Carvoeiro: the village between cliffs and the way to Algar Seco
Carvoeiro began as a small fishing village tucked into a bay between cliffs, and it still has that scale, even as it has grown into a holiday destination. It is a good base for exploring the better-known beaches of the Lagoa municipality.
The village and the beach
Carvoeiro beach sits right at the foot of the village, surrounded by white houses and terraces at different levels of the slope. It is a small beach, busier in summer, but the village feel remains in the narrow streets climbing up from the sand.
Algar Seco
A few minutes on foot or by car, Algar Seco is an area of rock carved by the sea, with boardwalks and viewpoints over unusual formations, including a cave with a hole at the top known as “Boneca”. It is one of the easiest and most rewarding walks in the area.
Neighbouring beaches
Lagoa is also the municipality of Praia da Marinha, Praia de Benagil and Praia do Carvalho, all a short drive from Carvoeiro. Many boat trips leaving from Carvoeiro pass by these beaches and their caves.
Food in the area
As you would expect in a former fishing village, grilled fish and seafood remain the backbone of Carvoeiro’s dining, often served on terraces overlooking the bay.
Getting there and parking
Carvoeiro is about 15 minutes by car from Portimão and Lagoa. Parking by the beach is limited and fills up fast in summer; there are car parks a little further out, with a short walk to the centre.
Best time to visit
Outside summer, Carvoeiro keeps its village feel without the traffic and parking queues that build up in the hotter months. Spring is also a good time to walk around Algar Seco without excessive heat.
Where to stay and what to book
Carvoeiro has mostly small-scale accommodation, near the beach or on the hills around it. To find accommodation and experiences in the region, such as boat trips to the caves, visit Algarve Férias, and to see the ratings of homes and experiences, Algarve Reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Is Algar Seco easy to reach? Yes, it has well-signposted boardwalks and steps, reachable on foot from a small car park.
Can you visit Benagil from Carvoeiro without a car? Yes, many boat trips leave from Carvoeiro and pass by Benagil cave, without needing to drive there.
Videos from our channel
The Algarve Video channel has filmed this place. Watch it here:
