Carvoeiro

Travel Guide

Marinha Beach which includes rocky coastline and general coastal views
Benagil Beach which includes general coastal views, a beach and rugged coastline
Benagil Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach as well as a small group of people
Benagil Beach showing rugged coastline
Marinha Beach which includes rugged coastline, general coastal views and a sandy beach

This fishing village turned vacation resort presents a lovely scene of whitewashed houses centered around a picturesque sandy bay that’s ideal for sunbathing, swimming and watersports. 

While much of Portugal’s premier tourist region, the Algarve, has been heavily developed to accommodate tourists, the small, low-rise village of Carvoeiro has managed to retain its old-world character. Lounge on the small beach, embark on challenging hikes along coastal trails and enjoy meals at clifftop restaurants overlooking the coast.

Historically, Carvoeiro was a fishing community with most of the locals earning a living by catching tuna. The peaceful little settlement has had a relatively uneventful past, except for one major occurrence: In 1554, a naval battle took place in the bay here between a Portuguese fleet and a Turkish privateer.

Life in this town revolves around Praia do Carvoeiro (Carvoeiro Beach), a small strip of sand around which cliffs rise, providing shelter. Lay out on the golden sand, cool off during a swim in the sea or rent Jet Skis or a paddleboat and venture out onto the water. On the surrounding slopes there are restaurants and bars with views of the beach.

Follow hiking trails along the coastal cliffs near Carvoeiro. Look for the ruins of the 17th-century Fort of Senhora da Conceição and the still-working Lighthouse of Cabo Carvoeiro, which stands on a bluff overlooking the coast.

Rent a kayak and paddle around the coast, looking for holes in the cliffs. These holes, known as “algares,” are the result of erosion.

Carvoeiro makes a great base for exploring the Algarve. Families may want to spend a day at the nearby Slide and Splash waterpark at Lagoa. Also worthy of a daytrip is the town of Silves, which has a Moorish castle. The town is just a 30-minute drive from Caroveiro.

Find Carvoeiro on Portugal’s Algarve coast, just east of Portimão. To get here, fly into Faro Airport and then drive or arrange for a transfer to take you 40 miles (65 kilometers) west to Carvoeiro.

The village is compact and easy to traverse on foot, but if you want to visit other regional attractions or are staying in the hills outside town, having a car will make it easier to get around.

Where to stay in Carvoeiro

This is the entrance to the Benagil caves, some of the most beautiful nature landscapes in Algarve.

Benagil

If you're spending some time in Benagil, Carvalho Beach and Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos are top sights worth seeing.

Benagil
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Areias Dos Moinhos

Though Areias Dos Moinhos might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Vale Centeanes Beach and Carvoeiro Beach.

Areias Dos Moinhos
Tivoli Carvoeiro

Tivoli Carvoeiro

5 out of 5
Apartado 1299, Vale Do Covo, Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa
The price is ¥35,548 per night from Oct 14 to Oct 15
¥35,548
¥38,380 total
Oct 14 - Oct 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,018 reviews)
"This hotel is located next boardwalk with beatiful view. Walking distant to villege. 4 restaurants within the hotel are very good. The staff are very friendly and hospitality."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025

Tivoli Carvoeiro
Mirachoro Carvoeiro

Mirachoro Carvoeiro

4 out of 5
Estrada do Farol, Apartado 1232, Lagoa
The price is ¥15,060 per night from Oct 20 to Oct 21
¥15,060
¥16,662 total
Oct 20 - Oct 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (350 reviews)
"Lobby modern and clean. Giselle???the guest service staff very friendly and helpful. Pool area was wonderful but should be heated. Breakfast had a large selection of hot and cold food. Fresh fruit too!! Rooms need refurbishing but linen and toiletries were above average. Could use bottled water, ..."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2025

Mirachoro Carvoeiro
Monte Santo Resort

Monte Santo Resort

5 out of 5
Monte Santo Aldeamento Turistico, Rua Joao Paulo II, Lagoa
The price is ¥20,973 per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
¥20,973
¥22,930 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (470 reviews)
Great find
"Lovely chilled resort. We walked a lot, there’s a lot of hills nearby so be prepared for that. Otherwise taxis are very cheap"

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2025

Monte Santo Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pestana Palm Gardens

Pestana Palm Gardens

4 out of 5
Vale De Centeanes, Lagoa
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Carvoeiro Beach and Benagil Beach ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (318 reviews)
"Excelente lugar para estar uno o varios dias."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Pestana Palm Gardens
Placid Village

Placid Village

4 out of 5
Sitio Dos Moinhos, Lagoa
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Lagoa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (243 reviews)
"Wonderful stay. My family stayed 5 nights in a two bedroom apartment. Short drive to beautiful beaches, short walk to town, but very quiet surrounding the hotel. Plentiful parking at the hotel. Washing machine in the apartment was VERY convenient as we were on a longer trip (you'll need to supply ..."

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

Placid Village
Colina Village

Colina Village

3 out of 5
Poco Partido, Lagoa
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free parking, room service, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Carvoeiro Beach and Benagil ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (104 reviews)
"Friendly personnel. Can’t wait to stay again!"

Reviewed on May 22, 2025

Colina Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Carvoeiro

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
26
5 - Excellent 81%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 16%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The rooms as they are currently pictured in Expedia are not an accurate representation.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Simply beautiful place. We will visit again.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Breathtaking views of the sea. One of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever been to! Loved the small town with restaurants, bars and shopping.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great location. Easy to travel to albufeira, alvor, and lagos. Tivoli Hotel was an amazing place to stay. Lots of food and shops in Carveiro and the views and beaches are lovely.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Would visit again. The ambiance was superb.

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