The abundance of self-catering accommodations and the compactness of the town centre make Carvoeiro an ideal location for families. The town has a rich history of tuna fishing, and evidence of Carvoeiros' fishing legacy can still be seen today. Sunbathers share the fine golden beaches with the local fishermen landing their catch. Carvoeiro sits in a cove with two steep roads descending sandstone cliffs on either side. The town beach, Praia do Carvoeiro, spreads out just in front of a square (Largo da Praia de Carvoeiro) with cafes, bars and restaurants ideally located on its perimeter. Throughout Carvoeiro, there's a plethora of eateries and places to spend the evenings. If you decide to go self-catering, there are supermarkets to cater to all your needs. During the day, there is a choice of activities on offer such as jet skis, diving, pedaloes and boat trips around the coastline. Carvoeiro's location makes it perfect for family fun days out as well. Two fantastic water parks are easily accessible from here, Slide and Splash located at Lagoa, which is the closest, and Aqualand which is located just slightly further away at Alcantarilha. In case water parks do not interest you, there are two other options available, namely Zoomarine Sealife Park at Guia and Krazy World at Algoz. Carvoeiro appeals to all ages and budgets, an ideal location for a family getaway.
With this entrance ticket you can gain entry to Zoomarine at your leisure. Buy online before you arrive to avoid queues and have the convenience of the e-ticket on your phone…
A short drive out of Albufeira, located in Guia, Zoomarine makes a great day out for all the family, with a host of marine experiences, animals on show and theme rides. The stars of the park are the Dolphins and the Sealions, who both give three shows each day. In the aquarium, there's a large selection of sea creatures such as tiger sharks, rays and turtles. There's a pick-up bus that will collect you from various stops around Albufeira.
Low Season: Daily 10h00 - 18h00,
High Season: Daily 10h00 - 19h30
Estrada Nacional 125, Km 65, 8201-864 Guia, Portugal.
37º 07' 38.9" N | 08º 18' 50.2" W
info@zoomarine.pt | Website
| Algar Seco
Carvoeiro lies on the Sete Vales coastal path, which stretches out either direction from the town. The trail ascends up and down chasms and meanders in and out of coves as it follows the rugged contours of the Algarve coastline for six kilometres. The forces of nature have shaped this karst limestone landscape into a diverse array of geo forms; islets, caves, arches, stacks and coves.
The section of the coastal path east of Carvoeiro is tamed with a beautiful clifftop boardwalk. The Passadiços do Carvoeiro begins from the Nossa Senhora da Encarnação Fort and continues 600m to the Algar Seco rock formations. The views from the top of the cliffs are breathtaking, especially during sunset when the ochre-hued limestone bathes in golden sunlight.
After hugging the coastline for 600 metres, the boardwalk ends at the Algar Seco rock formations. Steps descend the cliff to a curious collection of rock formations, caves, grottoes, blowholes and natural pools. Millennia of wind and waves have sculptured this unusual landscape. One cave here is called Boneca, because it looks like a doll's head. There's also a secluded rock pool at high tide that is ideal for cooling down. Enjoy an afternoon refreshment and take in the view at the Restaurante Boneca Bar.
37° 05' 34.6" N | 08° 27' 56.8" W
Further, along the coastal path, a thirty minutes walk from the centre of Carvoeiro, is the secluded beach of Praia do Vale de Centeanes. This beach is great if you're hankering for somewhere quieter than the main beach of Carvoeiro. Praia do Vale de Centeanes has all the amenities you'll need, along with a great beachside cafe/bar. The clear waters here are ideal for snorkelers and divers. A small cave on the western side of the beach awaits your exploration. | 37° 05' 27.8" N | 08° 27' 16.2" W
The coastal path continues eastward past the iconic Farol de Alfanzina lighthouse. The lighthouse has a distinctive red top and is over a hundred years old. It is considered by many to be one of the Algarve's finest. Free tours are available each Wednesday afternoon from 13h30 - 16h30. | 37° 05' 13.9" N | 08° 26' 34.4" W
Access to the Praia do Carvalho is through a tunnel excavated in the soft rock. This small secluded beach is a picture-postcard Algarvian cove. It is blessed with stunning views, fine golden sand and crystal-clear water. Praia do Carvalho is framed on three sides by tall cliffs which shelter the beach from offshore breezes. However, they will cast a shadow onto the sands by mid-afternoon. | 37° 05' 11.9" N | 08° 25' 54.1" W
Praia de Benagil belongs to the small fishing village of Benagil located between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra. Vestiges of Benagil's fishing past are found on the beach where local fishermen still land their catch. Praia de Benagil is a small beach, hemmed in between tall gold-coloured cliffs that act like windbreaks.
