EXPLORE
The Algarve has so many places to explore and we want to share just some of the beautiful places close to Carvoeiro and a little further away.
- Below you can find our guide for you -
HIKES AND ADVENTURES | BEACHES | TOWNS |
RESTAURANTS | SUPERMARKETS | TRANSPORTATION
WALKS | HIKES | ADVENTURE
Ponto da Piedade
Beautiful walk along the cliffs only 30 min away from Carvoeiro (by car). Boat rides, kayaking, walking, swimming, snorkeling. Limestone Cliffs. 200 steps down to beach. Boat ride along the coast. Spectacular views.
Carvoeiro Tours /Benagil Sea Caves
One of the most visited caves. Boat rides, paddle boards, kayak to the caves are available through various companies.
Carvoeiro Board Walk
Just 10 minutes uphill from the beach is the beautiful Carvoeiro Boardwalk. A beautiful place to watch the sunset, have a nice stroll, sit and enjoy the view.
The Seven Hanging Valley Trail
7 mile hike with 1200 ft elevation gain (365 meters). A scenic coastal trail is a spectacular walk stretching between Praia da Marinha beach and Praia de Vale Centianes beach.
Boneca's Cave
The Boneca Caves are located next to Algar Seco. The entrance is through a short tunnel that leads to 2 openings where you get amazing views of the ocean. It’s best to go there early in the morning to avoid crowds. At the entrance to the cave, is the Boneca Bar, the perfect place to enjoy a drink while enjoying the views.
Sea Siren Tours - Algarve Kayaking and Catamaran Tours
Kayak Tours & Catamaran Tours | www.seasirentours.com
Kayak Explorers
Leaving from Lagos, kayak along the coast through the ocean caves and rock formations | www.lagoskayakexplores.com
Brotherootzsup Tours | Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding to the Benagil Cave – Tours and Rentals at Carvalho Beach | www.brotherootzsup.com
Seafaris - Dolphins Watching
Boats leave from Lagos and Portimao | www.SeaFaris.net
Algar Seco
Algar Seco offers a group of caves, pathways, tunnels carved in the yellow limestone cliffs in Carvoeiro. Stairways lead you to explore the area (not wheelchair accessible). It’s free to the public.
Sand City
Sand City is a place where you can see the biggest sand sculptures in the world. With over 120 sculptures, a pet friendly park, buggy rental, resting areas, its a great family friendly place to visit in the Algarve.
Water Sports
Praia da Luz | Wakeboard & Water Ski | www.beachhutwatersports.com
Alvor Boardwalk
Walk along the boardwalk in Alva that goes from Ria de Alvar to Praia dos Três Irmãos along the ocean and sand dunes.
Trail of Headlands
Enjoy walking along a beautiful landscape and rock formations by the sea. The Trail of Headlands is located between Carvoeiro Beach and Molhe Beach in the town of Ferragudo.
BEACHES
Praia da Luz
Small resort town on the western part of the Algarve famous for its sand beaches and restaurants along part of its coast line.
Praia do Carvalho
Stunning scenery, small beach surrounded by steep cliffs. The beach can be accessed by a hand-dug tunnel. A bar has even been dug here in the middle of the cliff. Many times, people can be seen cliff jumping here.
Praia do Camilo & Praia Dona Ana
Beautiful walk along the cliffs only 30 min away from Carvoeiro. Boat rides, kayaking, walking, swimming, snorkeling.
Praia de Vale Centeanes
Beautiful sandy beach east of Carvoeiro, Vale Centeanes Beach is situated at the bottom of high, steep cliffs which shelter from the wind. Some caves can be found here and it’s a good snorkeling area. The cliffs themselves are also a beautiful place to visit as the erosion over the years has lead to unique unusual shapes.
Praia do Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro beach is the take off place for boat rides, a quiet beach for early morning swim and a place to go for sitting after a romantic dinner at the many restaurants nearby. A short uphill walk from the beach takes you to breath taking views of the coast and the sunset along the boardwalk on the Carvoeiro cliffs.
Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha is located between Armação de Pêra and Carvoeiro. Sandy beach with calm sea waters. It’s known to be one of the 10 most beautiful beaches of Europe. Snorkeling is often done here though there are no lifeguards present. Boats rides are available from here to be hired to explore the impressive coastline and rock formations.
Praia da Rocha
Wide long beaches, boardwalk, parking, many shops and restaurants along the way.
Praia da Falesia
Falesia Beach is in Albufeira. Fantastic long beach with golden sands and cliffs as the backdrop.
Praia do Qinta do Lago
Beach of the exclusive resort town Qinta do Lago. Long almost white dune sand beach extending almost 3.5 km.
Praia do Benagil
Benagil beach is most famously known for its large cave with an opening at the top that gives picturesque lighting. Many take kayaking or boat rides to the Benagil caves from other beaches as well. However Benagil Beach itself is the closest access to the caves.
Praia de Albandeira
Praia de Albandeira is a secluded beach famous for its stunning arch in the water. At low tide you can explore the adjacent beach.
Praia do Alvor
Praia do Alvor is an expansive, sandy beach with a boardwalk. Restaurants can be found along the boardwalk in some parts.
Praia dos Caneiros
Golden sand beach where just a 100 meters on the northern end, the Seagulls Leaf (Leila da Gaivota) is located, home to various bird species such as white herons and silver gulls.
Praia do Paraiso
Praia do Paraiso also known as Paradise Beach is a very small beach nestled in a cove. When the tides are high, they cover the beach completely however during low tide, small rock pools are formed. There is a raised rock platform against the cliffs where you can lay without worrying about your belongings getting wet.
