The Algarve has so much to offer holidaymakers, our guide below is a great place to start planning your Carvoeiro holiday itinerary. This guide was put together by our friends over at Algarvefun. They have some amazing recommendations and also offer fantastic discounts on a lot of excursions.
Please let us know the hidden gems that you enjoyed on your holiday.
Spend a day at the beach
The extraordinary beaches of Praia do Vau (with safe shores and absolutely no pollution), Praia da Rocha (with a vast amount of sand where kids can easily play sports or build sandcastles),Praia do Carvoeiro (in walking distance from the town of Carvoeiro) and Praia dos Caneiros(with small waves so children can safely swim in the sea) allow for truly amazing days spent between swimming and sunbathing on the towel. Crystal clear waters, a thin golden sand and overall impeccable hygiene conditions which grant most of the beaches a Blue Flag justify why this is one of the most visited areas in the Algarve. Spend a day at the beach with your whole family and enjoy the best the Algarve has to offer.
Visit the Water Slide Park
Slide & Splash is a water park located in the Lagoa area, a few minutes away from Portimão. It is in this water park that there is the terrifying Black Hole, a shoot where all the descent is done in the dark without ever knowing when the next turn is going to be, and the Kamikaze, a slide almost 20m high. There are also many other slides and attractions and even birds, parrots and reptiles shows.
Catamaran Boat Trip from Zona Ribeirinha
Want to discover the beautiful Algarve coastline. Then join a boat trip onboard the Ophelia catamaran and cruise along the western coast of the Algarve. Certainly a great way to spend aday. This trip includes visits to the areas of Benagil and Algar Seco so that you can explorewhere some of the most beautiful caves in the area are located, a barbecue lunch on the beach and time to relax with some snorkelling. On different days the trips are either ‘family days’ or ‘adult days’ ensuring the perfect atmosphere for you and your family.
The Ophelia departs from the Zona Ribeirinha (Riverside Zone) of Portimão which is also a great place to enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants of the area or simply go for a stroll and an ice-cream.
Visit the famous Benagil Caves
A fun trip for the entire family can be a trip to the nearby caves. Visit the stunning caves of Benagil and be enchanted by the Algar de Benagil, a cave long lost in time that looks like it should belong in a fairy tale. In fact, Algar de Benagil is one of the most beautiful natural monuments in the Algarve and is within easy reach of Carvoeiro, Ferragudo, Portimão and Praia da Rocha all of which regular trips departing and lasting 1-2hours depending on the trip you choose making them perfect for kids with shorter attention spans.
There are natural pools and holes, created by the winds and sea water over thousands of years. Spend a stress free and outdoor day exploring the multitude of beaches, caves and cliffs of the western Algarve.
Go Karting at Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve
The Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve, located in Portimão, was opened in 2010 and is currently one of the largest karting tracks in Europe.
The circuit frequently hosts stages of several international and national racing competitions so its great for adults, but don’t worry there are also junior karts and with 2 tracks there is plenty of space of drivers of all ages abilities.
Test your nerves and reflexes behind the wheel of a racing kart in Portimão.
Monichique Jeep Safari
The Jeep Safari tour to the nearby Monchique mountains will give you the chance to explore an off-road Algarve, full of old villages where time seems to have stopped.
Beautiful landscapes, regional architecture and gastronomical flavours await you on this awesome half-day or full-day trip.
You will also have the opportunity to visit an old firewater distillery and to stop at natural viewpoints to take pictures.
Play Crazy Golf at Adventure Golf
Adventure in Alvor, offers a truly amazing crazy golf circuit. Inspired by the age of dinosaurs, these giant creatures adorn and serve as obstacles in different fields.
Adventure Golf’s miniature golf course is a great spot for an evening with the family or a birthday party celebration.
Take a stroll along the Carvoeiro Boardwalk
Walk along the boardwalk of Carvoeiro with your family at the top of the cliffs that surround the village and enjoy a unique view over some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Halfway you will be able to see the caves in the area.
The Algarve sun is hot, so please remember your hats and sunblock
Try the best ice-cream in town
Not too far away from the main Carvoeiro town square, Gelados & Companhia is the place to visit if you want to taste the best home made ice-cream in town.
There are so many delicious flavours to choose from with some dairy free options available. Pastel de nata (famous Portuguese custard tart), Ferrero Rocher, double chocolate, cherry cheesecake, white chocolate and orange are just a few ice-cream options available there. Apart from ice-cream they also offer frozen yogurt, crepes, waffles as well as serve coffee and other drinks.
A must to visit on a hot summer day!