Once a sleepy fishing village, Carvoeiro is now home to an abundance of restaurants and bars whilst still retaining a chilled-out holiday vibe. There are lots of beaches and coves along this part of the coast with some of the most iconic rock formations and caves. We have properties close to the centre of Carvoeiro, perfect for those preferring not to hire a car and within walking distance to some nightlife. We also have a wide variety of properties set away from the town and in some of the surrounding areas, all within easy reach of a decent supermarket, waterparks, restaurants, golf courses and beautiful beaches.
– Ginnie, Managing Director
Carvoeiro is extremely popular with both families and groups of friends looking for beautiful beaches, good restaurants and bars. It is not as lively as some of the other well-known party towns on the coast and has a more relaxed vibe yet still with plenty of things to do for all generations.
There are various beaches and coves along this part of the coast, some with dramatic rock formations and caves, some with excellent facilities for families and others off the beaten track and often less crowded. There are also lots of places to access water sports and hire equipment, or even rent a boat for the day.
There is a fantastic tennis centre here, Carvoeiro Clube de Tenis, with courts to hire including Padel Tennis, which is great for all abilities and growing in popularity. There is also a gym, spa, bar and plenty of fun activities for those who don’t fancy tennis.
Porches is just a short drive away which is renowned for producing much of the iconic pottery and tiles in Portugal. There are also some sensational restaurants here, including some affordable and delicious options.
Ferragudo is also just a short drive and is well worth a visit. This charming fishing village has a pretty harbour filled with fishing boats and many of the restaurants here specialise in fresh fish and seafood.
We highly recommend a trip to Silves which is only 20 minutes in the car from Carvoeiro. Historically the ancient capital of the Algarve, it is now a vibrant town with cafes, restaurants, boutiques and galleries as well as beautiful walks along the river and a mesmerising cathedral.
As with much of the Algarve, you don’t have to venture far before you find a golf course and there are plenty of attractive options in Carvoeiro including Amendoeira Golf Resort, Palmeres Ocean Living & Golf and the Boa Vista Spa and Golf Resort.
The nearest waterpark is Slide and Splash and this is a must for those travelling with younger ones. There is so much to do here with an abundance of slides both hair-raising and gentle, sunbathing areas, snack bars and more. It is a great day out and the perfect way to tire the children out! We recommend going on a cloudy day as there is less chance of sunburn and the queues might be quieter.
The nightlife in Carvoeiro is lively with lots of bars and restaurants with open air seating in the main town and some quieter spots in the nearby villages and beaches. You can find everything here from karaoke to live music, Irish pubs to cocktail bars. It is also a food lovers paradise with a whole host of cuisines to try. If you are looking for something special or something affordable for the family, there are plenty of options to keep everyone happy.
Discover more about things to do in Carvoeiro in our dedicated blog below.
The beaches here are some of the most iconic in the Algarve with unique rock formations, mesmerising caves, soft sand and clear waters. Lots of the beaches have lifeguards on duty and really good facilities like showers and toilets. There are also some more remote beaches which are often blissfully quiet but may be harder to access and have less amenities so best to plan ahead. Praia da Carvoeiro is the main town beach which is great for accessibility and close to the hustle and bustle with restaurants, bars and shops just a stroll away. There is often live music in the square, especially in the summer months, and of course, plenty of ice cream parlours and snack bars to keep the family fed and watered!
Praia da Marinha is one of the most iconic beaches in the Algarve with impressive rock formations that compel visitors to take photos and share on social media!
Praia da Centeanes is just outside the town centre and more relaxed than the town beach. It is quite sheltered here due to the surrounding cliffs and is a great place for snorkelling.
Praia da Carvalho is reached by some very steep steps but you are rewarded with a glorious sandy beach which is often much quieter than the neighbouring beaches. There is a single rock as a focal point and lovely clear waters.
Praia da Benagil is famous for the incredible cave just off the beach which can only be reached by water. It has its own little beach inside and is a must see for anyone visiting the area. The beach itself is quite small but there are some lovely spots for lunch dotted up the hill with sensational views of the bay.
These are just a few of the amazing beaches in Carvoeiro.
Discover more about the best beaches in Carvoeiro in our dedicated blog below.
Carvoeiro attracts families with children due to the many beaches and facilities in the area. The main town is sprinkled with ice cream parlours, gift shops, creperies and sweet shops as well as some well priced restaurants and snack bars. Most restaurants welcome children whole heartedly and will often have a dedicated menu for little ones.
Young people will be fascinated by Benagil Cave as it really is a sight to behold and quite unique. Teenagers might be brave enough to hire an SUP to visit the cave but we do urge everyone to wear life jackets and take extra care as the tides can turn and waves can get choppy making it more difficult to exit the cave with ease. There are lifeguards here but best to partner up and be as safe as you can be.
We know all children love a water park and they won’t be disappointed with the nearest offering – Slide and Splash. There is so much to do here from thrilling rides to lazy rivers, huge pools and sunbathing areas. It is a great day out for everyone as the more feint-hearted can find a spot to relax while the more energetic can venture off looking for their favourite ride.
Padel Tennis is a great sport for all the family and is really taking off globally and Portugal is no exception. It is relatively easy to pick up and a slower paced game then regular tennis meaning all ages can play together. We must warn you, it is pretty addictive! There are lots of Padel courts for hire in Carvoeiro, in particular, at Carvoeiro Clube de Tenis. Here you can hire courts for tennis or Padel and there is also a spa, restaurant, gym and more.
