Best Activities for Families in Carvoeiro

April 25, 2023

Carvoeiro is a picturesque coastal village located in the Algarve region of Portugal. It offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and a range of activities for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the best activities for families in Carvoeiro.

Visit the Town

The beach of Praia do Carvoeiro is in the heart of the town and very accessible making life easier for families with children in pushchairs, wheelchair users and those wishing to avoid lots of steps leading down to the sand. This small, charming bay has a lifeguard present throughout the summer and there are stand up paddle boards, kayaks and pedalos available for hire. The main town square sits just behind the beach so, when you’ve had your fill of sun, sea and sand, you can easily explore the streets behind which are full of restaurants, bars, gift shops and boutiques, without having to walk too far to find the perfect spot for lunch or dinner.

Visit the Benagil Caves

The Benagil Caves are a must-see attraction in Carvoeiro. These limestone, sea caves are located near the village of Benagil, just a short boat ride away from Carvoeiro. You can either take a guided tour or, for the more adventurous and experienced, rent a kayak or paddle board to explore the caves at your own pace. The caves are home to stunning rock formations, with the largest and most famous one likened to a natural cathedral, created over thousands of years, by the rain, wind and sea. This magical place has two, sea facing arches and a large, circular skylight in the ceiling above its interior beach. The water here can be crystal-clear and there are also other hidden bays close by that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Visit the Slide & Splash Water Park

The Slide & Splash Water Park provides the perfect day out for families. The park is just a short drive from Carvoeiro and offers 25 attractions in total including several water slides, a wave pool and lazy river. The park has great facilities including changing areas with showers and lockers and some shaded areas to escape the heat of the midday sun. There are also several restaurants and snack bars on site, as well as a picnic area if you want to save some euros and bring your own food. The park opens at 10am, closes at 5pm or 6pm depending on the time of year, and you can save 10% on admission prices by booking your tickets in advance online. We suggest arriving early to avoid the crowds and to find your perfect spot for the day.

Try your hand at Padel Tennis

Padel Tennis is fun, easy to learn, and one of the fastest growing sports in the world. More than just a sports club Carvoeiro Clube de Tenis is a popular hub for local residents and tourists alike, with several padel and tennis courts which can be rented by the hour. You can also book lessons here and hire equipment. There is something for all the family on offer including a café, restaurant, huge gym, beauty salon and hairdresser, plus other fun activities like table tennis and mini trampolines keeping everyone entertained.

Explore the Algar Seco

The Algar Seco is a stunning rock formation located in the heart of Carvoeiro. The natural arches, grottos, rock pools and tunnels are fascinating and fun to explore.  We recommend wearing trainers rather than flip flops as the ground can be a little uneven. See how many marine life fossils you can find – they date as far back as 24 million years! This natural monument resembles a lunar landscape and is especially stunning at sunset. For the less energetic there are pathways along the cliffs, known as The Boardwalk, perfect for a leisurely stroll and you can always take shelter from the sunshine at Restaurant Boneca Bar which is the ideal spot for lunch or a cool drink.

 Take a Boat Tour

Carvoeiro’s majestic coastline is home to so many beaches and bays but some of them can only be reached and seen by boat, so why not plan a boat tour. There are several tour operators in the area that offer different types of tours, including cave exploration, dolphin watching, beach barbecues and sunset tours. It’s also a great way to escape the busier resort beaches of the area and you may find yourself relaxing on the sands of a hidden pirate cove with only your fellow shipmates for company! These tours are a great way to learn more about the local history and culture and to see the coastline from a different and very beautiful perspective.

Overall, this family friendly town has plenty to offer families with children of all ages, and with its easy going and welcoming atmosphere, it is easy to see why so many people return year after year.

We have a wonderful selection of family friendly villas in Carvoeiro and are here to talk things through ensuring your make the perfect choice for you all.