Guide to what to do in Carvoeiro, Portugal, including nightlife, day trips, best beaches and top things to do in Carvoeiro for families
Are you looking for a holiday destination in the Algarve that combines relaxation and adventure? The beautiful coastal town of Carvoeiro is the ideal choice.
This former fishing village that has turned into a resort town offers enchanting experiences to its visitors. There are plenty of things to do in Carvoeiro for travelers of all ages.
Its golden sandy beaches and dramatic scenery make it a perfect destination for nature lovers. Adventurers are offered thrilling water sports amidst gorgeous views.
Let’s take a look at the best things to do in Carvoeiro to have an unforgettable stay as you travel Portugal.
Psssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Portugal? Have a look at my other posts:
- Where to Stay in Algarve [12 Top Areas]
- Best Day Trips from Lagos, Portugal
- Amazing 5-Star Hotels in Algarve, Portugal
You, dear reader, support this blog. When you purchase through a link, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
Top resources to travel Algarve, Portugal
⚘ Avoid tourist traps with the customizable “Algarve Like a Local” itinerary. – Buy here for less than 10€
✈ Book flights to Algarve with Skyscanner
✔ Book tours in Algarve with GetYourGuide
➳ Find the best hotels in Algarve with Trivago
❖ Rent a car with the best discounts at Discover Cars
✎ Never leave without travel insurance. I got mine at HeyMondo. It is cheap and easy to set up.$ Withdraw money without hidden fees and avoid exchange rates with Wise (you’ll get a free card on top!)
Overview: Top 5 Things to do in Carvoeiro
- Hike along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
- Take a stroll along Carvoeiro Boardwalk
- Enjoy a Wine Tasting tour
- Play Golf
- Go on a Dolphin-Watching Tour
1. Take a stroll along Carvoeiro Boardwalk
Carvoeiro boardwalk offers an incredible opportunity to immerse in the beauty of nature as it connects Nossa Senhora da Encarnação Fort to the gorgeous Algar Seco.
The wooden walkway passes along the cliff tops and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. A leisurely stroll along this boardwalk is one of the best things to do in Carvoeiro for families.
The path spans 570m and has railings on both sides and the walk can be completed in 10 minutes, but the serene views will keep you hooked for hours.
This short, accessible, and easy clifftop walk is the safest way to explore the magnificent coastline.
Book the best tours around Carvoeiro
2. Explore Algar Seco
Algar Seco is an enchanting destination to explore the magic of nature and this splendid attraction is famous for its unique rock formations, caves, and cliffs.
The most popular spot here is the natural rock formation named A Boneca because it resembles the eyes of a doll and offers breathtaking views of crystal-clear waters through it.
A Boneca is an immensely sought-after destination for clicking magnificent pictures.
Cliff waking at Algar Seco is one of the most thrilling things to do in Carvoeiro, Algarve.
You will also find one of the best restaurants in Carvoeiro on the cliffs of Algar Seco, and an A Boneca restaurant is a fantastic spot to enjoy a drink as you marvel at the mesmerizing sunset.
Buy the Ultimate Algarve Itinerary
3. Relax on the beaches
Carvoeiro’s breathtaking beaches create the perfect setting for a relaxing escape. It is one of the best places in Algarve to unwind on the golden sandy beaches.
The most popular beach here is the Praia de Carvoeiro. The restaurants and amenities nearby make it a convenient destination for your family holidays to Carvoeiro.
It gets a little crowded during the summer, so I suggest visiting here in the off-season.
Praia do vale de Centeanes is a brilliant choice for those seeking peaceful beach time. You can take a 30-minute scenic walk from Carvoeiro town center to reach this lovely beach.
Spend your time admiring the magical sunsets and enjoy the gentle ocean breeze.
If you are in for a visual treat, you can also visit the Praia do Carvalho will amaze you. You can reach this hidden gem surrounded by high cliffs through a tunnel.
Book the best tours around Carvoeiro
4. Play Golf
Playing golf in Carvoeiro is an ethereal experience owing to its beautiful landscape. The region has fantastic golf courses with large contoured greens, trees, and lakes.
The stunning 9-hole course, Vale de Milho offers a delightful experience for all skill levels. This well-maintained golf course overlooks the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean.
Enjoying golf here is one of the most fun things to do in Carvoeiro all year round. You can even take lessons from professionals to improve your game.
It’s one of the best things to do in Algarve in April.
Other popular golf courses near Carvoeiro are Gramacho and the Vale da Pinta. Both are beautiful 18-hole courses located within the Pestana Gramacho residences.