TOWNS
Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro is a popular growing resort town. Keeping its small town charm, it is known for its golden cliffs, its small beach Praia do Carvoeiro, its magnificent views from the cliffs and many restaurants and shops.
Albufeira
Albufeira is a city in southern Algarve. It used to be a fishing village but now has become a major tourist destination with a busy night life and sandy beaches.
Ferragudo
Ferragudo is one of the prettiest fishing villages in the Algarve. You can walk through the cobblestone streets, take a boat ride, enjoy the views of the Portimao Marina.
Silves
A quaint town along a river with its famous Silves castle above built on top of the hill, the town of Silves is wonderful place to have dinner. Filled with charm, history, it has numerous restaurants and the castle holds festivals at times which are definitely worth a visit.
Monchiqe
Away from the coast is the Spa town of Monchique known for its hot springs and healing atmosphere. Surrounded by trees and high above sea level, it is a beautiful and its waters known for their healing properties.
Lagos
Lagos is one of the most visited cities in the Algarve. Known for its walled old town, pier where boats leave from, golden cliffs nearby, shopping in the center of the old town.
Alvor
Alvor is known for its boardwalk by the beach, the famous Tres Irmaos Beach. It offers a stretch of white sand beaches. Boats leave from here to explore the coastline.
Sagres
Sagres is a great place to visit for those who love to bike, hike and explore the outdoors. The town is often very windy and like most coastal towns offers beautiful golden cliffs towering the beach.
Armação de Pêra
Armação de Pêra is a resort town with a stretch of golden sand beaches and a boardwalk with restaurants and entertainment. Series of high rise apartment line the beachfront giving great views.
Tavira
Tavira is located more in the eastern part of the Algarve offering a more peaceful atmosphere as a small town with its cobbled streets. To the south are waterways and mudflats to explore.
GOLF | TENNIS
Vale Da Pinta Golf Course
Vale da Pinta Golf Course offers a great layout for golfers of all levels.
Carvoeiro Clube de Ténis
A sports club located in Carvoeiro, overlooking the ocean offering tennis courts, padel courts, equipped gym and aerobics and yoga classes
Vale de Milho Golf Course
9 Hole Course overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
RESTAURANTS
A Boneca
A restaurant in a spectacular location on the Carvoeiro Cliffs a few steps down from the Board Walk, surrounded by rocks and the ocean view!
Earth Shop & Cafe
Alegria - Good Mood Thai Food
Italian House | Villa Medici
SkyBar 360 - Carvoeiro Plaza
Levels Carvoeiro
https://www.levelscarvoeiro.com/
King Palace Indian Restaurant
Primavera Ristorante
Italian Restaurant
Taste Restaurant Carvoeiro
Gurkha Kitchen
Mar d'Fora
Overlooing Praia do Paraiso in Carvoeiro, Mar D’Fora offers magnificent views while you enjoy your dinner at sunset among the cliffs.
SUPERMARKETS
Apolonia Supermercado
N124, 1, Urbanizacao do Gramital, Lote 2, LAGOA
Aldi Lagoa
Rua dos Pescadores, Sitio das Lagoinhas, EN124 – 1 – Urbanicacao do Gramital, LAGOA
Intermarche Supermercado
Supermercado Bom Dia
Mais Perto Carvoeiro - Mini Mercado
Pingo Doce
Rua Marques de Pombal 51, Lugar Bem Parece, Estrada do Carvoeiro, LAGOA
BAKERIES
Fabrica Velha Pastelaria (Bakery)
7 R. dos Pescadores, Carvoeiro
Segredo dos Avos (Bakery)
OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION
Tourist Information Center
Carvoeiro Center
Money Exchange - Western Union
Carvoeiro Center
Acupuncture
Dr Saches Borges | in Lagoa
TRANSPORTATION
Best Choice 4 Travel (**Recommend)
Algarve Family Transfers
7 Sea Travel
Contact: Filipe Santos
Train Station - Estombar Lagoa
Faro Airport Taxi
City Airport Taxi
Bus Service in Carvoeiro Area
Express Bus from Lisbon
Uber
Uber is available in the Algarve to get around town
F.A.Q.
There are various way to get to Carvoeiro.
Trains | Buses | Uber | Private Rental Car
Renting a car will be the most convenient as it will allow you to explore the beauty of the Algarve. Smaller cars are more convenient for parking, however have less space for luggage. There are tolls on certain highways but you can avoid the toll roads by taking other side roads.
Trains are a great way to relax and get around but once you arrive at the train station, you will need to take a taxi or uber to the apartment.
Faro Airport is about 45 minutes by car from Carvoeiro.
Lisbon airport has many more flights and a straight drive will be around 2.5 hours. You can also take the train to Estombar station or the Express Bus from Lisbon.
A rental car will allow you a lot more flexibility, but trains and buses are also abundant. Uber is also a great way to get around.
There are numerous supermarkets around – both larger and smaller markets. The list can be found above.
- Weather can fluctuate between the morning, day time and evening, its always good to have one sweater along
- Some streets are very narrow and you will need to pull over to allow other cars to pass.
- Parking in small towns can be very tricky as you might need to park extremely close to the wall so that other cars are able to pass. Remember to close your car mirror after you park.
- Pastel de Nata is the famous pastry of Portugal.
- Driving on the highway has tolls. There are secondary roads that can also be taken to avoid tolls.