Every February for the past four years, Carvoeiro has been our home. ❤️ This place is ideal for exploring nearby towns, and Praia da Marinha, the most picturesque Algarve beach, is just a short distance away. In this guide I will share with you Carvoeiro, Portugal: 18 Best Things to Do and See. Let’s explore the best things to do and see in Carvoeiro together.
Carvoeiro, with its golden beaches and dramatic cliffs, is paradise on Earth to us. Plus, the people here are very kind, and even for us vegetarians, there’s good food to be found. Whether you’re enjoying the views at Algar Seco or just strolling through town, you’ll make the most of your time here. We promise!
History of Carvoeiro: What You should Know
The history of Carvoeiro dates back centuries, when the area faced many military and pirate attacks. The town witnessed several naval battles, such as in 1544 between a fleet commanded by Dom Pedro da Cunha and a Turkish corsair named Xarramet.
Despite its popularity, the town is relatively underserved by public transport; the nearest train station is Estombar-Lagoa. Therefore, it’s advisable to rent a car if you want to get around Carvoeiro and its surroundings. We recommend using services like RentalCars, with whom we’ve never had any issues.
Best Time to Visit Carvoeiro
We love Carvoeiro in autumn and spring, but the most popular period is summer, from late May to October, when the water is warmest for swimming. The summer months of June, July, and August are ideal for family holidays not only because of the water temperature, but also because there are the most options for various activities with children.
- Summer (June to August): Hot and sunny weather, ideal for swimming.
- Late Spring (May, early June) and Early Autumn (September, October): Milder weather, perfect for city trips, but also for swimming.
- Winter Months (November to February): Colder with occasional rainy days, but still many sunny days; some restaurants are closed, and swimming in the sea is not possible. A great period for digital nomads.
Where to Stay in Carvoeiro
If you’re planning a one or two-week stay, the best choice in Carvoeiro is the hotel Quinta Nova Vale Del Rey. It has a beautiful pool and serves very good breakfasts. The hotel is located near one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve – Praia da Marinha.
How to Best get around Carvoeiro
Public transport or renting your own car? If you truly want to see the most interesting parts of Carvoeiro and its surroundings, I recommend renting a car (for example, through the reliable portal RentalCars, with whom we’ve had no issues in 15 years of travel).
Of course, you can also rent a car directly at the airport, but I recommend booking online so you can compare offers and avoid renting a car too expensively.
Why not rely on public transport? Carvoeiro does not have a direct train connection; the nearest station is Estombar-Lagoa, about 8 km away, and local buses don’t cover all tourist spots, so you won’t get everywhere and would have to take a taxi.
Most Beautiful Places around Carvoeiro
We return to Carvoeiro every year; it’s our favorite place in the entire Algarve region, and there’s always something new to discover. Here’s a list of some of the most well-known places worth visiting:
1) Benagil Caves and Dolphin Watching
This is the most popular boat trip in the Algarve, which can be taken from several locations. It’s best to book it online via GetYourGuide; you can also book a trip that includes dolphin watching.
The cave is formed by soft limestone, and there’s an opening in the cave, allowing sunlight to penetrate inside.
We mainly go to Carvoeiro in February, so I was a bit worried about getting cold on the boat. But it was great. Even though it was only 20°C, we enjoyed it. ☺️
2) Algar Seco
When my mom visited us for a week, we took her to the Algar Seco formations. You can walk along coastal paths there, where interesting rock formations reflect light in fascinating ways, perfect for photography. These formations were created by years of erosion.
3) Praia De Carvoeiro
In winter, it’s a relatively peaceful beach, but in summer, it gets quite crowded. So, it depends on when you visit Carvoeiro. The beach is right in the center, and if you climb above it, you can take beautiful photos at sunset or sunrise. In front of the beach, there’s also a very nice cafe called Levels, which probably has the best coffee in town and, most importantly, great breakfasts.
4) Praia Do Vale De Centeanes
Praia do Vale de Centeanes was just a twenty-minute walk from our little house, so I used to go for runs there in the mornings, and in the evenings, we’d go there for sunset wine, because there’s a really nice bar right above the beach.
However, we don’t know how crowded it gets during peak season; in February, it’s quite peaceful. From this beach, you can also embark on a cliff-side walk. But I wouldn’t go in summer, as there’s no shade. ☺️
5) Praia Da Marinha
The most beautiful place near Carvoeiro? Praia da Marinha! That’s the beach where I first fell in love with the Algarve. It must be said, though, that it will probably be very crowded here in summer. I hope that doesn’t stop you.
Crystal-clear water and breathtaking rock formations never cease to amaze, even after years. Over the years, we’ve returned here several times a week during our monthly stays, especially to watch the sunset. The twilight colors dancing on the water’s surface are a sight that never gets old.
6) Praia Do Paraíso
Want a slightly more intimate experience? Head to Praia do Paraíso. It’s a tiny, hidden cove where it’s usually peaceful. Surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush vegetation, it’s a secluded oasis ideal for those seeking tranquility and picturesque views.
