Praia de Vale Covo: the #1 guide
Praia de Vale Covo is one of the Algarve’s most dramatic small beaches. It is a narrow stretch of sand surrounded by steep cliffs and dominated by an immense sea cave carved into the rock. Set between Praia do Carvoeiro and Praia de Vale Centeanes, this secluded cove rewards those willing to explore a little further. With crystal-clear water, striking geological features, and a sense of quiet adventure, it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after your visit. This guide shows you how to make the most of your visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia de Vale Covo unique
- Tips for swimming, walking, and exploring the beach
- Where to eat, stay, and enjoy the view
- Practical advice on parking, getting there, and avoiding the crowds
- Hidden spots and must-see highlights nearby
Why visit Praia de Vale Covo
- Spectacular cave setting – framed by towering cliffs and home to an enormous sea cave with a natural arch, the beach delivers one of the most dramatic coastal views in the Algarve.
- Uncrowded and peaceful – due to its harder-to-reach location and lack of facilities, Vale Covo stays quieter than most beaches, offering a rare sense of seclusion.
- Great for swimming and snorkeling – calm, clear waters and rocky underwater features make it perfect for a refreshing swim or spotting marine life just below the surface.
- Best at low tide – when the tide is out, a narrow strip of golden sand opens up beneath the cliffs, giving you just enough space to sunbathe or explore the cave on foot.
- Ideal for explorers – with fossil-rich cliffs, hidden viewpoints, and nearby hiking routes like the Carvoeiro boardwalk, it’s perfect for curious travelers who want more than just a beach day.
Are you curious to see Vale Covo beach and its amazing surroundings? We recommend to watch the following short video to see more of this beach.
What to expect at the beach
Praia de Vale Covo is a small beach, located in a beautiful cove between two cliffs. The cove faces southwest.
The strip of sand of Praia de Vale Covo is very small. In fact, the beach completely disappears at high tide. That is why it is best to visit this beach during low tide. Since the beach is so small, the sand is always moist, which is good for building sand castles.
On the east side of the beach you can see an huge cave with an enormous arch. This cave characterizes the beach. It is in fact possible to visit this cave during low tide. It is an amazing experience. Furthermore, the cave is also a popular destination for many boat tours in the area, especially in the morning and early afternoon.
You can see a small islet in the water, about 50 metres from the beach. It is another unique feature of this beach.
As you can see, the islet is not that far from the cave. One of the best things to do here is snorkeling near the islet. You will see a variety of sea life near the rock.
The cliffs at Praia de Vale Covo shelter the beach against the wind. In addition, they protect the beach against the waves. That is why the water on the sea here is very calm. The water here has an amazing green/blue colour. It is great for swimming, snorkelling and diving. In fact, there is a diving centre on top of the cliff called Algarve Divexperience.
Vale Covo beach is more difficult to reach than other nearby beaches. This means the beach is usually quiet. There are not a lot of people on the beach. If you go early, you will surely have the beach to yourself.
If you explore the cliffs near the beach, you can discover some fossils in the rocks.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia de Vale Covo like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Time your visit for mid-to-late morning at low tide. That’s when the sun lights up the cave from the right angle, revealing surreal turquoise reflections on the water and walls.
- Bring reef shoes and explore the cave floor. The cave at the east side is accessible on foot at low tide, but the rock is sharp and uneven. With sturdy water shoes, you can venture deeper and discover small pools and fossil formations others miss.
- Pack a picnic, since there are no facilities. Most visitors leave quickly because there’s no beach bar or café. Come prepared and you’ll have one of the Algarve’s most cinematic locations all to yourself while sipping vinho verde with a view.
- Use the cliff path to get a panoramic overhead shot. From the cliff above Tivoli Carvoeiro, walk 3 minutes east to find a natural lookout with a perfect top-down view of the cave, beach, and islet. Most visitors miss it.
