Praia do Carvoeiro is quite small but is one of the most famous beaches in Algarve. That’s because it’s a very picturesque bay overlooked by what was once a typical Portuguese fishing village. You still often see fishing boats on the sand, but they’re now used to take tourists around the coast. The town of Carvoeiro has essentially become a resort and is home to a sizable British community. However, it preserves much of the charm of a traditional Algarve village, and that’s why so many tourists pass by. Many use it as a base to explore the magnificent beaches of the Lagoa region.
This beach is mostly frequented by locals, but many tourists can’t resist getting their feet wet and sunbathing for a while. The water is clean (this is a Blue Flag beach) and often calm, but a little unpredictable. There are days when it’s just too rough. It’s beautiful and perfectly safe for children on the calmer days, but you should note that it’s shallow along the shore but gets deep quickly. There are lifeguards on duty during the bathing season (from June to September). Sometimes it’s possible to rent paddle boats and kayaks.
You’ll find a few sunshades and loungers for rent in the summer, but since this is mostly a locals’ beach, most people bring an umbrella. If you plan to spend the day here, make sure you arrive early, in order to find the best spot. Never stay too close to the cliffs on both ends, as rocks may fall.
There are restaurants, bars and shops behind the beach. A stage is often set up at the entrance to the beach for concerts and live entertainment, mostly occurring at night.
You shouldn’t leave without going up to the clifftop terrace on the eastern (left) side, for the postcard view. Continue up the road and you reach a boardwalk offering coastal views and leading to the dramatic rock formations of Algar Seco (it takes about 10 minutes). The boardwalk is especially wonderful at sunset. It’s actually one of the town’s main attractions, and is well maintained and accessible by wheelchair.
Location: Carvoeiro
Beach for: Families
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia do Carvoeiro
Vamus bus 107 departs from Portimão and stops in Lagoa and Carvoeiro (close to this beach) about six times a day (only four times on weekends). By car, you’re here in about a half hour from Albufeira, and in 20 minutes from Armação de Pêra and Portimão. Unfortunately, parking is limited by the beach (and in the entire town, really). Be prepared to have to park far from the beach and then walk as much as 10 minutes.
Beaches by Praia do Carvoeiro
Walk up the main road (Estrada do Farol) for about 25 minutes or drive for about 10, and you arrive at the beach of Vale Centeanes. Here you can hop on a boat that takes you to the famous Benagil Cave, or you can follow the spectacular Seven Hanging Valleys trail all the way to the magnificent Praia da Marinha. On your way to Praia da Marinha you can stop at Praia do Carvalho and Praia de Benagil. In the center of Carvoeiro you also have Praia do Paraíso, a small beach hidden at the bottom of a cliff, but found just a 5-minute walk from Praia do Carvoeiro.
Hotels by Praia do Carvoeiro
Hotel Carvoeiro Plaza
Staying here is like staying at the beach. It stands right behind it, and many of the rooms have balconies with a sea view. It has a swimming pool for when you want to take a break from the sand. Its parking lot is very convenient, but consider yourself very lucky if you find a spot available.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Carvoeiro Plaza
Castelo Guest House
For a superb view over the beach and of the sunrise, stay at this guesthouse in a castle-like building. Almost all of the rooms have a sea view, and are all very clean and comfortable. Try booking one with a terrace or balcony.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Castelo Guest House
Tivoli Carvoeiro
A 15-minute walk down the road from this hotel takes you to Praia do Carvoeiro and the center of town. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or as a family, you’ll enjoy your stay here. There are magnificent sea views from almost everywhere, including many of the rooms, the rooftop bar and the swimming pools. It also offers two restaurants and a spa.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Tivoli Carvoeiro
Monte Dourado
You can see the beach and almost the entire town from this hilltop property. It consists of 109 apartments, five swimming pools and two tennis courts. Each apartment has two or three bedrooms, but only a few offer a sea view.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Monte Dourado
Algar Seco Parque
A short walk from the beach are the Algar Seco rock formations, and this hotel stands right above them. It has apartments with one or two bedrooms, and villas with 3, 4 or 5 bedrooms, most of them with sea views. There’s a large swimming pool for children and adults, and a restaurant specializing in seafood.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Algar Seco Parque
O Quintal Guesthouse
Located up the road from the beach, this highly-rated guesthouse is a great value. It caters to couples, with many of the rooms featuring a romantic décor. Guests can enjoy meals on the terrace with a small pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: O Quintal Guesthouse