Carvoeiro, a picturesque village in Portugal’s Algarve region, offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, gorgeous Portuguese cuisine, and relaxing sunshine spots. Having been to this small hidden gem all of her life, it is a second home to my partner Amber and we found it the perfect finish line for our travels through Europe in 2023. Here are our top things to see and do in Carvoeiro:
1. Carvoeiro Beach (Praia do Carvoeiro)
This beautiful beach is the heart of the village. Surrounded by stunning cliffs, it’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the serene ocean views. The beach is also close to numerous cafes and restaurants that offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, meaning you can begin each day here on the beach.
2. Algar Seco
A short walk from the center of Carvoeiro, Algar Seco is a series of unique rock formations and caves that resemble a scene out of Mars. The “Boneca” or “Doll” formation, with its natural windows framing the sea, is a must-see. The pathways and steps carved into the rocks make it accessible for all ages, whilst there is also Boneca Bar, a lovely little restaurant and bar providing refreshing drinks and food amongst the rocks.
3. Benagil Cave
One of the most famous sea caves in the world, Benagil Cave is a natural wonder not to be missed. Accessible by rental boat or kayak from the Carvoeiro beach, the cave features a large rock dome with a naturally carved skylight. It’s a perfect spot for some stunning photographs and marveling at the ability of nature to create art straight from Earth.
Image Credit – Julius Silver, Pixabay.
4. Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha, one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and surrounding rock formations make it a paradise for activities like snorkeling, swimming and photography. The beach is also great for a scenic hike along the cliffs beforehand, working up a sweat in the heat, rewarding yourself with a cool dip in the beautiful water.
5. Carvoeiro Boardwalk
The Carvoeiro Boardwalk is one of my personal favourite memories of Europe. This wooden walkway offers breathtaking views of the algarve coastline and provides end-of-the-world like sunsets. Starting from the village beach and leading all the way to Algar Seco, the boardwalk is home to the best views of the Atlantic Ocean and in my opinion, the best sunset in Europe. As the famous algarve Pirate Ship passes by the setting sun, and the birds sing you’ll no doubt feel a sense of beauty and stillness for the world around you.
6. Fort of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação
For a little smidge of history, visit the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação (fort of our lady). This small fort dating back to the 17th century, overlooks Carvoeiro Beach. Now hosting weddings and community gatherings, this beautiful structure offers insights into the history of the village, while providing stunning views of the ocean. The fort’s simple, yet charming architecture adds to the cultural heritage of Carvoeiro.
7. Quinta dos Vales & Vinho Verde
Portuguese wine is some of the finest in the world, especially the local Vinho Verde (green wine), which is a must try. We sampled some at the Villa Medici, a gorgeous Italian restaurant just a short walk away from the Carvoeiro beach.
For the most intense wine lovers, a visit to Quinta dos Vales is a must. This renowned winery offers tours and tastings, where you can savor the best wines of the Algarve region. The beautiful estate also features art sculptures and picturesque vineyards for all of your Instagramming needs.
8. Slide & Splash Water Park
A short drive from Carvoeiro, Slide & Splash is one of the largest water parks in Portugal. Suitable for all ages and with a vast amount of activities, this is a must-do when in the Algarve region. We had a ridiculous amount of fun going on all of the slides and rides and it took Amber an extended period of time convincing me that our time was up. Coming away with lumps and bumps from the rubber ring rides, we both felt like kids again in the best way possible. Grab your tickets from https://www.slidesplash.com/ or https://www.getyourguide.co.uk/!
9. Restaurante Lanterna Velha
Bife A Portuguesa (Portuguese Steak), an essential cuisine to try in the Algarve region. We recommend heading to Restaurante Lanterna Velha, just a short walk from the Carvoeiro beach. They serve the dish in a traditional large round clay dish with the steak surrounded by a bed of thinly sliced fried potatoes. The garlic infused oil crackles on your plate as the steak is served straight out of a piping hot oven.
10. Carvoeiro Nightlife
After the sun sets, Carvoeiro comes alive with its many bars and restaurants offering live music, from the quiet and acoustic sounds of the modern restaurants, to the chaotic and crazy Irish Pubs and Karaoke Bars. Head over to Brady’s Irish Pub to enjoy some Whiskey or Guinness (or both) and enjoy some live music performed by the local celebrity singers. Some good, some bad, and some god awful – but all amazing in their own right! The Roundup Saloon however is the heart and soul of Carvoeiros evenings, this chaotically brilliant bar provides karaoke several nights a week, with the singers regulars who have no shame and really like to go for it. We had a go ourselves and couldn’t help but fall in love with the loud and lively atmosphere. A brilliant way to end any day in Carvoeiro.