18+ best things to do in Carvoeiro Portugal
During my one month in Portugal as part of our year in travel where we’re trying to figure out where to live full time, we spent a couple of weeks in the Algarve region.
During that time we did a day trip from our Airbnb near Porches to Carvoeiro and discovered so many fun things to do in Carvoeiro that make it well worth visiting.
Carvoeiro started as a small fishing village but it’s become a popular holiday destination due to its beautiful beaches, stunning coastal landscapes, and pretty town centre.
There are plenty of things to do in Carvoeiro and the surrounding area and it’s not quite as busy as the towns of Albufeira, Faro and Lagos so it’s well worth visiting during your trip.
Whether you’re spending one day in Carvoeiro, or staying in the town itself during your Portugal trip, then be sure to read on to discover the best things to do in Carvoeiro Portugal.
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How to get to Carvoeiro
How to get to Carvoeiro depends on which direction you’re coming from.
Renting a car is definitely the easiest way of getting around the Algarve, Portugal. While there are. some buses they’re not super regular and don’t necessarily go to all the hidden beaches and towns along the coast.
When we were planning our trip to the Algarve we found what was a 15-minute drive became 1.5 hours by bus!
I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!
If you’re coming from Faro, it’s about a 1-hour drive to reach Carvoeiro (slightly longer if you’re avoiding tolls). Lagos to Carvoeiro is around 40 minutes and from Portimão you’re looking at a drive of around 20 minutes.
Carvoeiro is just south of Lagoa, right on the coast, and driving in Portugal is pretty easy.
We found free parking in Carvoeiro and then just explored the rest of the town on foot.
For some of the things on this list, you might want to drive from the town to them as they’re a little bit out of town but I’ve included a map (below) so you can get your bearings.
Guided tours of Carvoeiro
If you don’t want to rent a car in Portugal or would rather not have to deal with figuring out transport, you can book some great guide tours to Carvoeiro which includes trips to some of the best things to do nearby too.
These tours are ones I’d recommend based on the places they go to and the reviews they currently have.
- From Portimão: Catamaran Cruise to Benagil Caves with BBQ: Join a catamaran full-day cruise with a BBQ at the beach, visit Benagil Caves and explore the coastline around Carvoeiro.
- Algarve Cabrio Tours: Take a tour on a scooter or convertible car around the beautiful coastline. Visit Lagos, Ponta da Piedade, the West Coast, Monchique, Praia da Rocha, Carvoeiro and Alvo.
- From Lagos: Benagil Cave by Boat, Carvoeiro and the Agar Seco Caves by Minivan
- Lagos and Carvoeiro – Private from Faro: This private tour takes you to Lagos and Carvoeiro from Faro with a private tour guide to see the highlights of each town including Lagos Old Town.
- Jeep Safari around the Algarve: Explore the hidden secrets of the Algarve by Jeep which allows you to take the back roads away from the tourist trail.
Best things to do in Carvoeiro
Discover the Algar Seco caves
Algar Seco in Carvoeiro is a must-visit destination for its impressive caves, unique rock formations, and rugged cliffs.
From Algar Seco, you can take a walk along the cliff tops, see the super cool Boneca caves and tunnels and even grab a drink at A Boneca bar which sits right in the middle of the rocks!
It’s a super cool thing to see in Carvoeiro and one of the best things to do in the Algarve in my view.
We spent about 30 minutes wandering along the caves and checking out all the features at Algar Seco.
Walk the Carvoeiro boardwalk
The Carvoeiro boardwalk is one of the best things to do in Carvoeiro and one of the best walks in the area if you’re looking for something easy.
The boardwalk in Carvoeiro is just 600 metres long and there are some information boards and a few places where you can sit and fully enjoy the amazing ocean and clifftop views.
Coffee and Pasteis de Nata at Levels
Before heading on a walk along the Carvoeiro boardwalk and the Algar Seco Caves we stopped for coffee and some pasteis de nata at Levels in Carvoeiro town.
This spot was pretty much right on Carvoeiro beach and so had some great views and looked like they did a great brunch too!
The service was a bit slow, but since we were having a nice relaxed morning it didn’t bother us.
The coffee was delicious and the pasteis de nata were up there with some of the ones we’d had while visiting Lisbon!
It’s on the more pricey end but I reckon it’s one of the best restaurants in Carvoeiro, but it was delicious, fresh and a beautiful spot to eat!
Take a boat trip to Benagil Caves
The Benagil Caves are pretty close to Carvoeiro and you can take a boat trip from the town out to see them.
The only way to see the caves is by boat or kayak or paddleboard so this is how to do it!
On a boat trip, you’ll get driven inside the caves but the boats aren’t allowed to land so you can’t get off and walk around. If you want to do that then you’ll need to kayak or paddleboard.
On this Caroveiro to Benagil Caves boat trip, you might also get lucky and see some dolphins and you’ll head out to Praia do Marinha which is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve while checking out more cool rock formations and caves along the way.