If you fancy a day away from your villa, then we highly recommend that you explore the Algar Seco. The mesmerising rock formations, caves, rock pools and tunnels are a great discovery for all the family and there is a bar and restaurant to refresh with fabulous views to unwind and refresh.
Boat tours are a great day out for all the family and there are plenty on offer in the area. This is the best way to see the beautiful coast and blow away the cobwebs with revitalising sea air. It is also the perfect way to take brilliant photos and make everyone at home jealous!
Discover more about the best family activities in Carvoeiro in our dedicated blog below.
Carvoeiro, a charming coastal town in the Algarve region of Portugal, is a food lover’s paradise with a wide range of dining options to satisfy every palate. From traditional Portuguese eateries to international cuisine, Carvoeiro has something to offer for everyone seeking a memorable culinary experience.
Whatever you’re craving, the town is home to a plethora of restaurants that cater to different tastes and budgets. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, succulent steaks, or vegetarian delights, Carvoeiro’s restaurant scene has got you covered. Many establishments take advantage of the town’s coastal location and serve up delectable dishes featuring the catch of the day, allowing you to savour the flavours of the ocean.
For those seeking a lively atmosphere, the town centre is the place to be. Here, you’ll find a bustling hub of restaurants, cafes, and bars, where the aromas of delicious food waft through the air, inviting you to indulge in a delightful meal. The main square, with its lively ambiance and diverse culinary options, offers a great spot for dining while immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of Carvoeiro.
Venturing beyond the main tourist areas can lead you to hidden gems where you can discover authentic Portuguese cuisine. These charming eateries serve up traditional dishes like cataplanas and bacalao. A cataplana is a mouthwatering fish stew cooked in a special vessel that allows the flavours to meld together beautifully. Bacalao, a rehydrated salted codfish, is served in various forms, from fillets to stews and baked dishes, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Portugal.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic candlelit dinner, a family-friendly atmosphere, or a lively evening with friends, Carvoeiro’s restaurants are ready to tantalise your taste buds.
Discover more about the best restaurants in Carvoeiro in our dedicated blog below.
Once a fisherman’s village Carvoeiro is a pretty seaside town located in the Algarve region of Portugal. There are several ways to get to Carvoeiro, depending on your starting location and preferred mode of transportation.
By Plane:
The nearest airport to Carvoeiro is Faro Airport, which is approximately 67kms away. From Faro Airport, you can take a taxi, or hire a car to reach your chosen villa. To avoid the airport crowds our car hire partner will take you to their car hire depot just outside of the main airport complex where paperwork can be completed at their office. We provide you with GPS coordinates and instructions to your villa to make the journey as stress free as possible. Click here for car hire prices.
We can also arrange taxi transfers from the airport to your chosen villa with fully insured drivers who will wait for you in the arrivals hall and drive you safely to your holiday accommodation. Transfer prices are listed on each villa page. If you would like to hire a car but don’t really want to start your holiday driving on the motorway, then why not let us arrange for your hire car to be delivered to your villa – please ask for details at time of booking.
By Car:
If you are travelling from Lisbon, the A2 motorway will take you from north to south. It is well sign posted making it easy to navigate and joins up with the A22 motorway to Carvoeiro. From Spain, the A22 motorway runs east to west from Seville and continues until you reach Carvoeiro. These options will take you between 2.5 and 3 hours.
By Bus:
There are several bus companies that operate routes to Carvoeiro from various cities in Portugal and Spain. Rede Expressos and EVA Transportes are two of the most popular bus companies that provide daily services to Carvoeiro.
By Train:
There is no direct train service to Carvoeiro, but you can take a train to the nearby towns of Estombar, Parchal or Portimao. We can arrange taxi transfers from here to your chosen villa.
Once you arrive in Carvoeiro, there are plenty of transport options available to get around the town, including local taxis, Uber and buses.
Summer (June to August) is the peak season for tourism in Carvoeiro, with warm temperatures and sunny skies attracting visitors. The summer months are ideal for beach lovers, as the sea is warm and calm, and there are plenty of water sports and other outdoor activities available. However, this is also the busiest time of year, and the town and nearby resorts and villages can get quite crowded, especially in August.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are perfect if you prefer a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices make this an appealing time for holidaymakers. During the spring and autumn you can still enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities, it is much easier to get a table at your favourite restaurant and there is less traffic and fewer people.
Winter (December to February) is cooler than at other times of the year and fewer tourists. While the local town and villages may not be as lively during this time, it can still be a great time to visit if you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling, and temperatures can still reach 15 degrees Celsius or higher on sunny days. Additionally, winter is a great time to explore the local culture and cuisine, as the village’s many restaurants and cafes offer a variety of traditional Portuguese dishes.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Carvoeiro depends on your preferences and priorities. If you want to enjoy the lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, summer might be the best time for you. If you prefer a quieter and more relaxed vacation, then other times of the year could be the perfect choice for you. And if you’re looking for a winter escape with mild weather and favourably low prices, we have several villas in this lovely area with wood burners, fireplaces or heating to ensure that your stay is cosy and enjoyable.
There really is something here for everyone and all year round.
We LOVE talking about villas and holiday destinations. Use our ‘Inspire Me’ section to discover the perfect property for you and your travelling companions. Remember, you can contact us anytime to discuss your holiday plans. With our first-hand knowledge and experience of each area and the properties within, we can guide you along the way to finding your dream holiday and can answer any queries you may have. We are holiday enthusiasts here at The Villa Agency and we are here to help!
