Carvoeiro began as a fishing village and after being discovered as one of the most beautiful villages in the Algarve tourism has boomed. However the village has maintained its charm and therefore benefits from both a lovely atmosphere and plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Among so many activities it can be hard to choose the best so we have compiled our top 12 recommendations for things to do in Carvoeiro to help you ensure you don’t miss anything!
Spend the day at the beach
Carvoeiro has some of the most beautiful beaches in the region, with cliffs, rocks and caves that add an aura of mysticism to the Algarve coast. No list of the best activities to do in Carvoeiro would be complete without the suggestion to spend a day in one of the wonderful beaches of Carvoeiro such as Praia do Carvoeiro or the nearby Praia de Benagil or Praia da Marinha. Marinha has been voted to be one the 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe and one of the 100 most beautiful in the world so its definitely a must visit on any trip.
Carvoeiro Boardwalk
Carvoeiro’s boardwalk, built on the cliffs surrounding the village, offers a superb view of the Atlantic Ocean and some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Stroll along the pathway and let yourself be amazed by the rock formations and warm colours of the area of Carvoeiro.
Algar Seco Caves
Thousands of tourists visit the caves of Algar Seco every year. It is difficult to describe the stunning beauty which you are confronted with when entering the cave of Benagil (one of the caves of Algar Seco) and when you see for the first time the explosion of colours and the magic beach that exists inside. We strongly recommend that you visit this spectacular place.
Alfanzina Lighthouse
This beautiful lighthouse, now open to the public on Wednesdays between 2:00 pm and 5:00 p.m., was erected on the top of a rocky promontory in the year 1920. In addition to guiding the ships at sea at night, the Alfanzina Lighthouse also allowed local fishermen to catch squids at night because of its artificial light. We advise you to visit the lighthouse during a day of clear sky because of the stunning scenery it provides.
Boat tours
Carvoeiro is known because of its rocks that were eroded during thousands of years by nature which nowadays provide stunning spectacles. Participating in a boat trip is a great way to discover these fantastic natural wonders and also to visit the famous Benagil cave. There are boat trips departing from Carvoeiro beach and also from the nearby towns of Ferragudo and Portimão which also offer a wide range of boat trips).
Black & White Night
Do not miss the opportunity to have fun at this spectacular party during which all participants should dress in black and white. The celebrations are spread between the village of Carvoeiro and the beach and include several dance, music, theatre and circus shows spread out in 9 different scenarios. Entrance is free. Find out more about the Black & White night festival here.
Slide & Splash
The Slide & Splash water park in Lagoa, near Carvoeiro, has a total of 17 attractions and water slides that will provide you with a fun day outdoors. We dare you to experience the Kamikaze, a slide with a dizzying descent from a height of about 20 meters. The park has green spaces ideal for picnics. Make sure you get your Slide&Splash tickets in advance for the best prices and to save queuing on the day.
Kayak & SUP Tours
Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the caves and rocks of the Carvoeiro area, since it gives you the independence to explore what you want at the pace you want allowing you to get up close with this famous coastline. Kayak tours depart from nearby Ferragudo but visitors should be aware that they are often fully booked so booking in advance is recommended. SUP tours to Benagil are also available and these offer another great way to explore the coast.
Surfing
Carvoeiro, along its many beaches, allows you to practice surfing. We highly recommend you try this sport as it is incredibly relaxing. If you can, try it on with friends so you can laugh at each other’s falls. If you need lessons these can be taken at the nearby Portimão surf school.
Golf
Carvoeiro has excellent golf courses overlooking the sea. Enjoy a morning or afternoon playing golf on one of the courses in Carvoeiro and you will find it very difficult to resist falling in love with the Algarve. In Carvoeiro itself you have the 9-hole Par 3 Vale de Milho course, or for a full 18-hole course try the excellent Vale da Pinta or Gramacho courses which are just 5-10 minutes away in Lagoa. There’s also a driving range in case you need some practice.
Dolphin Watching
Dolphin watching boat trips are among the most popular activities in the Algarve because of the large numbers found in this area. These splendid creatures can often be found playing in the waters of the Atlantic, swimming in front of the boat, or jumping and pirouetting. Dolphin watching trips are available from both Ferragudo and Portimão and these boats are high speed which means not only can they quickly find the dolphins but that the journey is guaranteed to be full of adrenaline and fun.
Wine Tasting
Only 10 minutes from Carvoeiro you can find the award winning Quinta dos Vales wine estate which offers regular wine tasting. The popularity of Algarve in continues to grow each year and this is great way to find out why!
