Carvoeiro Algarve Portugal

Carvoeiro is 36 miles west of Faro and airport, (it is 10 mls E of Portimao). The resort is south west facing, in a generally hilly area with cliffs at waterfront and was a very small intimate fishing village that has lost any resemblance to its modest origins.

Today, the village spreads to the east and west with expensive villas and comfortable holiday apartments. The one and only village street has now become three, each lined with bars, smart restaurants and tourist shops. Happily, there are still examples of the older quaint small houses tucked in between the more recent ones.

A 27 Hole Golf Course and a well run Tennis Centre lies on its outskirts. The choice of this location for the tourist to acquire property was also because of the variety and attractiveness of its many beaches. High cliffs surround most of these, and some of which have eroded to create beckoning dark caves. Most of them are mainly accessible only at low tide.

Beaches to visit are Praia de Centianes, Praia de Carvalho, Praia de Benagil, Praia de Marinha and Praia da Albandeira. Near to Carvoeiro is the village of Ferragudo, still an unspoilt fishing village. Lagoa the area administrative town is also close to the home of the 11 th Century Arab poet " Ibn Ammar ". Inland is the unspoilt small village of Porches. Another place that is a must to visit is the inland historic and interesting city of Silves with its fine remains of its castle.

The main beach of Carvoeiro situated at the main square is medium-sized, sandy, rocky on shoreline, cliff-backed in parts. General facilities good, lacking in water sports. Three other smaller coved beaches in the area, all with very steep access.

Shopping here is limited number of souvenir shops but several general food shops. There is a daily market in Lagoa 3 miles distance.
During the daytime the Algar Seco rock formations are situated at the uppermost extremity of the resort. These have great historical value however access is via a steep slope. Most complexes have sports facilities. There is a riding school nearby and a water slide park 3 miles west.

The nightlife here, relative to the size of the town, offers a great many bars, some of which feature live entertainment. Little else. There are plenty of restaurants with varied cuisine available, caldeirada (fish stew) is a speciality.