Carvoeiro is a pretty fishing village which remained virtually untouched, despite being at the centre of a swathe of modern villas with verdant gardens and private pools. Carvoeiro still retains its local charm.  The village of Carvoeiro nestles in a dip between two hills, next to a sandy cove. Ringed by Moorish-style buildings and the battlemented remains of former fortifications, the sheltered beach can get very crowded at the height of the season. The coastline in this area is an extremely photogenic mix of golden cliffs, coves, bays and beaches, probably the most spectacular in the Algarve. There are four lovely sandy beaches for swimming or lazing in the sun around Carvoeiro, and other beautiful unspoilt beaches such as Benagil and Marinha, known as one of the loveliest beaches, are also near by.

Details of the near by beaches:

Marinha beach, near Carvoeiro: Plenty of parking in the clifftop carpark, to leave your hire car of Carvoeiro car rental, but it is a tidy step along the coast path and down the steps to the several lovely beaches. Surprisingly there is a snack bar on the beach in summer and a kiosk in the car park. Beautiful stretch of coastline with beautiful cliff walks.

Carvoeiro town beach: A very pretty beach, but this can get very busy in the peak season. Shops and restaurants are handy to pick up your lunch, ices for the children or drinks. There are sun beds and sunshades available in summertime for a modest cost.

Paraiso beach: This usually quiet beach is situated up the hill to the right of the town beach, passing Sulleys Bar and following the road to the right. A parking area, where you can leave your hire car of Carvoeiro car rental overlooks the beach which is reached down quite a few steps so you have to be fit!

Vale do Covo: A small pretty little cove just past the Almonsor Hotel and reached by quite a few steps. Quite small but well worth the steps - explore the little caves eaten away by the ocean. The cliffs are lit up at night and give a romantic view from the Almonsor Hotel bar balcony.

Centianes beach: A lovely beach with plenty of space at low tide - recently extended with some old cliff removed (to make it safe). There's a good fish restaurant O Stop, overlooking the beach, recently been completely rebuilt to modern hygene standards. The beach is approached by a pathway from a small gravel carpark, where you can leave your rental car of Carvoeiro car rental, and there are a few steps leading down onto the beach. Sunbeds & shades

Benagil beach, near Carvoeiro: The fisherman still uses this beach for landing their fish - everyone wanders over to see what is in the catch. There is a little snack bar for fisherman and tourists alike as well as other restaurants up the hill (either side) into the village. But limited parking on the roadside.

Carvalho beach, near Carvoeiro:  Steps again down to this beach and through a tunnel in the rocks. All worthwhile for the lovely sandy sheltered beach when you are there - and interesting walks in the vacinity. Good parking area, to leave your hire car of Carvoeiro car rental, before the climb down.

The Carvoeiro beaches can be enjoyed at any time of the year, including winter, simply by going for a beach or cliff-top stroll.

In summer it is a remarkably vibrant little place, especially as a focal point for winning and dining. Good restaurants abound, for all tastes and pockets and plenty of friendly bars. There are ample shops, a pharmacy, banks, a doctor clinic, butchers, bakers and newsagent, everything you are likely to need. Fresh fish and locally produced fruit and vegetables can be purchased from the market.

Little more than a large village really, Carvoeiro has come a long way since it was discovered by the first visitors in the sixties The village has moved forward with the times and taken growth in its stride without unsightly high rise developments that have spoiled so many of southern Europe’s coastal resort towns. Carvoeiro is just 45 minutes drive, with your rental car of Carvoeiro car rental, from Faro Airport.