- Swim near the islet, but with caution. On calm days, swimming out to the islet is one of the most surreal moments you can have here. But stay aware of current, depth, and boat traffic. It’s beautiful, but not lifeguarded. Go only if conditions are safe.
How to get there & parking
The easiest way to move around in the Algarve is by car. If you don’t have one, make sure to rent a car. Praia de Vale Covo is about 1200 metres east of Carvoeiro, just in front of the Tivoli Carvoeiro resort. You can park your car on the side of the road, near the beach.
When you come on foot from Carvoeiro, follow the Carvoeiro boardwalk past Algar Seco and continue on the cliff top until Tivoli Carvoeiro. There is a staircase from the cliffs on the western side of the beach. However, the stairs are not in good condition: they only go half way down the cliff. You have to climb the last part down and then of course back up again. This can be a bit hard for some people, which means that Vale Covo beach is not suitable for people with mobility issues or small children. Praia de Vale Covo is harder to get to than other nearby beaches.
Best hotel near the beach
If you want direct access to Praia de Vale Covo, there’s only one real choice: Tivoli Carvoeiro. Built right on top of the cliffs above the beach, this hotel offers unmatched views and the easiest access to one of the Algarve’s most dramatic coves.
Tivoli Carvoeiro is a 5-star resort with sleek, modern rooms, a panoramic pool deck, spa services, and several on-site restaurants. Whether you’re here to relax or explore, this is the place to stay if Praia de Vale Covo is on your list.
From the hotel you can directly see the beach and its cave.
Transfer to the hotel
Whatever hotel you choose, it is important to think about how to get there. If you don’t have a car, make sure to rent a car. Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer from Faro Airport directly to your hotel.
Best restaurants near the beach
Vale Covo beach is relatively close to Praia de Vale Centeanes. Thus we recommend the same restaurants as you can find in the article about Praia de Vale Centeanes.
Top excursions nearby
Praia de Vale Covo is a highlight on many boat and kayak tours, and once you see the dramatic cave and crystal-clear water, you’ll understand why. If you’re planning to explore more of this stunning coastline, the best way to do it is by booking a tour in advance. These excursions often sell out fast, especially in peak season. Below are the tours we personally recommend. Book now to secure your spot and make this the most memorable part of your Algarve trip.
FAQ
The beach is famous for its dramatic sea cave carved into the cliff, which dominates the eastern side of the cove. It’s a compact, dramatic setting with clear turquoise water and towering limestone formations.
No, the sandy area disappears completely at high tide. It’s best to visit during low tide when the beach is fully accessible and safe to walk on.
Yes, the water is usually calm and safe for swimming, especially at low tide. However, always check the current conditions, as waves can be stronger on windy days.
Yes, the large cave at the east end of the beach is accessible during low tide. It’s one of the main highlights of this beach, and very popular among photographers and boat tours.
Yes, several boat and kayak tours in the area include the cave at Vale Covo in their route, especially when sea conditions are favorable.
Absolutely. The rocky seabed and clear water offer great opportunities to spot fish and marine life close to the shore.
Yes, and there’s even a dive center (Algarve Divexperience) located above the cliffs. They offer dives that start from nearby spots including Vale Covo.
Due to steep stairs and lack of facilities, it’s not ideal for small children or people with mobility issues. However, for adventurous families with older kids, it can be a fun spot to explore.
Not usually. Due to the difficult access and disappearing sand at high tide, Praia de Vale Covo tends to remain quieter than other beaches.
Visit early in the morning during low tide to enjoy the beach at its best with fewer people around.
Beach facilities
Vale Covo beach has no facilities and no infrastructure. It is a wild beach. The nearest restaurant is called Sal & Tal and is about 200 metres away.
Facilities in Praia de Vale Covo:
- Restaurant: no
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: no
- Shower: no
- Water sports: no
- Sunbeds: no
- Parking: no
- Lifeguards: no
- Blue Flag beach: no
