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Since the Algarve region is one of Portugal's most popular and beautiful tourist locations, it can be challenging to find a quiet place to enjoy the scenery alone without other tourists' excited whispers and murmurs. It's home to some of the best cities to visit in Portugal, offering a wealth of both tranquil and lively activities, as well as plenty of historical and natural attractions. But travelers who want to have a me-time while enjoying nature's warm embrace will love these quiet scenic places in the Algarve, Portugal: the perfect holiday destination.

These types of sites are the secret spots of the Algarve. People don’t hear about them often, yet they bring the greatest joy and experiences to lucky travelers. For those who specifically want a place with less crowd in the Algarve, the southwestern part is a great place to look. The area is every tourist’s dream. It has fewer people, great weather, and beautiful coastlines.

UPDATE: 2023/04/06 12:07 EST BY NOAH STAATS

There Are Even More Hidden Gems In Algarve, Portugal

This article has been updated with additional information for each destination in the Algarve region of Portugal, including the best times to go to the Algarve, ticket prices, and tips for a more relaxing vacation.

Exploring The Pego Do Inferno Waterfall In The Algarve, Portugal

Alagarve, Portugal
Via: Pixabay
Sunset in Algarve Beach
  • The Pego Do Inferno waterfall is located in Santo Estevao, Tavira.
  • Many travelers call this the "secret waterfall" because of its quietness and elusive location.
  • Pego Do Inferno is one of the three waterfalls formed by the Asseca stream.

Pego Do Inferno is one of the many beautiful Algarve hidden gems. It's a pretty waterfall in Santo Estevao, Tavira, Algarve. It is also called the “secret waterfall.” A combination of a waterfall and a lake. However, it's worth noting that Pego is a small waterfall accompanied by a small lake. It is peaceful and enthralling. It is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal that surprise visitors due to its stunning landscapes. Plus, visitors can go for a nature walk or swim in the lake.

Once, a carriage carrying people, goods, and animals, fell into Pego Lake and was never seen again. This myth earned the waterfall the name - Pool of Hell. It was known all over the Santo Estevao village that anyone who ever fell into the lake would go to hell because no one had ever been to the bottom of the lake. This myth makes it even more amusing to travelers and vacationers.

Of course, these urban legends don't stop many tourists from diving into the water, but it's always good to be aware of local superstitions. Generally, it's not advisable to dive into foreign waters unless they have signage claiming it is okay: so keep this in mind.

Pego Do Inferno
Via: Wikimedia Commons
Pego Do Inferno Waterfall in Tavira, Algarve

Where Is The Benagil Cave In Algarve, Portugal? What Can Visitors Do There?

Almost every Algarve tourist has been to Benagil Cave. It is a vast sea cave with a natural formation. Some people call it a Cathedral. It is situated between Carvoeiro and Armacao de Pera, where you can find the most beautiful rocks in the world. One of these rock formations is the Benagil Cave. From afar, the formation of the rock looks like a Cathedral. It also has some shades of yellow around the arch formation.

Aside from sitting under the rock formation and enjoying the beauty of nature, there are many fun activities to do in Benagil, including:

  • Kayaking
  • Boat tours
  • Cave and Dolphin watching
Benagil cave, Algarve Portugal
Via: pixabay
Benagil cave, Algarve Portugal

Visitors who would love to enjoy the serenity of Benagil cave without the interference of other tourists should come to the cave early in the morning, at around 6:30 - 7:30 am. Arriving earlier in this cave will ensure a peaceful experience and allow visitors to watch the sunrise.

The Algarve, Portugal, is filled with hidden gems, like these caves: so people will want to explore as much of them as possible before the crowds arrive.

If people want a quieter, less crowded experience at the Benagil Sea Cave, they may wish to arrive earlier, ideally between 6:30 and 7:30 am.

Related: Why Portugal's Richly Colored Palace of Pena Looks Like A Fairytale

Spending The Day At Praia Da Coelha Or Rabbit Beach

Between Albufeira and Armação de Pera is the small beautiful beach, Praia Da Coelha, meaning “Rabbit beach” The Praia da Coelha is a beach hidden between cliffs. The beach hardly gets visitors on weekdays which is the best time to enjoy the beach scenery. This is yet another hidden gem in the Algarve area.

