Carvoeiro is a traditional Portuguese town in the Algarve region, ideal for those who prefer quieter areas. Originally a fishing village, today, Carvoeiro is a fishing net for tourists and visitors. 

This sweet little village with its cliff-lined shores and white-washed buildings offers everything you may need for a dream vacation: engaging things to do, lively bars to have a drink, restaurants to eat ridiculously good food, and places to stay that won’t cost you an arm or leg.

Let’s cover these things one by one. 


Restaurants

WHERE TO STAY

THINGS TO DO

Carvoeiro

All must you know before you visit 

THINGS TO DO ALGARVE

There’s no shortage of things to do in Carvoeiro. You can relax on beaches, take boat tours to explore Carvoeiro caves or stroll along the cliffs. And the best part? All these recommendations come straight from the locals themselves. Here’s the list of things to do in Carvoeiro, Portugal:

What things you can do in Carvoeiro?

Carvoeiro is a picturesque coastal village in the Algarve, Portugal, offering a delightful experience for those seeking charm and relaxation.
Stroll through the streets lined with whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers. Checkout the beautiful Praia do Carvoeiro (Carvoeiro beach), with its rocky cliffs and gold sand. Stop by local cafes to savor Portuguese delicacies like pastéis de nata or enjoy a refreshing glass of vinho verde. In the evening, dine at one of the delightful restaurants in town, where you can savor freshly caught seafood

Also checkout the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve.

1. the cozy village and its beach

Taking a boat to explore the caves in Carvoeiro should be on every visitor’s itinerary. They reveal the hidden wonders along the Algarve coast. Starting from Carvoeiro, you'll find plenty of boat tour options, like Carvoeiro Tours, that will take you along the dramatic rock formations including the famous Benagil Cave with its stunning natural skylight. 

2. Boat Tour to Visit the Carvoeiro Caves 

Carvoeiro Boardwalk is a clifftop walk on a raised wooden plank that starts at the centuries-old fort of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação and takes you all the way to Algar Seco. The walk only lasts for about 20 minutes but you get to see breathtaking views along the way including a Carvoeiro cave called ‘A Boneca’ which looks like two hollow arches that look out over the sea. 

At the end of the walk is the Algar Seco, a combination of beautiful limestone rock formations. Over the years, the wind and sea have sculpted the rocks at Algar Seco into an array of grottos, tunnels, and natural pools that are perfect for exploring or taking a dip. And with all this exploring, if you feel like relaxing, there’s a bar called ‘A Boneca Bar’ at the end of the walk where you can take a break or sip on a fresh beverage. 


3. Carvoeiro Boardwalk & Algar Seco

If you’re anything like us, then you’d love shopping for handmade ceramics and souvenirs. And the best place to get these traditional Portuguese items is from an old market in Carvoeiro called Praça Velha. Here you’ll find everything from ceramic crockery and vases to lanterns and textiles, all made by local artisans in an array of colors and designs. Plus, if you’re looking to buy Algarve’s regional products like medronho, flor de sal (salt flower), or patés, you can find them here at highly affordable prices. Porta 16 is a cute little shop with lots of souvenirs you'll love as well.

4. ceramics & SOuvenir shopping

Barco

Boat

How are you?

Tudo bem?

Ice cream

Gelado

Some portuguese words

Sunscreen

Protetor solar

Looking for a place to unwind and relax in Carvoeiro? You’re in luck! This town has some cozy spots where you can chill with a refreshing drink, day or night. Here are the two bars in Carvoeiro in Portugal where you can enjoy the cocktails with a view:

Coolest places to have a drink in Carvoeiro

One of the most exclusive rooftop bars in the Algarve, Sky Bar 360° Carvoeiro is a great spot for cocktails and nightlife. Every Thursday and Saturday, a DJ teams up with a saxophonist to amp up the vibe. It’s the perfect mix to make your evenings a little more special. Plus, the bar promises stunning Atlantic Ocean views that won’t disappoint you.   