37° 05' 14.7" N | 08° 25' 33.6" W
Praia da Marinha is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. As you arrive, the attractiveness of the beach becomes clear from the breathtaking panoramic views from the top of the cliff. A long staircase leads down to the sands via a restaurant. The most redeeming features of Praia da Marinha are the rock sculptures and islets just offshore. A wall of rock juts out into the sea with two arches cut out. Known simply as the M rock. From the right angle at the top of the cliff, this geological feature resembles a love heart. | 37° 05' 22.9" N | 08° 24' 46.6" W
| Farol de Alfanzina
| Praia do Carvalho
The small fishing village of Benagil has attained world fame from a stunning sea-cave. Known as the Algar de Benagil, this vast cave is located halfway between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra. Light pours into this cavernous space through a blowhole in the roof, known locally as the eye. There is a small beach inside the cave where visitors can disembark from tour boats. Enter the Algar de Benagil through one of two arches. The crystal clear waters outside the cave are great for snorkeling. Benagil cave appears in many travel guides and postcards, and has become one of the must-do attractions in the area.
Although Algar de Benagil isn't far from the beach at Benagil, it is not advised to swim there because of undercurrents and quickly changing tides.
By Boat
The easiest way to visit the cave is by boat. Small boats from Benagil beach will take you there. Other boats leave Carvoeiro or Armação de Pêra take you the short distance to the cave. There are also several tour companies operating out of Albufeira, Portimão, Vilamoura and Lagos, offering a more substantial experience encompassing other beaches, caves and grottoes. Tours range from short 30 minute trips to longer boat excursions lasting between one to three hours.
By kayak or stand up paddle-board
You can rent a kayak or Stand up Paddle Board (SUP) on Praia de Benagil and go to the cave yourself. You can also choose to be part of a tour group for a more informative experience.
For a full list of available tours, click here:
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| Slide & Splash water park
The Slide & Splash water park in Lagoa, near Carvoeiro, has 17 attractions and water slides to guarantee a fun family day out. The tallest slide, the Kamikaze, rises 20 metres and is not for the fainthearted. There is also a large swimming pool called the Laguna, where everyone can enjoy a splash-about. In addition to the water features, there are live falconry, reptile & tropical bird shows. In the Aquafeeling area, you can enjoy a relaxing massage or fish spa. The Tropical Paradise is a shallow area especially designed for toddlers. This colourful zone comprises mini slides, playful showers, and fountains kids will love. The park is great for enjoying a picnic on the lawn, lounging of sunbeds or taking advantage of one of the six restaurants and cafes on site. The Slide & Splash water park can cater to up to 4200 visitors and is continuously growing.
With this entrance ticket you can gain entry to Slide & Splash at your leisure. Buy online before you arrive to avoid queues and have the convenience of the e-ticket on your phone…
Buy Tickets Online ►
April - October: Daily 10h00 - 18h30
Vale de Deus 125, 8401-901 Estômbar, Portugal. | 37° 08' 23.5" N | 08° 28' 29.5" W
Website
Discover the exciting and delicious wines produced in the Algarve with a visit to Quinta dos Vales, an award-winning leading light in the Algarve wine industry. Quinta dos Vales is near Estombar, between Lagoa and Portimão. The beautiful rural setting makes these wine-tasting sessions especially memorable. Sessions take place in the “Sala de Prova” and offer the choice to sample either three of the standard wines from Quinta dos Vales (red, white and rosé), or some of the award-winning wines from the special “Grace Vineyard” edition. Experts are on hand to guide those who may be new to wine tasting while offering information to those with more experience. Quinta dos Vales is also home to the largest outdoor sculpture collection south of Lisbon, making this a unique place for tasting wine. Combine wine, art and the rural Algarve together during these memorable sessions, suitable for everyone to enjoy.
Book Online ►
Agricultura e Turismo, Lda. Sítio dos Vales, CP 112, 8400-031, Estômbar, Lagoa (Algarve), Portugal.
37° 08' 58.8" N | 08° 28' 35.3" W
Website
| Quinta dos Vales Wine Tasting
With this entrance ticket you can gain entry to Zoomarine at your leisure. Buy online before you arrive to avoid queues and have the convenience of the e-ticket on your phone…
Aqualand makes a great family day out with something to satisfy all ages. Located between Albufeira and Lagoa, Aqualand offers a variety of slides and features to keep you entertained the whole day. A collection of water slides, chutes, surf beach, swimming pools and white water rafting which guarantee a whole days entertainment for al members of the family. Ride vary in their intensity to suit both the adrenaline junkie and toddlers alike. The park is open during high season only, mid June to first week of September. The aqua-park is a great way to cool down and a great alternative to a day on the beach. There are plenty of amenities and eateries onsite for your enjoyment and convenience.
