Is Carvoeiro Worth Visiting For A Day? (+ Best Things To Do)

If you’re on holiday in the Algarve & are interested in exploring some of the coastal towns, we highly recommend putting Carvoeiro on your list.

We’ve been a few times & we really think it’s worth the drive!

In this post I’ll share some of the things we’ve seen & done whilst in Carvoeiro which will hopefully inspire your visit!

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In This Post

How To Get To Carvoeiro, Portugal

Carvoeiro on the Algarve coast is located HERE, about halfway in between Lagos & Albufeira.

If you’re coming from either of those main resorts, the easiest & quickest way to get there is going to be by car. It takes about 40-ish minutes!

The last few times we’ve been to Portugal, we have hired a car through the comparison site Discover Cars. They basically compare all the local car companies to find the best deal & cheapest price!

We like having a car as it means we have the freedom to explore lots of different places at our own leisure – so highly recommend it!

Read our post about hiring a car in the Algarve/Faro Airport for more info! 🚗

What To Do In Carvoeiro, Portugal

1. Wander Through The Town

Carvoeiro is a very picturesque place & has a very old coastal town look & feel about it.

There’s plenty of little boutique shops to look into or pick up souvenirs for friends & family at home.

I’m obsessed with taking photos of colourful houses & doorways, so if you’re the same as me then get your camera at the ready! 😂

It can get busy especially in the summer months, so we do recommend heading there as early as you can if you want peace & quiet to walk about.

A picturesque, narrow cobblestone street curves through whitewashed buildings under a bright blue sky, with a pedestrian walking.

Colorful blue and white architecture lines a narrow street under a clear sky, with a street sign reading "Rua do Casino."

2. Head Down To Praia Paraiso

If you love a secluded beach, surrounded by those beautiful signature Algarve cliffs – you’ll definitely enjoy seeing Praia do Paraiso.

There are some quite steep steps (& a dubious boardwalk at the end) to get down to this beach but we thought it was worth it!

If the tide is out you could relax on the sand for a while or if you just want to pop down to take some nice photos like we did it’s a really scenic spot!

A man stands on a sandy beach, gazing at the calm sea and rocky cliffs under a clear blue sky.

A woman gazes at the ocean waves from a railing, with rocky cliffs and a clear blue sky in the background.

A picturesque beach scene featuring a steep cliff and a vibrant blue sky, highlighting the coastal landscape.

A man in a white t-shirt stands on a cliff, gazing out at the vast ocean below him.

3. Relax At Praia de Carvoeiro

This is the main sandy beach in the town & the perfect place to chill out for the day or take a dip in the sea.

It’s next to all the main bars & restaurants so you won’t have to go far to get something for your lunch either!

A sandy beach with wooden stairs leading down to the calm water, framed by gentle waves and a clear blue sky

A colorful painted sign displaying the phrase "praia do carvieiro" in bold letters against a rustic background.

A scenic beach featuring a few buildings and a prominent cliff in the background under a clear blue sky.

4. Stroll Along The Boardwalk

Probably one of our favourite things to do in Carvoeiro is walk the boardwalk, which starts here.

It’s really beautiful looking out to the ocean & there are a few seats en route to stop at & enjoy the views.

There are also areas where you can actually climb down onto the cliff edges to explore & get closer to the sea.

A rugged cliff with a shadowy cave opening at its base, framed by jagged rocks and minimal greenery.

5. Climb down to Miradouro da Falésia

About halfway along our stroll on the boardwalk we climbed the stairs down to Miradouro da Falésia do Carvoeiro which was really cool & such a great photo spot!

Just make sure you’re wearing a pair of trainers if you plan on going down onto the cliffs as it can get quite slippy lol!

If you go to the very end of the boardwalk you’ll also find the Algar Seco Rocks, Algar de Boneca & the tidal pool. At the time we were just really warm & needed some lunch but it’s on our list for next time!

A woman wearing a white dress strolls near a cliff, overlooking the expansive ocean waves beneath her.

Rocky cliffside with multiple holes and ledges, featuring the unique formations of the Algar Seco rocks, a few people climbing or exploring under a clear blue sky.

A person in light clothing walks up stone steps between high, rough earthen walls in Carvoeiro, heading toward an opening with blue sky and clouds visible above.

6. Enjoy The Views At Alto da Praia do Carvoeiro

If there’s one thing about us, it’s that we’re always in search of a good viewpoint!

If you’re the same, then head up to Alto da Praia do Carvoeiro, situated at the very top of the street next to the main beach.

The views over Carvoeiro are just spectacular from up here!

It’s a brilliant spot for taking photos or just to take a moment to chill before you set off walking again.

A woman gazes at a lively beach scene below, framed by white-washed buildings under a bright blue sky.

A blue and white sign depicting a beach scene with a cliff in the background.

THANKS FOR READING! ☀️

Thank you so much for reading this post about the best things to do in Carvoeiro, Portugal.

We really do think Carvoeiro is worth visiting, especially if you have a car & want to explore the Algarve Coast!

Let me know if this post was helpful, & if you are planning to visit Portugal soon we would love to know!

OTHER POSTS ABOUT PORTUGAL YOU MIGHT LIKE:
– Albufeira Marina : A Quick Guide To Visiting
– Praia Da Vigia, Albufeira: How To Find This Secret Beach
– How To Spend One Day In Silves, Portugal
– Is It Worth Renting A Car in The Algarve
– How To Get To Praia dos Arrifes Beach
– Vale de Parra, Portugal: All You Need To Know

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Is Carvoeiro Worth Visiting For A Day? (+ 6 Best Things To Do)

How To Get To Carvoeiro, Portugal