Golf enthusiasts will have an excellent time here with the challenging layout.
Book the best holiday rentals in the Algarve
5. Take a boat trip to Benagil Caves
A Boat trip is one of the top things to do in Carvoeiro to explore the sea caves. The most popular boat trips from Carvoeiro are to the iconic Benagil Caves.
This postcard-perfect destination consists of a natural rock formation with an opening in the ceiling. The sun rays entering through the hole and the crystal-clear waters make it a dreamy sight.
The boats will take you inside the cave, but only for a limited time, so if you know how to sail yourself, you can also visit on your own.
Make sure to book any Carvoeiro boat trips during the early morning hours to avoid crowds as it’s one of the most popular things to do in Algarve.
If you wish to explore less touristy places, there are plenty of other sea caves nearby. I recommend opting for smaller boats that can get into other beautiful caves along the coastline.
Book the best tours to Benagil Caves
6. Go on a Dolphin-Watching Tour
Watching dolphins in their natural habitat promises an exciting experience. Carvoeira offers many boat tours designed specifically to let you spot playful dolphins.
You could also see them swimming alongside your boat if you get lucky enough. The experienced guides will make the journey rewarding by sharing more facts about these fascinating creatures.
Along the way, you will get to admire the beautiful rock formations, grottos, and caves. It is one of the best activities in Carvoeiro to connect with nature.
Some boats even stop at stunning locations to take a refreshing dip in the water.
Book the best dolphin watching tours in the Algarve
7. Have fun at the Slide and Splash Water Park
Spending your day at the Slide and Splash Water Park is one of the top things to do near Carvoeiro. The park is popular among visitors of all ages for its thrilling slides and activities.
Its slides like the Big Fall, Kamikaze, and Black Hole are sure to give you an adrenaline rush. There are also dedicated areas with swimming pools for children.
The park offers opportunities for relaxation with spa services, massages, and areas with sun loungers. You can also enjoy delicious cuisines at its many wonderful food outlets.
Use the photography services here to cherish your family holidays in Carvoeiro forever.
It’s best to take a taxi from Carvoeiro to reach the park as it takes only 10 minutes.
Book the best holiday rentals in Carvoeiro
8. Hike along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
The scenic trails make hiking one of the best things to do in Carvoeiro Algarve, Portugal.
The most impressive one is the Seven Hanging Valleys trail with spectacular views of nature.
Along the way, you’ll admire the breathtaking sights of the ocean, sandy beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs.
There are many stunning lookout points including one to peek into the Benagil caves from above.
The total one-way distance of this well-marked route is 6km. It also gives you great opportunities to swim on the beautiful beaches in Carvoeiro.
The lovely weather makes this trail popular for hiking in Algarve throughout the year.
Book the best tours around the Algarve
9. Explore the Carvoeiro Town Center
Wandering through the Carvoeiro town center is the perfect way to soak up the holiday vibes. The white-washed buildings here have kept alive the traditional Portuguese charm.
The town center has plenty of adorable cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlors to enjoy with your family.
It also has some of the best bars in Carvoeiro for sipping delicious cocktails and grooving to music.
You must add visiting the popular Sky Bar on your Carvoeiro things to do list. This phenomenal bar with a rooftop setting allows you to enjoy stunning views as you have your favorite drink.
If you are in the mood for shopping, you’ll find many quaint shops here.
The center also hosts a black-and-white night festival to mark the beginning of summer with great zeal. It is usually held in June and visitors gather here wearing black and white outfits.
You’ll find some of the best hotels in Algarve in Carvoeiro to ensure an unforgettable stay!
Book the best holiday rentals in Carvoeiro
10. Scuba Diving
The crystal-clear water and the abundant marine life make scuba diving one of the best Carvoeiro activities.
The region offers excellent opportunities for beginners and experienced divers to discover the magical underwater world.
You can visit a dive center like Diver’s Cove for an unforgettable experience with your family. They offer diving courses to help you get familiar with the skills required on your exploration trip.
They take special care of the needs and safety of children to ensure a fun-filled adventure.
The experienced guides here will take you along the most impressive dive locations.
Certified divers will have a remarkable experience with plenty of fantastic choices. The options range from boat dives, shore dives, and night dives, to cave dives and more.
Book the best water sports in the Algarve
11. Embark on Kayak and SUP tours
When it comes to adventurous things to do, Carvoeiro has some great options to offer.
A kayak tour is an incredible way to experience the region’s unparalleled beauty. These tours take you to places that can only be reached through water.
Glide through the pristine waters to explore hidden caves and secluded beaches.
Standup paddleboarding to Benagil caves also ranks among the exciting things to do in Carvoeiro. Paddle along the coastline to take in the serene views of the cliffs.
It’s always wise to book a tour where a guide will accompany you. Before you start, you can take lessons from certified instructors to get comfortable with paddling.
I recommend booking a tour as they provide all the necessary equipment and even click photographs.
Book the best water sports in the Algarve
12. Enjoy a Wine Tasting tour
A wine-tasting tour is one of the top things to do around Carvoeiro, Portugal. The popular Quinta dos Vales wine estate is just a short drive away from Carvoeiro.
They let you enjoy solo wine tastings that don’t require prior reservation. Enjoy beautiful views of the vineyards from the terrace as you sip on the delicious wine.
Its marvelous garden filled with adorable sculptures is excellent for taking a stroll.
You can also book a guided tour of the winery to learn the secrets of wine production. They also host many exciting wine-related workshops to enjoy here.
Morgado do Quintão is another popular vineyard estate for a rewarding experience. It takes only a 15-minute drive from Carvoeiro to reach this stunning destination.
Book the best wine tours in Algarve
13. Have fun at the Zoomarine Park
If you are seeking entertaining things to do, Carvoeiro, Portugal has great options nearby. You can head to Zoomarine theme park for an exciting day with friends and family.
It is around 20 km from Carvoeiro, and you can reach here by taxi or bus.
With water slides, a wave beach, pools, and games, this park promises a thrilling day of water fun.
It also features zoological attractions like butterfly gardens, aquariums, tropical bird-watching options, and more.
Looking for fun things to do in Carvoeiro with your kids? This park offers you the best options. You can take a ride on the family train, merry-go-round, and mini roller coaster with your little ones.
Buy the Ultimate Algarve Itinerary
14. Relish traditional Portuguese cuisines
Carvoeiro is an excellent destination to savor traditional Portuguese cuisine. There are many restaurants here that honor the town’s identity of being a former fishing village.
They serve fresh catch of the day and seafood dishes to pamper your taste buds.
For tasting authentic Portuguese dishes, I suggest visiting Jota Lita. This family-run restaurant is one of the best places in Carvoeiro to have the renowned Cataplana.
They also serve delicious cocktails and wines to enhance your dining experience.
Taste is another popular restaurant for having flavourful Portuguese dishes. You can also visit bars with a DJ and live music to enjoy the lovely Carvoeiro nightlife.
Book the best food tours in Algarve
15. Take a day trip to nearby towns
Discover Carvoeiro and its neighboring towns at your own pace by renting a car. A scenic drive along the coast is one of the most impressive things to do in Carvoeiro.
You can also take a day trip to the historic town of Silves or the beautiful Ferragudo.
It’s the most convenient way to explore some of the major attractions of the Algarve. Browse the local shops, explore dining options, and wander the cobbled streets for a unique experience.
Praia da Rocha is another popular destination for a day trip from Carvoeiro.
Book the best tours around the Algarve
The beautiful Carvoeiro awaits you with new adventures and experiences. Whether it is admiring nature or jumping into the water, it has everything to impress you.
I am sure that the incredible things to do in Carvoeiro will inspire you to add this destination to your bucket list. Explore this coastal paradise and create memories for a lifetime.
FAQs About Things to do in Carvoeiro
Is Carvoeiro Portugal worth visiting?
Carvoeiro is definitely worth visiting. This coastal town has lots of wonderful activities and attractions to enjoy year-round and also makes a great base in the Algarve.
What is Carvoeiro known for?
Carvoeiro is mostly known for its amazing boardwalk and the unique rock formations along its breathtaking coast.
Is Carvoeiro good for couples?
Yes, Carvoeiro is a very romantic city. Couples can especially enjoy beautiful sunsets and beach walks.
Before You Go: Top Tips for your Trip
- You’ll snap tons of photos and I love to take my GoPro in order to shoot even in extreme situations.
- Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and hiking sandals when traveling to warm countries. Consider trying some of these eco-friendly vegan hiking boots.
- Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my eco-friendly sunscreen by Thinksport.
- I always carry a light rain jacket, just in case. Pack smart with these organic cotton clothing companies.
- Be environmentally friendly and get one of these awesome backpacks made from recycled materials.
- Get in the mindset with these amazing wilderness survival books.
- Travel insurance is essential! If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel is protected against all odds with HeyMondo.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
Kayla
Tuesday 5th of December 2023
You research so well, what a great piece! 👏
Paulina
Monday 18th of December 2023
thank you Kayla. I hope you enjoy your trip!