7) Alfanzina Lighthouse
Our little house in Carvoeiro was near the Alfanzina Lighthouse. We used to go for a walk there with our dog almost every evening.
The lighthouse has been a silent guardian of the Atlantic since 1920. Every Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the Lighthouse doors open to the public, so you can go there too.
The lighthouse is on a hiking trail, which you can find in English under the name The Seven Hanging Valleys, leading across the cliffs. However, definitely don’t go there in the summer; even in February, we struggled with the heat.
8) Kayaking
If you enjoy excursions, we recommend kayaking. An organized trip to the Benagil caves is also said to be great; you just need to book it again via GetYourGuide.
9) Golf
The Algarve is a paradise for golfers. You’ll find a total of 31 golf courses here, making this area one of the densest golf destinations in Europe. In Carvoeiro, you’ll find three worth mentioning:
- Vale de Milho Golf, ideal for beginners with magnificent ocean views,
- Pestana Gramacho Golf Course offers an 18-hole course surrounded by olive and almond trees,
- Pestana Vale da Pinta Golf Course is known for its centuries-old olive trees and excellently maintained fairways.
10) Surfing
Although Carvoeiro isn’t the most popular surf spot in the Algarve, there’s still a great surf school nearby in Lagoa called King Neptunos Surf School. This school was founded out of a 25-year love for surfing.
11) Thai Massages
So what if Thai massages aren’t local? 😁 There are great places here where you can get a Thai massage, and we’ve made it a tradition, just like visiting some Indian restaurants. So, we’d be happy to recommend our favorite spot for a Thai massage in Carvoeiro: Senses Thaimassage Beauty.
12) Portuguese Pottery
A trip to the Algarve wouldn’t be complete without visiting a pottery workshop. You definitely shouldn’t miss Porches Pottery, where you can see how classic Portuguese ceramics are made.
Our favorite workshop is Olaria Pequena, run by a father and daughter who moved here from the UK over 20 years ago and produce more modern pieces inspired by Portugal. We already have a collection from them at home.
13) Trip to Lagos
If you stay in Carvoeiro, definitely take a trip to Lagos and its charming surrounding beaches, which are among the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.
Among the most beautiful are certainly Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo. Praia Dona Ana, with its breathtaking cliffs and clear waters, is a feast not only for the eyes but especially for photographers. Praia do Camilo, accessible via a picturesque wooden staircase, is no less beautiful.
Another place we must recommend is the stunning Ponta da Piedade. Although it’s not a beach, the breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the endless Atlantic are incredible. Some fun boat trips also start here, which you can take all year round.
14) Trip to Ferragudo
Ferragudo, a traditional fishing village, retains its original charm and is located near Carvoeiro. Its narrow, winding streets and picturesque waterfront square make Ferragudo a great tourist destination.
15) Trip to Silves
The medieval town of Silves captivated us so much that we moved here for a whole month in the autumn of 2023. The town has a great atmosphere; the main tourist attractions are the local castle and cathedral, but you’ll also find interesting museums, craft shops, and really nice restaurants.
16) Trip to Albufeira
Albufeira is one of the largest and liveliest towns in the Algarve; you’ll find many beautiful and, most importantly, long beaches there, which are ideal for families with children. But we confess, most often we went to Albufeira mainly for sushi.
17) Portimão
Portimão is one of our favorite places that we love to return to. It’s only about a 20-minute drive from Carvoeiro, and you’ll find one of our favorite beaches for evening strolls there – Praia da Rocha, which has a very long sandy beach.
We always go there before sunset, and after dark, we head to one of our favorite Indian restaurants.
18) Tavira
Tavira is a small but charming town, ideal for a day trip. You’ll find a beautiful church with an adjacent charming garden, Moorish architecture, and a Roman bridge there.
Best Restaurants in Carvoeiro
We are vegetarians, so it’s important for us to find restaurants with vegetarian or vegan options. We usually look for such places online. Our favorites in Carvoeiro are Organic, Earth Shop & Cafe, but the real gem is Chef’s Kitchen, where we had an unforgettable Valentine’s dinner last year. ❤️
We love Indian food, so we’re in an Indian restaurant several times a week. Among our favorites is Gurkha Kitchen Nepalese & Indian Cuisine, but all of them in Carvoeiro are good.
Best Cafes in Carvoeiro
Off-season, coffee in Carvoeiro is a bit worse because, for example, Bananna Café is often closed in February. Fortunately, a cafe right by the beach has opened – Levels. Finally, a place where you can get proper coffee!
What to Do with Kids in Carvoeiro?
Our Jonášek will still be too young for it this year, but we believe that in a few years, we’ll head to the Slide and Splash water park. I loved water parks as a child, so I believe our son will love them too. And let’s be honest, I’ll enjoy it too. You can buy tickets online via GetYourGuide to avoid queuing with small children.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
