Carvoeiro
About Carvoeiro, Portugal
Carvoeiro (about halfway between Albufeira and Portimão ) is a small beach resort set in a cleft of cliffs, surrounded by a mix of traditional whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets and luxurious private villas with verdant gardens. The village is very picturesque, offering great snapshots of many people's ideal of the Algarve. The cliffs and hilly pathways offer the most amazing views along the coastline with its many caves, grottoes and cove beaches.
The village itself is small, consisting basically of three streets. But these streets offer a huge selection of restaurants, shops, bars and services. From the centre of the village the resort spreads out both to the east towards Porches and Armação de Pêra, and to the West towards Ferragudo and Portimão.
The beach at Carvoeiro is right off the main square and easily accessible, Parking in the centre of Carvoeiro can be a challenge, particularly in high season, however there is quite a bit of (paid) parking on the road leading out from the centre. The coloured fishing boats so emblematic of the Algarve are a constant on the beach and are a bright backdrop for the watersports available here.
The beaches in this area tend to be smaller cove beaches, but they are of exceptional beauty. Some require a strenuous walk down (and back up!) cliff steps but the effort is worth it. Not to be missed are the beaches at Albandeira, Benagil, Marinha, Vale de Cova and Centeanes. The famous Benagil sea cave known as The Cathedral is just off Benagil beach, best explored by boat. You should also take a walk along the clifftops at Algar Seco and along the new Carvoeiro boardwalk and be amazed by the strange rock formations and sea caves. Boat trips are available to take you to the caves and grottoes - an opportunity not to be missed.
Find things to do near Carvoeiro
Ophelia Coastal Cruises and Alvor Boat Trips exploring the coastline near Carvoeiro.
