Carvoeiro is a small fishing village in the municipality of Lagoa, built like an amphitheatre around a bay with a golden sandy beach. White houses tumble down to the sea between the cliffs, and the village has become one of the coast's best-loved resorts while keeping its small scale. Above all it is the ideal base for discovering the Algarve's most spectacular stretch of coast, between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra.
The village and Algar Seco
The centre gathers around the beach, where a few boats are still pulled up, with bars and restaurants. A wooden boardwalk built above the cliffs starts in the village and runs east along the coast, with beautiful views of sea-eroded rocks. About a kilometre away is Algar Seco, a group of rock formations, arches, caves and natural pools reached by a stairway; at sunset the stone turns orange.
Benagil and Praia da Marinha
A few kilometres east, the village of Benagil is famous for its sea cave, the Algar de Benagil, a great domed chamber with a round opening in the roof letting in light onto a small inner beach. It is one of Portugal's most famous images. The cave is reached from the sea on boats from Benagil, Carvoeiro, Portimão and Armação de Pêra, or by kayak or paddleboard; access rules have become stricter to protect the site and ensure safety, so check beforehand and use licensed operators.
Nearby is Praia da Marinha, considered one of Europe's most beautiful beaches, with clear water, rock arches and sea stacks. Between Praia da Marinha and Praia do Vale Centeanes runs the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos), about six kilometres along the clifftops, one of the finest coastal walks in the country.
Lagoa and wine
The municipal seat, Lagoa, is an inland town known for wine: it is home to one of the oldest wine cooperatives in the Algarve, and several local wineries offer tours and tastings. The municipality also includes the charming village of Ferragudo, at the mouth of the Arade, opposite Portimão.
Getting there
Carvoeiro is about ten kilometres from Portimão and Lagoa, linked by bus; to explore the coast a car is best. It is about 45 minutes from Faro airport.