will not have a alternative however to go away the boardwalk. Nonetheless, within the sections the place the boardwalk is completed, it is undoubtedly beneficial that you just keep on it and keep away from utilizing the dust footpaths nearer to the cliff edge.
Not solely is that this simply safer for you, however it’s additionally kinder on the clifftop surroundings, and hopefully can assist curb the erosion points.
Finest time to go to Ponta da Piedade
The Algarve area of Portugal has a Mediterranean local weather, that means it experiences sizzling and dry summers and delicate winters. There’s probably not a *dangerous* time to go to Lagos and Ponta da Piedade, to be sincere.
Excessive season in Lagos and the Algarve runs from late June by August. That is when it is the most well liked and busiest – and maybe not very best mountain climbing climate!
I visited Lagos within the low season, in March (see my full 3-day Lagos itinerary!). Whereas I had some partly-cloudy days this time of 12 months, it was within the 70s (F) and sunny the day I hiked out to Ponta da Piedade. Excellent mountain climbing climate!
I might say the BEST instances to go to Lagos are in all probability late April-Could and September-early October in order for you good mountain climbing climate and fewer crowds, however nonetheless loads of issues to do.
As for the greatest time of day to hike to Ponta de Piedade, it would largely be season-dependent. Ponta da Piedade faces south, so usually there’s solar on all of it day. After I was there in March, the morning hours have been the perfect for images, and sundown would have additionally been good.
What to pack for the Ponta da Piedade hike
This is not a tough or technical hike in any respect, particularly now that it is totally on wood boardwalks! However you may need to ensure you have:
- Loads of water, particularly in the event you’re mountain climbing on a sizzling day.
- A hat, sunscreen, and sun shades, and maybe lengthy sleeves; there’s ZERO shade on this hike, so convey loads of solar safety!
- A snack, except you intend to cease for lunch.
- Comfortable footwear or mountain climbing sandals.
- A swimsuit and towel in the event you plan to cease to swim alongside the best way.
Choose up a daypack like this one to hold all of your gear!
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The place to remain in Lagos
I stayed on the Baluarte da Vila Apartments, which is an condominium lodge inside strolling distance to all the principle sights in Lagos. The flats are massive (mine was 3 flooring and included a rooftop terrace!), and the constructing has a pleasant pool and a pair lounge areas.
Different good lodge choices in Lagos embrace:
Is the Ponta da Piedade hike one you’d love to do in Portugal?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 nations on 6 continents from her house base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares suggestions primarily based on her private experiences and locations she’s truly traveled!
