There are a lot of beautiful parts of Portugal to explore, but Carvoeiro really is something special. Carvoeiro is a charming coastal village located in the Algarve region of Portugal. With its stunning beaches, picturesque cliffs and vibrant nightlife, it’s no surprise that Carvoeiro has become a popular destination for travellers. You will find a wide range of holidaymakers enjoying Carvoeiro, ranging from families with young children to groups of friends, older couples and solo backpackers. If you’re planning a weekend trip to Carvoeiro, we’ve put together a recommended itinerary to help you make the most of your time.
Make the Most of Your Time in Carvoeiro
As Carvoeiro has a lot to offer, there are a lot of different itineraries for a weekend in the area. You can certainly tailor the below to your individual likes and dislikes, but this is simply somewhere to start.
Day 1
Morning: Explore the Village
Start your day in Carvoeiro by exploring the village. Take a stroll through the narrow streets and admire the whitewashed buildings and colourful tiles. Make sure to stop by the main square, Largo da Praia, and take in the beautiful view of the beach and cliffs.
Afternoon: Visit Praia do Carvoeiro
After exploring the village, head to Praia do Carvoeiro, the main beach in Carvoeiro. The beach is located in the centre of the village and is surrounded by colourful cliffs. Relax on the golden sand and soak up the sun or take a dip in the crystal clear waters. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby where you can grab a bite to eat.
Evening: Dine by the Sea
For dinner, head to one of the many seafood restaurants in Carvoeiro. Many of the restaurants are located by the sea, offering stunning views of the ocean. Try some of the local specialties, such as grilled sardines or octopus.
Night: Enjoy the Nightlife
Carvoeiro has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Head to one of the bars in the village centre for a drink or dance the night away at one of the clubs.
Day 2
Morning: Visit Praia da Marinha
Start your second day in Carvoeiro by visiting Praia da Marinha, one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. The beach is located about six kilometres east of Carvoeiro and is surrounded by towering cliffs. Take a walk along the cliff tops for stunning views of the beach and ocean or take a dip in the crystal clear waters.
Afternoon: Explore the Caves
After visiting Praia da Marinha, take a boat tour to explore the caves along the coastline. The boat tours depart from Carvoeiro beach and take you on a scenic tour of the caves and rock formations along the coast. This is a great way to see the beauty of the Algarve coastline from a different perspective.
Evening: Visit Benagil Beach
For dinner, head to Benagil Beach, a short drive from Carvoeiro. The beach is known for its impressive sea cave, which you can explore by boat. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning views of the ocean.
Night: Relax and Unwind
After a busy day exploring the coastline, relax and unwind at one of the many bars or cafes in Carvoeiro. Enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail while listening to live music or take a leisurely stroll along the beach.
Day 3
Morning: Visit the Algar Seco
On your final day in Carvoeiro, visit the Algar Seco, a natural park located just a short walk from the village centre. The park is known for its impressive rock formations, sea caves, and stunning views of the ocean. Take a walk along the cliff tops or explore the caves and rock pools.
Afternoon: Relax on the Beach
For your final afternoon in Carvoeiro, head to Praia do Paraíso, a small beach located just a short walk from the village centre. The beach is surrounded by colourful cliffs and is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
Is a Weekend Enough Time in Carvoeiro?
As you can see, there is a lot to see and do in Carvoeiro. Though it’s a relatively small town in the Algarve, compared to the likes of Faro and Villamoura, Carvoeiro isn’t lacking in any way. It’s able to combine a tranquil and peaceful feel, with sights, attractions and activities. You will be able to see a lot of Carvoeiro in a weekend, but it’s unlikely to be enough to truly get the most out of your time in the Algarve. If you go for longer, you will have the chance to explore everything else that the local area has to offer. You could venture to other Algarve tourist spots, or spend time relaxing on the beach and swimming in the pool.
For a lot of people, any time in Carvoeiro is better than no time at all, but a slightly longer trip is probably a better option. Even adding a day or two onto your weekend – perhaps you could take advantage of a bank holiday weekend or take a day off work – would make a big difference. This will allow you to take in everything that Carvoeiro has to offer, without having to rush about or missing out on doing something that you would really love to do.