The main advantage of this tour is that it’s in a small group boat so it’s a bit more of a relaxing experience and more enjoyable and it’s easily one of the best Carvoeiro things to do.
Book this Benagil Caves boat tour from Carvoeiro.
Kayak or paddleboard to Benagil Caves
One of the best things to do in the Algarve is to kayak or take a boat tour out to the Benagil Caves (Algar de Benagil).
Just don’t do this on a windy day like we ended up doing as trying to launch your kayak to leave the cave is pretty intimidating. The beach is steep and the waves are super powerful so you feel a bit like you’re doing to get sucked under (and I say that as someone with coastal kayaking experience!).
On a calm day, I’m sure it’s super relaxing!
From Carvoeiro, you can hire a boat to the caves and if you want to kayak, you’re best off hiring from one of the companies in Benagil itself which is a short drive away and one of the best places to visit near Carvoeiro Portugal.
Read more: Check out the best kayaking tours in Lagos here
Visit Alfanzina lighthouse
The Alfanzina lighthouse is a beautiful spot to visit that you’ll come across if you decide to walk the 7-Hanging Valleys Trail.
It’s perched on top of a cliff and was built in 1920. If you time your visit for a Wednesday between 2 pm and 5 pm you can even go inside which is well worth doing.
If not, then I recommend taking a walk on the trails alongside the lighthouse so you can watch the fishermen and enjoy some ocean views.
Relax on Carvoeiro beach (Praia de Carvoeiro)
Carvoeiro’s beach is the main attraction of the town and is surrounded by tall limestone cliffs on both sides. It’s a crescent-shaped beach with soft golden sand and a stunning view of the cliffs and terracotta-tiled white houses.
Like many other places in the Algarve, spending time on the beach is one of the best things to do in Carvoeiro. It’s also super easy to mix a beach day with visiting the town since it’s right in the town itself.
There are lifeguards here from mid-May to mid-October making it safer for swimming and plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby to grab lunch or a drink.
Carvoeiro Beach can get quite crowded in the summer, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to find parking and a nice spot on the sand to relax.
Explore some of the best beaches near Caroveiro
Carvoeiro is home to some of the best beachs in the Algarve which you can visit on a day trip to Carvoeiro.
Some of my favourites were the following which are all a short drive or walk from Carvoeiro town.
Praia do Paradiso
Praia do Paradiso is a beautiful beach near Carvoeiro which is more secluded than the other beaches on this list.
You’ll want down a long staircase to get to it and then you’ll arrive at some beautiful turquoise waters.
Try and visit at low tide as that’s where there’s more sand for relaxing on, but even at high tide, it’s worth walking down the stairs for the views of this beautiful beach.
Praia do Vale de Centeanes
Praia do Vale de Centeanes is a popular beach known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Its wide sandy shoreline provides plenty of space for sunbathing and relaxing.
There are also some facilities here including toilets and some beachside bars so it’s the perfect place to pitch up for the day.
Praia de Vale Covo
Praia de Vale Covo is a small beach located close to Carvoeiro. It has some amazing nearby rock formations that give it a super cool backdrop.
This beach is also known for its turquoise waters, making it an excellent spot for swimming and snorkelling.
Marinha Beach
Marinha Beach in the Algarve is another beach near Carvoeiro which is a must-visit. This beach has been nominated as one of the most stunning in Europe multiple times, and it’s easy to see why. With its golden sand, towering cliffs, and impressive sea stacks, Marinha Beach is absolutely beautiful.
If you’re up for a walk, you can even reach it by following the 7 Hanging Valleys Trail (more below). Otherwise, it’s just a 15-minute drive from Caroveiro.
When you arrive, you’ll find parking available at the top, as well as a restaurant and restroom facilities on the beach.
For the best views of the beach, I recommend taking a short walk towards the west along the cliff tops!
Explore Fort of Our Lady of the Incarnation
Perched atop the hill, offering a captivating view of Carvoeiro beach, you’ll find the remnants of the Fort of Our Lady of the Incarnation. This Nossa Senhora Fortress was constructed in the early 1670s to safeguard the small fishing village from pirate invasions
In the early 1800s, it was rebuilt to its current form, with only the walls of the military building remaining from the original fortress.
Though it has a fancy name, the fort isn’t really that much to look at and you wouldn’t even necessarily realise it was a fort.
Wander through Carvoeiro town
Stroll through the streets of Carvoeiro town and soak in its charm. The streets are lined with picturesque white-washed buildings and cute Carvoeiro shops from those focused on home decor to ceramics and more.
You’ll also find loads of great restaurants, bars, cafes, and ice cream parlours and plenty of places to enjoy a Portuguese beer while enjoying the ambience of terrace bars.
Some of my favourites from our trips to Carvoeiro were Levels, Pani Indian restaurant, Earth Shop & Cafe and Organic just north of the town.
