Praia da Carriagem: the #1 guide
Praia da Carriagem is one of the Algarve’s last true wild beaches: untouched, dramatic, and almost always empty. Hidden along the rugged west coast near Aljezur, this remote stretch of sand is framed by big cliffs and surreal rock formations sculpted by centuries of Atlantic waves. At low tide, the shoreline transforms into a natural art gallery of black schist patterns, hidden coves, and shallow pools teeming with marine life. If you crave solitude, raw beauty, and a beach experience far from the crowds, Praia da Carriagem delivers an unforgettable escape.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia da Carriagem 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 da Carriagem
- Wild and unspoiled beauty – backed by rugged cliffs and open to the Atlantic, this beach feels raw and completely natural, far from the typical tourist hotspots.
- Unique rock formations – at low tide, the shoreline reveals surreal black schist patterns and formations that look like natural sculptures.
- Incredible photo opportunities – from cliff-top viewpoints to intricate textures in the sand, every angle here offers something worth capturing.
- Peace and solitude – its remote location means it’s rarely crowded, making it ideal for those seeking total tranquility.
- Tidepool discoveries – shallow pools form between the rocks, offering a chance to spot fish, crabs, and other marine life up close.
Would you like to see a preview of this beach? Then check out the short video below.
What to expect at the beach
Praia da Carriagem is a long and narrow beach, backed by big cliffs. It is a wild and remote beach, west of the village of Rogil. The beach falls under the municipality of Aljezur and is part of the Costa Vicentina natural park.
Praia da Carriagem is famous for its interesting and unusual geological formations that appear during low tide. These formations have been shaped a long time ago.
You will see many strange rock formations on the beach.
From above you can see just how crazy some rock formations are.
Praia da Carriagem consists of just a small strip of sand. The sand itself is quite hard and coarse. You will find many rocks on the beach and small pools between them.
During high tide, the beach becomes really small and almost disappears. To truly see the beauty of the special rock formations of Praia da Carriagem, you should visit the beach during low tide. Moreover, during low tide you can also go for a beach walk.
The water of the Atlantic Ocean here can be wild and rough, especially outside summer season. It reminds you of the power of the ocean. Beware that there are many rocks in the water. This makes Praia da Carriagem not a good beach for swimming. Although you can sometimes see surfers here, surfing is not recommended on this beach, because of the many rocks in the water. It can be easy to hurt yourself against them.
On the north side of the beach you can also find several natural swimming pools among the rocks during low tide, which are great to explore. In the natural pools you can find an abundance of animal life, such as fish, shrimp, octopuses, crabs or mussels.
The rock formations at Carriagem beach have amazing colours. However, make sure to always keep some distance from the cliffs. There is always the danger of rockfall.
When you arrive, there is another small cove on the right side, where you can sit as well. You can see that in the picture below.
Praia da Carriagem is very remote and thus rarely visited. It is never crowded and if there are any people on the beach, it is just a few of them. Few people take the effort that is required to come here. The beach is really quiet and unspoiled. That makes this beach a great destination for people looking for some peace and quiet. However, this also means there is nothing nearby. You will have to bring your own food and drinks.
The beach is usually not visited by families with children, because part of the access to the beach is via a steep path. Even though it is not an official nude beach, the beach is sometimes visited by naturists. Praia da Carriagem is actually mostly used by local fishermen that work here to get the catch of the day.
Amphitheatre rock formation
At the north end of the beach you can see a very peculiar rock formation during low tide. These rounded patterns, carved in black schist, look like a natural amphitheatre.
Up-close you can see how amazing it is.
You can walk towards the natural amphitheatre. When standing there, you will have a great view over the beach.
Nearby beaches
There are no other beaches directly connected to Carriagem. The nearest beach to the south is Praia da Amoreira and the nearest beach to the north is Praia do Vale dos Homens. Furthermore, if you like walking, there is also a cliff trail of about 6 kilometres from Praia da Carriagem towards Praia do Vale dos Homens.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia da Carriagem like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Time your visit with the tide charts. Arrive an hour before low tide to watch the beach transform as the ocean reveals its intricate black schist rock patterns and hidden tidepools teeming with marine life.
- Pack like you’re going off-grid. There are no facilities, so bring water, snacks, and sun protection. You’ll thank yourself when you’re sitting on the sand with the Atlantic stretching endlessly before you.
- Walk 200 metres north of the main sand. At low tide, this short walk reveals the “amphitheatre” rock formation, a circular pattern carved into the black schist that’s hidden from view unless you explore past the main beach.