1. Sky Bar 360° CARVOEIRO

Decadente is a cozy wine bar hidden in the heart of Carvoeiro. With its charming bohemian courtyard and soothing waterfall, this place offers the perfect escape from the regular noise. The menu is simple but appealing — it features a selection of Portuguese wines, refreshing drinks, and tasty tapas at reasonable prices. And if you’re not ready to leave just yet (and you probably won’t be), they even have a guesthouse upstairs you can rent out.


2. Decadente

Right next to Carvoeiro Beach, you’ll find Levels, a cozy and warm beach bar and restaurant that’s perfect for a drink or a meal. Visitors rave about their Rose Sangria. Plus, there’s a great selection of food available, from small dish nibbles to full meals, all topped off with a heavenly sight of sunset and stunning ocean views of the Atlantic. It doesn’t get better than that!


3. Levels

BEST BARS IN ALGARVE

Got an appetite? Check out our top picks for dining or lunch in Carvoeiro:

Must-go restaurants in Carvoeiro

Etxea is a relatively new restaurant nestled in the heart of Carvoeiro. They serve a variety of cuisines at unbeatable prices and their dishes, especially the Tuna tartare and trout fillet, are truly standout choices.

1. Etxea

Touriga is serious when it comes to Portuguese fine dining and wine. They offer over 200 types of wines, which, when paired with their Tapas, perfectly complement the flavors.  

2. Touriga

Casa Algarvia is a great place for authentic Portuguese cuisine on a budget. Ordering something like seafood and wine and finishing it off with a chocolate mousse would make for a great meal here.  

3. Casa Algarvia

Villa Medici or its sister location Donna Maria is he best place in Carvoeiro for traditional, fresh Italian food. They are known for serving generous portions and being super friendly, making visitors feel at home. 

4. Villa medici or Donna maria

Chef's Kitchen is one is really popular for ribs throughout Carvoeiro, although the prices are on the higher side. The decor is amazing and has a cozy vibe to it. Highly recommended! 

5. Chef's Kitchen

RESTAURANTS IN ALGARVE

Now, if you’ve decided to visit the Algarve, you’ll need a place to stay. And there’s no better place to set up accommodation than Carvoeiro. It's right in the middle of everything, which makes going around to other areas a breeze. Plus, the town itself has such a cozy, village feel that you'll fall in love with. Listed below are the best holiday accommodations in Carvoeiro Portugal, to make your visit comfortable and memorable.

Where to stay in Carvoeiro?

Penthouse Atlântico is a top pick for your Carvoeiro accommodation (and our personal favorite), perfectly located in the heart of the Algarve. The sea views from the Atlantic? Out of this world. You can gaze out at the sea from a prime spot that's just a quick walk down the hill to the town center. Once there, you'll have everything you need close by restaurants, bars, beaches, and local shops. It really is an ideal base to explore everything Carvoeiro has to offer. 

Penthouse Atlântico

Getting around in Carvoeiro, Portugal is super easy, but it really depends on what you're planning to do. If you're staying around the town, you can pretty much walk everywhere or just hop in an Uber now and then. But if you're in the mood to explore more of the Algarve, renting a car is the way to go — it gives you the freedom to roam at your own pace. Just a heads up: public transportation isn't really the best option around here, so having a car can make all the difference. 

How to get around in Carvoeiro, Portugal?

Day tours from Carvoeiro

If you’re staying in Carvoeiro (which is in the heart of the Algarve), there are several day trips you can enjoy from this town. A 35-minute drive will take you to Lagos, where you can explore the old town’s cobbled streets. For a shorter trip, head to Ferragudo, just 12 minutes away, for a walk through the picturesque fishing village by the Arade River. You could also travel further to Tavira, a riverside town with traditional whitewashed houses, or explore the rugged beauty of the West Coast, known for its cliff and quiet beaches, both about 60 minutes away

LAGOS

FERRAGUDO

WEST COAST

TAVIRA

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