In June the town hosts the Black & White Night festival in Carvoerio where you’ll be able to watch dance and live music all for free! Just remember to wear black or white to look the part.
Go scuba diving in Carvoeiro
Discover the underwater wonders of Carvoeiro with Diver’s Cove, a gerat local diving company.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, their professional instructors will provide all the safety gear and training you need to explore the underwater world on the Algare.
Walk the Traill of the Headlands
While spending your entire trip relaxing on the stunning beaches of the Algarve is perfectly fine if you’re looking for more activity, then check out the Trail of the Headlands which is a cliff walk from Carvoeiro to Ferragudo.
This 13km/8 mile round trip is where you’ll see some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Algarve. You’ll come across hidden beaches, valleys, and impressive sea stacks and rock formations along the way.
The trail is an out-and-back route, meaning you can turn back whenever you feel like it instead of completing the entire distance. It’s one of the best activities in Carvoeiro!
AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.
Go dolphin watching
Enjoy a fantastic experience by going dolphin watching in Carvoeiro.
While there’s no guarantee of spotting dolphins since they are wild animals, most days you can catch a glimpse of them. The tour guides know the best spots to look for dolphins which increases your chances of getting to see them.
Even if you don’t see dolphins, don’t worry! Taking one of these boat tours is still great and you’ll get to explore more of the coastline.
This one leaves from Portimão which isn’t far away from Carvoeiro.
Book your dolphin watching tour here.
Check out the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Sete Vales)
Another good walk along the cliffs near Carvoeiro is The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail which is 1 km from the above Carvoeiro cliff walk on the boardwalk or you can drive to either end of the trail and start from there.
The trail can be walked from either direction and is one of the best Carvoeiro hiking routes (and in the whole of The Algarve!)
I started from Marinha Beach where there’s a fairly large car park (though it was full when I finished my return hike around 10 am), but you could also start from Praia do Vale Centianes which is closer to Carvoeiro.
The trail is a 10 km return trip but there’s not a huge amount of elevation besides some staircases to navigate. I think the best views are from Praia do Marinha, so recommend making sure you do that section.
If you don’t want to think about trail navigation and want to learn more about what you’re seeing, this guided tour of the Seven Hanging Valleys hike is a great option.
Take a trip to the slide and splash park in Lagoa
For a day filled with fun and excitement, head to the Slide and Splash Park in Lagoa which is a short drive from Carvoeiro.
This is one of the best things to do in the Algarve with kids as it’s full of different water slides, pools and other fun attractions.
It gets busy in the summer so it’s a good idea to book your tickets online here.
Visit Sand City in the Algarve
Sand City is a unique attraction in the Algarve that showcases incredible sand sculptures created by skilled artists from around the world.
This outdoor sand sculpture exhibition is pretty cool and features loads of sand sculptures that are super impressive when you consider the detail that’s gone into them.
The sculptures include famous landmarks and mythical creatures and it’s a great thing to do with kids.
Go wine tasting near Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro and the surrounding area are known for making excellent wines. Going on an Algarve wine tasting trip is a great way to discover what this wine-growing region has to offer and there are several vineyards near Carvoeiro that are worth checking out.
This wine tasting trip in Lagoa, just outside of Carvoeiro, takes place at Morgado do Quintão vineyard estate.
During the tour, you’ll learn about the indigenous grape varieties which grow there, have the chance to try wine under a 2,000-year-old olive tree, and visit the main house of the property.
The trip includes 3-4 glasses of wine, making it one of the most fun things to do near Carvoeiro Portugal.
Book your wine-tasting trip near Carvoeiro.
Where to stay in Carvoeiro
If you want to base yourself in Carvoeiro, which is a pretty good place since it’s so close to other towns and things to do in the Algarve, here are some of the best places to stay.
- $ Budget-friendly: O Quintal Guesthouse OR ‘My Guesthouse‘ in Portimão
- $$ Mid-range: Quinta das Andorinhas OR Villa Welwitshia
- $$$ Luxury: Monte Santo Resort
FAQs about what to do in Carvoeiro Portugal
Is Carvoeiro Portugal worth visiting?
Yes, Carvoeiro is definitely worth visiting. It offers beautiful beaches an amazing coastline and cute town vibes with plenty of things to do.
Should I stay in Carvoeiro Portugal?
Staying in Carvoeiro can be a great choice, especially if you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic coastal getaway. There are hotels, resorts and guesthouses so you can pick depending on your budget.
What is Carvoeiro known for?
Carvoeiro is known for its picturesque beaches and impressive cliff formations. It’s also popular for its coastal walks, watersports and for being close to the Benagil Caves.
Which is better Lagos or Carvoeiro?
Both Lagos and Carvoeiro have their own unique charm. Lagos is known for its vibrant nightlife, historical sites, and larger beaches, while Carvoeiro offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with beautiful cliff-lined beaches and a cute town centre.
Final thoughts about visiting Carvoeiro Algarve Portugal
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
