Carvoeiro & Silves Small Group Tour: Algar Seco, Castle & Old Town

Summary

Guided Algarve Tour: Algar Seco, A Boneca & Silves Castle Experience

You’ll explore secret caves at Algar Seco, walk cliffside paths with sweeping views, visit historic forts and castles in Silves—all with stories from a local guide who knows every corner of this part of Algarve.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Carvoeiro felt salty and cool as we set off with our guide, João. He’s lived here all his life—knows every shortcut and story. First stop: Algar Seco. The cliffs looked almost golden in the early light, and you could hear the ocean slapping against the rocks below. We followed stone steps down to a natural pool—locals call it their “secret swimming spot.” If you look close at the cliff walls, you’ll spot tiny fossil shells pressed into the rock. João pointed out a couple I’d never have noticed on my own.

Just next door is “A Boneca”—the Doll. There’s this short tunnel carved right through the cliff. It opens up into a little cave with two windows looking straight out to sea. From inside, you get why folks say it looks like a doll’s face from the water. The Atlantic breeze whistled through those windows while we snapped photos—felt like we’d found a hidden room above the waves.

We walked along the Carvoeiro boardwalk next—a wooden path hugging the cliffs toward Nossa Senhora da Encarnação fort. Signs along the way talk about local plants and birds; I spotted some wild thyme growing between boards, smelled great in the sun. The fort itself sits high above town, sharing space with an old chapel. João explained how it was both church and fortress back in 1675—built where a watchtower once stood.

From up there, you get this wide view over Carvoeiro beach and all those whitewashed houses stacked up the hill. We stopped for photos (and honestly just to take it all in). Then we had about half an hour to wander on our own—some of us grabbed coffee at Café Fino by the square; others browsed for souvenirs or dipped toes in the sand.

Lunch was at a small Portuguese place not far from town center—grilled sardines if you want them, or chicken piri-piri for folks who don’t do fish. After eating, we drove out toward Silves, stopping briefly at a viewpoint over the Arade river. You can see farms stretching out below and that big red castle sitting on its hill.

Silves Castle is something else up close—massive red walls built by the Moors between the 8th and 13th centuries. Inside, João showed us where they stored grain in old silos and pointed out an ancient cistern under stone arches (still cool inside even on hot days). Walking along those ramparts gives you a sense of how much history’s passed through here.

Right outside is Silves Cathedral—a Gothic building started in 1266 on top of what used to be a mosque. We didn’t go inside but stopped for photos; you can see where parts were rebuilt after that big earthquake in 1755.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Carvoeiro and Silves Highlights

• Visit Algar Seco natural pool and cliffs
• Walk through "A Boneca" cliff tunnel
• Stroll Carvoeiro boardwalk to fort
• Explore Nossa Senhora da Encarnação fort and chapel
• Viewpoint visit, free time in Carvoeiro old town, lunch
• Stop at viewpoint overlooking Arade river and castle
• Tour Silves Castle and Muslim occupation remains
• Walk by Silves Cathedral and take photos

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or people with limited mobility?

Yes! The vehicle is air-conditioned and infant seats are available if needed. Most walks are short and there are options for prams or strollers too.

Do we have free time to explore?

You’ll get about 30 minutes in Carvoeiro old town to shop or relax on your own before lunch.

What’s included in the price?

Your ticket covers entry fees for Silves Castle and church, cold water during the trip, parking fees, plus transport in a comfy vehicle.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included at a typical Portuguese restaurant near Carvoeiro old town—there are options for different tastes.

What’s included

You’ll get cold water throughout the day, entry tickets for both Silves Castle and church are covered, plus all parking fees taken care of. Our air-conditioned vehicle keeps things comfortable even when it’s warm outside—and yes, we’ve got specialized seats if you’re bringing little ones along!