Although it is called the rabbit beach, it has no rabbits on the beach, but visitors can get alluring views of the cliffs and take photographs of the plenteous seashells on the beach. If people walk along the footpath, they will see other beautiful and less crowded beaches throughout Portugal, regardless of where they are.

Praia Da Coelha, Algarve, Portugal
Via: Wikimedia Commons
Praia Da Coelha, Algarve, Portugal
  • Praia Da Coelha is a smaller, more secluded beach in the Algarve area.
  • This beach is less crowded during weekdays (Monday-Thursday).
  • There are walks visitors can take around the surrounding area for cliff viewing.

Taking A Day-Trip To Igreja De Sao Lourenco De Almancil

The Church of Sao Lourenco in Almancil is situated in an urban area in the small village of Sao Lourenco. It is one of the great treasures of the Algarve, named after St. Lorenzo. The church is a great place to enjoy the tranquility of nature while learning the beautiful story of sacrifice that birthed the church.

Igreja de Sao Lourenco de Almancil, Church in the Algarve, Portugal
Via: Wikimedia Commons
Igreja de Sao Lourenco de Almancil, Church in the Algarve, Portugal

It's also worth noting that during peak times and for tours, visitors will need to pay a fee to enter the church. This is typically two Euros, so bring money to this religious site when venturing off. There may even be an option to donate to this church, which is a great idea for those wanting to support local establishments.

Related: Springtime Special: 10 Amazing Places To Visit In Portugal This Spring

Another Hidden Gem: Monchique In Algarve Portugal

Monchique is in the southwestern part of the Algarve, and it is one of the most exciting tourist destinations in the Algarve with several attractions and fun activities like hiking, biking, and watching the unique view of the town from the peak of Mount Foia or Picota. It is a quiet town with many things to do and enjoy. Tourists who love healthy spas and spring baths should visit the spa town of Caldas de Monchique.

Monchique
Via: Wikimedia Commons
Monchique, South west, Algarve, Portugal.

This entire area has fun activities, making it an excellent full-day experience. Some travelers may want to spend more time here, especially if they love the outdoors. Visiting Monchique during cooler weather seasons is what many recommend since guests will be spending so much of their time here outdoors.

What To Know About Monte Clerigo In Algarve Portugal

Monte Clerigo is a beach in Aljezur, Algarve. The picturesque view of the beach surrounded by cliffs captivates the heart of every tourist. It is a quiet, pristine beach with no disturbances and fewer visitors. Tourists can sit on the beach while watching the dazzling sea. No houses are around the beach, and the colorful rocks that form the cliffs will make visitors' hearts glow. It’s a great place to enjoy a fun time before visiting a restaurant nearby.

Monte Clérigo
Via: Wikimedia Commons
Monte Clérigo beach in Aljezur, Algarve
  • Monte Clerigo is a peaceful beach in Aljezur, Algarve.
  • There are no homes on the beach, allowing for an all-natural experience.
  • Restaurants are near this beach, where visitors can grab delicious food.

Related: Why Portugal Is Considered The Friendliest Country In The World

Salema: The Small Fishing Village In West Algarve

Salema is a small fishing village on the west of the Algarve. The most captivating part of this village is the beautiful sandy beach on the south coast. In Salema, it feels like the world barely moves, and time ticks slowly. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your vacation while watching the locals go about their businesses and the fishermen celebrate their catch for the day.

There are also cafés in Salema where you can get a coffee to start your day before checking out the highlight of the day—watching fishing boats get dragged to and from the shore.

Salema, Algarve, the fishing village.
Via: Wikimedia Commons
Salema, Algarve, the fishing village.

Ferragudo: Is It The Prettiest Village In Algarve?

Meet Ferragudo, the prettiest village in Algarve. Every tourist that has ever visited can testify to this beautiful village's beauty amidst beaches and cliffs. The peace in Ferragudo is otherworldly, and being in this village will take people's minds to a place of rest.

Ferragudo, a pretty village in the Algarve Portugal
Via: Wikimedia Commons
Ferragudo, a pretty village in the Algarve Portugal

From cycling, snorkeling, walking to the lighthouse, and taking pictures of the whitewashed cottages, there’s much to do and enjoy in Ferragudo, Algarve. This is undoubtedly a place that Portugal visitors want to experience during their vacation.