- Watch the sunset from the main cliff-top viewpoint by the car park. This elevated spot gives you a clear line of sight over the beach, rock formations, and crashing waves, with the sun setting directly into the Atlantic for maximum golden-hour impact.
- Watch for wildlife in the pools. At low tide, look closely in the natural rock pools for crabs, blennies, shrimp, and the occasional tiny octopus. It is a hidden safari right under your feet.
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. The beach is about 4 kilometres west of the village of Rogil, which is a village between Aljezur and Odeceixe. From Aljezur, drive north on the EN120. You will see a sign indicating Rogil and the beach of Carriagem. Follow the signs, which will take you to a dirt road. At the end of the road you will reach Praia da Carriagem. There is a small car park on top of the cliff. Since the beach usually only has a few visitors at most, it is easy to find a parking spot. From the top of the cliffs you will have a beautiful view over the beach and the Atlantic Ocean.
From the viewpoint on top of the cliffs, there is a pathway with a wooden staircase which leads to the beach. However, some parts of the descent are quite steep and can be a bit difficult. It is not really easy to access the beach.
On the way down to the beach you can see some fishermen huts. They look deserted, but are still used by local fishermen.
Another option to reach the beach is on foot, since it is very close to the Rota Vicentina hiking path. More specifically, you can walk the Praia da Amoreira circuit, which is part of Rota Vicentina’s Fishermen’s trail. This is a beautiful hike.
Moinho de Arregata
On your way to Praia da Carriagem, make sure to stop at Moinho de Arregata. This is a reconstruction of a traditional Portuguese windmill, located just south of the centre of Rogil. The windmill shows the traditional process of milling cereals.
Restaurants and hotels
Praia da Carriagem is relatively close to Praia do Vale dos Homens and there are not a lot of restaurants and hotels in this area. Thus we recommend the same restaurants and hotels as you can find in the article about Praia do Vale dos Homens.
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.
FAQ
Swimming here is not recommended because the Atlantic waves can be strong, and the seabed is rocky. Even during calm days, submerged rocks can be dangerous. It’s better to enjoy the beach for its scenery, walks, and tidepool exploration.
The beach is famous for its black schist rock formations that appear at low tide. These formations create dramatic patterns and shapes unlike anywhere else in the Algarve. Combined with its remote setting, it offers a rare sense of untouched beauty.
Low tide is the best time to visit, as more of the rock formations and tidepools are visible. You’ll also have more sand to walk on. Sunset is another great time, as the light makes the cliffs and rocks glow.
Because of the steep access path and rough seas, it’s not the most suitable beach for young children. However, older kids who enjoy nature walks and exploring tidepools might love it. There are no facilities, so you need to bring everything with you.
While the waves can look tempting, surfing here is risky due to the many rocks in the water. Experienced surfers might try it on very calm days, but it’s not considered a safe or popular surf spot. Nearby beaches like Amoreira or Arrifana are better choices.
Yes, you can hike along the cliffs from Praia do Vale dos Homens or Praia da Amoreira as part of the Rota Vicentina trail network. The route offers incredible views but requires good footwear and stamina. Always check the tide times before walking.
There’s very little natural shade, except for small spots near the cliffs during certain times of the day. Most of the beach is open to the sun. If you plan to stay for hours, bring your own sunshade.
The sand is coarse and firm, with rocky patches, especially at high tide. During low tide, you’ll see more exposed sand areas between the rocks. It’s not the soft, fine sand found on some Algarve beaches.
Camping on the beach is not allowed, as it’s inside a protected natural park. There are official campsites in nearby towns like Aljezur and Odeceixe. Wild camping can result in fines.
Even in peak summer, it’s rarely crowded due to its remote location and challenging access. You might share the beach with only a handful of people. This makes it ideal for solitude seekers.
Yes, it’s one of the most photogenic beaches on the west coast of the Algarve. The combination of cliffs, rock patterns, and dramatic waves make for incredible landscape shots. Sunset is particularly stunning here.
Beach facilities
Praia da Carriagem is remote and there are no facilities nearby. For example, there is no lifeguard, no toilet and no restaurant. If you want to eat or drink, the nearest restaurant or bar is in Rogil, more than 4 kilometres away. So make sure to bring your own food and drinks.
Facilities in Praia da Carriagem:
- Restaurant: no
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: no
- Shower: no
- Water sports: no
- Sunbeds: no
- Parking: no
- Lifeguards: no
- Blue Flag beach: no