10th of June to the 30th of June: 10:00 to 17:00, 1st July to 13th September from 10:00 to 18:00,
Estrada Nacional 125, 8365-908 Alcantarilha, Portugal. |
37º 08' 08.5" N | 08º 21' 53.9" W
MJAnastacio@aspro-ocio.es | Website
Located only 1.5 km from Carvoeiro, Placid Village offers air-conditioned and self-catering apartments. There is an outdoor pool and a tennis court. Placid Village is less than three kilometres from Gramacho Golf Club. Quinta’s apartments come with a seating area and cable TV. A washing machine, dishwasher, and oven are in the kitchens. Carvoeiro’s restaurants, bars, and shops are within a 20-minute walk. The Atlantic Coast is a ten-minute walk from Placid Village.
Sitio Dos Moinhos - Rua Guiné Bissau, 8400-998 Carvoeiro, Portugal. | 37° 05' 59.3" N | 08° 27' 32.6" W
This hotel, 500 metres from Carvoeiro Beach and limestone cliffs, is set tranquilly away from the bustle of Carvoeiro fishing town. It has a lush garden and an outdoor swimming pool. All the rooms at Villa Welwitshia are spacious and fitted with a sofa and cable TV. Each room has air conditioning and a refrigerator, while some feature a private balcony with garden views. Villa Welwitshia provides a daily continental breakfast. Guests have access to the garden pool, surrounded by sun loungers. There is a sheltered terrace and a lounge room with a flat-screen TV.
Rua do Cerro,vila Welwitshia - Praia do Carvoeiro, 8400-500 Carvoeiro, Portugal. | 37° 05' 53.0" N | 08° 27' 57.6" W
Situated in Carvoeiro, 1.2 km from Carvoeiro Beach, Carvoeiro Hotel features accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Each accommodation at the four-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a restaurant and to a bar. The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Each air-conditioned room comes with a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a microwave, a safe deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. At the Carvoeiro Hotel, rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels.
Carvoeiro Hotel, Sitio Mato Serrao, 8400-556 Carvoeiro, Portugal. | 37° 06' 14.6" N | 08° 28' 07.9" W
Ciprian, Nicola & chef Jimmy awaken your tastebuds here with fabulous flavours! Inside is a warm, attractive restaurant/bar with a fireplace and in the summer, offers dining on upstairs or downstairs terraces. Enjoy a wide choice of delicious tapas, including dates filled with goat cheese wrapped in bacon. Wonderful main courses. Superb fillet steak with different sauces, spareribs ‘Taste’ style. All fish filleted. Excellent Portuguese wines. Live music on Thursday evenings. Steak Night Saturdays. Delicious cocktails! | Wednesday – Monday: 06h00 – 22h30, Tuesday: CLOSED
Loja 12/13 Rua do Barranco, Ed. Galeao, 8400-512 Carvoeiro, LGA, Portugal.
37° 06' 04.1" N | 08° 28' 00.3" W
+351 282 358 092 | info@tastecarvoeiro.com | Website
This thoughtfully styled restaurant is nestled in the heart of Carvoeiro and serves excellent food in a well-thought-out decor and a friendly atmosphere. The staff are welcoming and friendly, and they are always eager to share their knowledge and offer recommendations regardless of how busy they are. There are several local delicacies on the menu you'll find in most other Portuguese restaurants in the area, such as cataplana, leitão, a selection of fish and meat dishes, all cooked to perfection. Here too you'll find vegetarian and vegan options that are creatively crafted.
Daily: 18h30 – 22h30 |
Estrada do Farol 72, Carvoeiro 8400-505 Lagoa, Portugal. | 37° 05' 46.2" N | 08° 28' 01.7 "
+351 282 357 216 | Website
When visiting Carvoeiro, why not sample the best the area offers? Jota Lita Restaurant will use the day's catch and cook it with loving attention, achieving fantastic and tasty results. If the delectable aromas wafting from its doors don't lure you in, the friendly and jovial staff certainly will. Other than fantastic seafood conjured up here, Jota Lita has equally excellent meat dishes, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on their menu. Due to its popularity, advance booking is advisable.
Daily: 18h30 – 22h30 |
28 Estrada do Farol, Carvoeiro 8400-505 Portugal. | 37° 05' 48.3" N | 08° 28' 07.9" W
+351 935 045 439| jotalita88@gmail.com
Only 62km (38.5 miles) west of Faro Airport
Website GET A GREAT DEAL ON FLIGHTS:
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Get on A22 from N125-10, IC4 and N125-4, follow A22 to Lagoa. Turn left onto the N124-1 into Carvoeiro GET A GREAT DEAL ON CAR HIRE:
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Carvoeiro doesn't have it's own train station, alight at Estômbar-Lagoa and then take the #107 Portimão - Praia do Carvalho bus or taxi to Carvoeiro. Regional train services (comboios regionais) run from Lagos in the west to Vila Real de Santo António on Portugal's eastern border: |
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| • Eva Transportes run services across the Algarve linking the main resorts and towns, as well as a hostess service to Lisbon. Also worth considering are their tourist passes if you're planing to visit different places: Website |
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