7 Best Things to Do in Carvoeiro, Portugal
Are you looking for the best things to do in Carvoeiro? This charming coastal town was one of our favorite places during our visit to the Algarve region, as the attractions were fantastic and most of them were easily accessible on foot.
Wondering what to do in Carvoeiro? Stroll along the stunning boardwalk, visit Algar Seco and Boneca Cave, enjoy a boat trip to the famous Benagil Cave, take a scenic coastal walk, and relax on the beaches.
This ultimate guide includes the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Carvoeiro, Portugal.
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Best things to do in Carvoeiro
With its stunning location, Carvoeiro has become one of the best holiday destinations not only in Portugal but also in all of Europe. During your stay, you can see the colorful houses, explore dramatic cliffs, hike the scenic coastal trails, and relax on the beaches.
1. Algar Seco
Algar Seco is home to unique rock formations and limestone cliffs that stretch along the coastline and are accessed via steps carved into the rocks. The impressive shapes of the limestones were created by sea erosion. You can walk from the main beach to Algar Seco in approximately 15 minutes via the stunning boardwalk.
At the cave, there are two large natural windows/openings overlooking the ocean where you can take beautiful photos.
Read the full post → How to Visit Algar Seco & Boneca Cave
2. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Sete Vales)
If you’re looking for more great things to do in Carvoeiro, then hike the epic Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. This is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Algarve along the coastline, stretching between Praia do Vale de Centeanes and Praia da Marinha, 6 km each way (12 km round trip).
After visiting Algar Seco, you can easily start your hike. The trail also leads to the top of the Benagil Cave, allowing you to admire this natural attraction from a different perspective.
If you want to do this hike, we recommend planning at least 4-5 hours (including breaks and photo stops) and hiking early in the morning or afternoon. Also, bring plenty of water, wear a hat, and use sunscreen.
3. Carvoeiro Boardwalk
After exploring Algar Seco, don’t miss the Carvoeiro Boardwalk, a beautiful promenade along the cliffs overlooking the sea. It doesn’t take long to walk from one end to the other, and there are plenty of benches where you can rest and enjoy the view. Ideal for families, young children, and the elderly.
Halfway along the promenade, we went down a set of wooden stairs to a rocky area where we could explore various caves and tunnels.
We arrived at sunset and were lucky because we were able to take great pictures due to the magical lights.
4. Praida do Carvoeiro Beach
This is a small sandy beach with beautiful cliffs on both sides. It is a great place to swim and spend a few relaxing hours, but it can get very crowded in high season.
If you want an iconic postcard photo of Carvoeiro, walk up the hill to the left of the beach for great views, especially at sunset. We wanted to take some pictures with our drone, but there were a lot of seagulls, so we decided to skip it.
If you’re looking for more beaches during your stay, check out our post on the best beaches in the Algarve.
5. Praia da Marinha Beach
Praia da Marinha is the most famous tourist attraction in the Algarve, just a 15-minute drive from Carvoeiro. It was one of our favorite beaches, and the most convenient way to get there is by car or Uber.
After arriving at the parking lot, we took a scenic walk along Praia Da Marinha, which led us to the natural heart-shaped rock viewpoint. It was a fantastic sight and we took great photos. Then we went down the steep stairs to the picturesque beach.
TIP
Arrive early as parking spaces fill up quickly.
See also → Algarve Guide
6. Take a Day Trip to Ferragudo
This picturesque, small fishing village offers fantastic photo opportunities and is a great day trip destination from Carvoeiro. After arriving by motorbike, we took some great pictures at the Ferragudo viewpoint, and we set off to explore the area on foot.
We only spent a few hours in the village. But we really enjoyed exploring the colorful streets of the old town, tasting the fresh seafood, and walking through the cozy, narrow streets with brightly colored flowers.
Recommended post → Guide to Visiting Ferragudo
7. Benagil Cave and Beach
The Benagil Cave is known for its huge natural skylight, which allows sunlight to illuminate the cave’s interior and its sandy beach, providing a breathtaking view. The cave can only be accessed by water.
There are many boat trips to the popular Benagil Caves and one of our favorite spots, Praia da Marinha.
We went there by motorbike and first walked from the parking lot to the cave, where we could admire the view from above. Then we walked down to Praia de Benagil Beach. At the beach, you can rent a kayak to explore the sea cave or just enjoy swimming and sunbathing.
Where to Stay in Carvoeiro
The best places to stay in the town are near the beach. Although these accommodations are a bit expensive, they offer a perfect view.
Hotels like Castelo Guest House are located in a quiet area, within easy walking distance of the beach. However, the Quinta das Andorinhas is an affordable accommodation outside the town, but you will need a car to get to the attractions.
If you are traveling with your family, Tivoli Carvoeiro is the perfect choice. Just steps from the picturesque promenade and the town. For the best experience, stay at Algar Seco Parque, located next to the attraction.
But if you want to dive into where to stay in the Algarve, read our post.
How to Get to Carvoeiro
The coastal town is located between Albufeira and Portimão, on the southern coast of Portugal, in the Algarve region. It is just a 50-minute drive from Faro International Airport (FAO) and a 40-minute drive from Lagos. You can also take a bus from the airport to the town.
TIP
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Portugal.
The most convenient way to get there is to rent a car or motorbike and explore the nearby beaches and towns at your own pace.
Best Restaurants & Bars
- Pani Restaurant (Indian cuisine with a perfect view)
- Casa Algarvia (Fresh fish and seafood)
- Boneca Bar
- Restaurante Villa Medici (Cozy Italian restaurant)
- O Cantinho
Best Time to Visit Carvoeiro, Portugal
Portugal is a perfect destination all year round, with beautiful and sunny weather. But the best time to visit is from May to September. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for swimming, taking boat trips, and exploring the charming towns.
The summer months are the peak season, meaning hotel prices are higher and attractions are more crowded. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance! Alternatively, you can visit the Algarve region in winter if you have a low budget or want to avoid crowds.
How many days do you need in Carvoeiro?
We recommend 2-3 days. However, if you want to use this town as a base for your Algarve getaway and explore other towns and beaches from there, add more days.
Read our → Ultimate Portugal Itinerary
We hope our list of the best things to do in Carvoeiro will help you plan your next trip to Portugal. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.
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