Many guests choose Carvoeiro purely for a relaxed beach holiday, but there is a surprising amount going on within the area, including historic towns, superb golf courses, exciting boat tours, challenging hiking and cycling trails and the thrill of the Algarve’s theme and water parks.
The Algar Seco cliff formation and the Carvoeiro boardwalk are so attractive. The beach is wonderful. The rear is lined by traditional fishing houses which have mostly been converted into tourist restaurants and bars. The beaches on this part of the coast differ from those from Albufeira to Quarteira as they are generally not huge expanses of sand. They are small coves surrounded by cliffs so are immensely more scenic. For scenery, the Praia da Marinha at the end of the Seven Valleys hiking route is probably the best.
Carvoeiro is the start of the ‘Percuso dos Sete Vales Suspensos’ (Seven Hanging Valleys hiking route). It is an 11.5km round trip following the dramatic coastline to Praia da Marinha in the east. The coastline is formed of massive limestone cliffs that have been eroded to create deep-sea caves, perilous sinkholes and incredible sea arches. Secluded beaches are sheltered from the power of the ocean in the hanging valleys. Quite a number can only be reached by boat as the cliffs are sheer. Benagil is approximately halfway. You must take your camera if you go on the hike!
Benagil Cave is a huge attraction. It is stunning and can be accessed on boat trips or by kayak. You will be amazed at the size of it. Some people even take a stand-up paddleboard to see it, a water sport that is incredibly popular on the Algarve.
There are several stunning and challenging golf courses close by, including Vale de Milho Golf 2.5 km from the villa and Pestana Gramacho Golf 4.5 km away. Faro airport is 62km away.