The Best of Carvoeiro Algarve Portugal Guide

Carvoeiro, Algarve Portugal is a picturesque and traditional Portuguese resort town, situated along a beautiful coastline of golden beaches and dramatic natural scenery. Carvoeiro is a great destination for visitors who are wanting a calm and relaxed vacation, in a quaint and charming town. The majority of tourists visit Carvoeiro solely for a relaxed beach holiday, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the surrounding region. This includes historic towns to discover, challenging hiking trails, exciting boat tours or the thrill of the region’s theme and water parks.

Carvoeiro Algarve Portugal is very popular for family vacations with a large choice of accommodations and with plenty to do in a compact area around the town center.  Water sports are available at the beach for those who playing in the water and a couple of diving schools if you prefer to be under the water. The local fishermen also make use of their boats during the day to offer visitors the chance to take boat trips around the coastline and to see the caves.

The cliff tops around Carvoeiro offer plenty of walking trails and with great views. You can also check out the ‘algares’ which are holes in the cliff where the sea has eaten it away from underneath. On the cliff above Carvoeiro are the remains of the walls of the Fort of Senhora da Conceição dating from the 17th century, inside which is the hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação.  You can also take a trip to Silves with it’s Moorish castle and riverside walks. A walk around the castle walls allows you to have a bird’s eye view of the town and surrounding countryside and there are lots of pavement cafés to stop for a cool drink afterwards.

Carvoeiro Weather (When to Visit)

Carvoeiro Algarve Portugal has long hot summers, pleasant springs and autumns, and unpredictable winters that have an equal number of grey days as sunny days. The height of the summer season is during the months of July and August. June and September are as equally busy with vacationers who do not have children.  If  you are visiting during the peak season, it is essential to pre-book accommodation and flights as they will sell out.  The autumn and spring months provide an excellent time to discover Carvoeiro Algarve.  The weather is bright and sunny, but without the summer time crowds. During the winter months, Carvoeiro closes down and will feel very quiet, but a small selection of restaurants and bars will remain open. During the winter it is better to visit the larger resort towns, which have a permanent population, such as Albufeira or Lagos.

Best Carvoeiro Beaches

Praia da Marinha

Praia da Marinha is an iconic beach near Lagoa, rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world.  Praia da Marinha is known as one of the most beautiful beaches of the world.  With it’s amazing cliff side, it is the favorite beach in the Algarve. Praia da Marinha is one of the top ten beaches in the world.  Praia da Marina is calm and the water is really clear, almost transparent. This makes it a popular destination for snorkeling, as it is possible to see many different kinds of marine species and fish underwater.

Praia do Carvalho

Praia do Carvalho is a relatively quiet beach. There are no hotels or resorts directly on the beach. This makes this beach perfect for those who want to get away from the crowded beaches that you can find in other parts of the Algarve. The water is clean and the sea is calm.  The area near Lagoa is famous for its impressive rock formations. Near Praia do Carvalho you will find a rock formation known as the window, which looks out over the beach. It is the result of many years of erosion.

Praia de Vale Centeanes

Praia de Vale Centeanes is a Blue Flag beach so there are plenty of facilities for all the family including a seasonal lifeguard service. There is a cafe near the beach entrance along with toilets plus a hut selling ices and cold drinks during the summer.  With the high cliffs offering shelter from the wind, Vale de Centeanes beach is a haven for sun-worshippers. The cliffs themselves are a point of interest and worth a closer look where they have been eroded into unusual shapes. The snorkeling is also good around here.

Praia de Carvoeiro

The setting is picturesque, the beach is suitable for all and there is a wide selection of cafes and restaurants close by. The beach is sheltered from the sea by two rocky headlands, and this has formed a natural triangular beach. The rear of the Praia de Carvoeiro is lined by traditional fishing houses, which have been since been converted into tourist restaurants and bars.

.

.

Praia do Paraíso Beach

Paraiso beach is situated at the base of towering cliffs and the small patch of sand is almost entirely covered by the high tide – not quite the paradise (Paraiso) the name implies. The main interesting feature are the rock pools and submerged rock, which are great for snorkelling and harbour lots of small marine life.

.

.

