Carvoeiro, Portugal: a small resort with sheltered sandy beach

Visit Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro is on the coast of western Algarve between Lagoa and Portimao. It was once a sleepy fishing village and is now a popular holiday resort.

Explore Carvoeiro

The original fishing village has expanded greatly to cater for visitor numbers and there is a large range of hotels but more particularly of self-catering accommodation which along with its sheltered sandy beach makes this a popular resort with families.

Although there is a lot of new development in the town it has been kept to two or three storeys and there are no high rise blocks jarring the skyline.

The main square of Carvoeira is just behind the beach, the Praia da Carvoeiro, and is surrounded by bars and restaurants making this beach and town square combination a very popular spot with tourists and locals alike. From here the town spreads backwards along the valley and upwards up the hills either side of the beach.

The small beach is in a natural cove offering shelter and the golden sand and clear blue waters ensure the beach is popular with holiday makers. A scattering of fishing boats adds to the charm.

Along the cliff tops there are some pleasant walks overlooking the lovely coastal scenery and you can walk to the lighthouse at Cabo de Carvoeiro. There are also the remains of a 17th century fort on the cliff tops.

One of the walks is about 750 to the fabulous Algar Seco rock formations. The waves have carved out the rock to form great shapes, caves and water spouts and the area is great for spotting marine wildlife. Dolphins can often be seen and once there was even a sighting of a blue whale.

There is a boardwalk at the top of the cliffs allowing easy access to some faboulous views. There is even a bar if you are in need of refreshment after the climb.

Places to Visit Nearby

Our favourite of all the wonderful Algarve beaches is just a short distance to the east. The Praia da Marinha beach has the most wonderful rock formations rising from the sea and is absoulutely beautiful. Even closer than this is Benagil beach where you can hire a boat to do a tour of the fabulous Benagil cave and 20 or so others. Well worth doing!

If you are travelling with children you may wish to visit the Slide and Splash waterpark at Lagoa or the Aqualand at Alcantarilha. Alternatively there is the Zoomarine sealife park at Guia or the Krazy World park at Algos.

Heading inland you can explore the impressive hilltop castle at Silves.

You can find more local travel ideas in the Faro guide, and the Algarve guide.