Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro, until recently a small fishing village, has lost little of its original charm. Tourists find that Carvoeiro has a magnetic appeal and choose to return year after year, the attraction of its beautiful coastline, many golden sandy beaches and friendly Portuguese hosts being influencing factors.

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5 reasons to stay
in Carvoeiro:

This gorgeous area of southern Portugal offers stunning rocky cliffs, caves and golden sandy beaches
In the Algarve the sun sets in the sea! You can watch the most spectacular sunsets from the beaches or from your own terrace
The outstanding sea caves are one of the most popular attractions in our area. You can visit them by hopping on a boat trip on the local beaches
You can enjoy the good quality local wine, seafood and have a lunch or dinner with the most breathtaking sea view
The weather permits to enjoy your favourite sports all year around: recognized as being among the best in the world golf courses, tennis courts with the sea view, organised water sports, indicated walking routs and cycling…

About Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro, until recently a small fishing village, has lost little of its original charm.

Today, the village extends to the surrounding hillsides with a combination of beautifully designed individual villas, low-rise holiday apartments and a number of extensive holiday complexes which cater for all needs. Three main streets of the village are lined with a wonderful selection of restaurants, bars and tourist shops. Happily, many examples of the quaint old fishermen’s cottages remain, dotted between more modern additions.

Tourists find that Carvoeiro has a magnetic appeal and choose to return year after year, the attraction of its beautiful coastline, many beaches and friendly Portuguese hosts being influencing factors.

Some of the beaches are sheltered by high cliffs whilst others extend for many kilometres. There are several water parks and a Zoo Marine within a short drive. Two excellent 18 hole golf courses at Gramacho and Pinta along with a 9 hole par 3 course at Vale do Milho and Carvoeiro Tennis Club are located just outside the town.

The shopping centers with cinema are 12 km away. There are a few local large supermarkets within short drive: Intermarche is 1,5km from the town center, Aldi and Jambo, and high-end Appolonia are around 5 min drive. There are a few mini-markets; a vegetable shop and a local market are inside the town.

Carvoeiro Beaches

Praia do Carvoeiro

Situated right in the center of the town. Carvoeiro is positioned along the stunning coastline and it’s known for its golden beaches and dramatic natural scenery. The attraction of the main beach Praia do Carvoeiro is its easy access and proximity to all the coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. That is why it can be quite crowded with families with children and the elderly in the peak season.

You can take a boat trip to explore the caves from the town beach.

Walking up the road on the right you’ll end up above the small beach Praia do Paraiso. It’s beautiful, more secluded but has a very steep entrance with hundreds of steps down to it.

Walking up to the left you’ll end up on the wooden deck promenade leading to extraordinary rock formations of Algar Seco.

Praia do Carvalho

Situated 4,5 km from the center of the town. Praia do Carvalho is the relatively small beach and it’s less crowded than the other beaches in the area but it’s one of the most exotic beaches with a romantic feel to it.

It’s famous for its stunning scenery, crystal clear water, and steep cliffs, it is surrounded by. The beach is accessible by descending down the cliff and through a 15 metre long hand-carved tunnel. On the yellow sandy walls of the tunnel you’ll see numerous fossils. As the water here is very deep the locals use this spot for a cliff dive.

Be warned that Praia do Carvalho is not a supervised beach bring some food, drink and a little common sense.

Praia do Benagil

Situated approximately 4 km from the town’s center. Benagil is sa small fishing village situated in a deep valley, with a small beach hidden between impressive gold-coloured cliffs. You’ll find more room at the beach but less parking available. Try not to park on the road, it’s mostly forbidden. There is a large parking available on the left wing of the cliff.

The beach is most famous for its dramatic, cathedral-like cave called Algar de Benagil. This cave has a round hole in the ceiling that frames the beautiful blue sky inside. Benagil and its cave are considered worthy to add to anyone’s ‘bucket’ list.

Praia da Marinha

Situated approximately 6,5 km from the town’s center. The jewel in our coast’s crown, surrounded by steep honey cliffs, is Praia da Marinha, which recognised by the Michelin Guide as one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world. It often takes place in the list of the top 10 the most beautiful European beaches. No wonder it’s very popular among Portuguese and foreign tourists despite the lack of facilities and not so easy access. Someone counted 260 steps down the beach.

But if you’re not willing to descend, just check out the breathtaking view from the top of the cliff. There is a well-maintained walk along the cliff to enjoy the views.

The surrounding cliffs are protecting the beach from the high winds, and the water is mostly calm and clear.

PRAIA DE VALE CENTEANES, Carvoeiro, Algarve

Praia do Vale Centianes

The beach is situated 2km from the town’s center. The Praia do Vale Centeanes is positioned in a natural valley surrounded by spectacular limestone cliffs creating a semi-sheltered cove and it is the closest beach to the town center. The beach is very busy in summer months and the parking is very limited.

There is a restaurant ‘O’Stop’ at the entrance to the beach with toilet facilities and in summertime there is also a hut selling cold drinks, ice-creams, rents out the sun lounges and umbrellas. There are a few more restaurants within walking distance to the beach but opened mostly for dinner. In cooler months you can walk on the top of the cliffs: to the left towards the lighthouse and Praia do Benagil and Praia da Marinha; to the right towards Carvoeiro town and Praia do Carvoeiro.