Best Carvoeiro Restaurants

L´Orange  $11 – 30

A cosy restaurant with a relaxing ambience, L’Orange specialises in international and French-inspired cuisine created by Belgian chef patron Jan Mortier, complemented by the delicious homemade desserts made by wife Karin. The interior is pleasantly decorated, whilst outside, a pretty terrace is perfect for al fresco dining. L’Orange is located just outside Carvoeiro near the Carvoeiro Hotel.  Telephone:  351 282 357 297  Web:   L´Orange.

Primavera  $11 – 30

An attractive trattoria-style restaurant at the top of Estrada do Farol, Primavera is under the ownership of Domingos, formerly of Villa Medici. Serving Italian/Mediterranean cuisine, the restaurant has a lovely ambiance and features a stylish interior décor, as well as a large outdoor area that’s ideal for the summer months.  Telephone:  351 282 358 017  Web:  Primavera.

The Wolf  $11 – 30

Delicious, quality steaks, rack of lamb and daily fish and seafood specials are served in this upscale bar and grill with smart interiors and outdoor dining on the ground floor and the new addition of the elegant upstairs lounge on the terrace. Located on Estrada do Farol, the restaurant’s star attraction is the US Black Angus beef, including an excellent T-bone cooked on the charcoal grill/oven. Lunch and dinner served indoors or on the bottom terrace and burgers on the upstairs terrace. Don’t miss the very popular Sunday Brunch at €15 with free flowing mimosas.  Telephone:  351 962 708 596  Web:   The Wolf.

Pimenta Preta  $31 – 60

Creative cooking, excellent service, a charming ambiance and value for money make Pimenta Preta one of the most appealing fine dining experiences in the Carvoeiro area. New dishes from around the world, created by the chef ensure customers are always in for a surprise, whilst the quality of the food is matched by an equally impressive wine list compiled by the owner Nuno Diogo. Specializing in European classics and Asian cuisine.  Telephone:  351 282 350 281  Web:  Pimenta Preta.

Casa Algarvia  $11 – 30

One of Carvoeiro’s best-known restaurants is run by Frank and Cristina who have completely refurbished Casa Algarvia, with terracotta walls, a modern bar area and a brand new kitchen breathing new life into the establishment. The menu features Portuguese favorites, from fresh fish to enticing meat options, as well as specialties such as fish cataplana and pork cataplana with clams.  Telephone:  351 968 663 568  Web:   Casa Algarvia.

Best Carvoeiro Bars

Boneca Bar

Located in one of the best locations in Carvoeiro, Boneca Bar is the perfect place to sit back and while away the time. Set within the cliffs of Algar Seco, this restaurant and bar serves fresh fish and a selection of meat, complemented by a carefully put together wine list. A family-run establishment, there is also a range of cocktails and sangria if you simply want a drink whilst you enjoy the surroundings.  Telephone:  351 282 358 391  Web:   Boneca Bar.

Bar Havana

This Cuban inspired cocktail Bar in pretty Carvoeiro, is a great place to meet friends in the evening.  With well priced cocktails, good bar snacks (chili beef burritos with tortillas) and inviting window seats to install yourself in against a backdrop of  house music.  Telephone:  351 916 407 988  Web:  Bar Havana.

Caniço

If you want to dance on the beach with the sand between your toes, this is the place for you. Caniço is a bar with a difference, built between the cliffs by a lovely cove and reached by an elevator from the cliff tops. During the regular live music and party nights, a DJ sets up on the sand (tide permitting) and you can dance till (almost) dawn.  Telephone:  351 282 458 503  Web:   Canico.

No Solo Agua

This highly popular Beach Bar now runs right along the Sea’s edge with the Marina.  It works as a whole day destination with a pool, sun loungers and food.  In high season there is an entrance fee (7.50 euros) to get in and a string of musical events are held in the evening.  Telephone:  351 910 789 991  Web:   No Solo Agua.

Stevie Ray’s Blues Jazz Bar

This is an elegant place with great live music on Fridays and Saturdays, ranging across the whole blues/jazz spectrum. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming.  Telephone:  351 914 923 883  Web:   Stevie Ray’s Blues Jazz Bar.

Best Carvoeiro Hotels