Carvoeiro, Portugal

Carvoeiro, Algarve, Portugal. Photo: Dr. G. Schmitz / Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 2.0 Germany)

Carvoeiro is a village in Algarve. Carvoeiro, or more commonly known as Praia de Carvoeiro, is a Portuguese civil parish/freguesia in the municipality/concelho of Lagoa (Algarve), about 5 km south of the city itself (on the Atlantic Ocean), 14.12 km² in area with 2,784 inhabitant (2001).

It was created as a separate freguesia in 1985 and raised to the status of town in 2001. This picturesque fishing village, with a long history of settlement, has grown over the last decades into the main tourist area of the concelho. It has a number of fine beaches protected by clifts.

There are traces of Roman habitation and naval activity in the area. There has also been a long history of pirate and enemy military assaults on the coast, and a number of naval battles here, most notably the battle in 1544 between a squadron of ships under D. Petro da Cunha, and the Turkish corsair, Xarramet.

According to historical sources, the name of the village derives from “Caboiere,” an old name for a hamlet of fishermen from the Islamic-medieval period. For most of its history, fishing was the mainstay of the local economy.

However, from the 1960s onward, tourism gradually became the economic base of the area, with many new hotels, apartment complexes, shops, roads, and a significant improvement in the infrastructure.

Carvoeiro represents a particularly attractive option when it comes to tourism. The scarped coast, the water quality, the warm climate and the famous Golf Courses, offer the right conditions to make Carvoeiro stand out, as a quality destination for Portuguese and foreign tourists.

Walking by the seaside while admiring the natural beauty and pieces of history (achitectonic patrimony, an ancient fortress and the Shrine of Nossa Senhora da Conceição), that remained in this location, is a great advise for those who like to relax and to contemplate the beauty of nature's work.

Get in

From Faro's International Airport

After leaving the airport, take the EN 125 and follow the indications towards the Via do Infante Highway (A22), following the Portimão direction.When you reach the exit of Lagoa Sul/Carvoeiro, take that exit which will take you back to the EN 125.

Now you must go towards Lagoa/Faro, keep going streight ahead in the first traffic lights (it is also a roundabout), and in the second traffic lights (another roundabout) turn right towards Carvoeiro. Keep in this road for 5 km and follow the indications to Carvoeiro.

One thing to be mindful of, if you do take the motorway route, is that a toll system has been implemented. It is not like those in France where you drop coins in at a pay station or use your credit card.

This is a number plate recognition system which logs your car at way points along the road and you must pay the relevant fees at a post office prior to travel or face a fine. Car rental companies may forward the fine notice to you at your home address.

From Lisbon

When you leave Lisbon, take the A2 Highway towards Algarve. When you leave this highway, take the Via do Infante Highway (A22) towards Portimão. Then take the exit of Lagoa/Silves followed by the Lagoa Sul/Carvoeiro road.

Now you must go towards Lagoa/Faro, keep going streight ahead in the first traffic lights (it is also a roundabout), and in the second traffic lights (another roundabout) turn right towards Carvoeiro. Keep in this main road for 5 km and follow the indications to Carvoeiro.

Eat

Made with almonds, figs, oranges (grown throughout the Algarve region), lots of eggs and sugar, the pastry is a big temptation. Nobody can resist the Dom Rodrigos, Morgados, Morgadinhos, Figos Cheios, Figs Cheese, Almond with figs, chocolate and many others.

This picturesque fishing village, facing the Atlantic Ocean, the Algarve is a paradise to those who like fish or shellfish. Everyday, at the crack of dawn, the fisher boats start to arrive filled with fresh fish collected in the night before. The people from Algarve have centuries of experience in the preparation of this food, making tasty meals.

The absolutely delicious meals served in this region are made with the best ingredients that the land and sea have to offer. Some of the most known meals of the Lagoa area are "Sardinhas Assadas", "Cataplana de Peixe or Marisco", "Papas de Milho com Berbigão", "Feijoada de Buzinas" and "Cozido de Rabo de Boi".

These traditional meals combined with the traditional pastry and the famous Lagoa Wine, make the Carvoeiro area, one of the best destination for your holidays.

Drink

Carvoeiro has a number of bars which cater for most tastes. The Estrada do Farol is the main street in town and is quite a steep hill around 600 m long. Around half way up is The Roundup, a wild west theme bar with a lot of cool Americana type artifacts and a good party atmosphere. There is often live music and karaoke, and by the time you've been there a week you'll know some of the local "characters" who make this an enjoyable night out.

A long standing favourite nightspot is The Jailhouse Bar on the Rua do Escondidinho, a little side street 50 m from the town square which itself sits at the bottom of the hill. Run by a very friendly, sociable and talented English chap who also does live music every night till late. This bar is very popular with musicians as members of the audience are encouraged to get up on stage & do a song or two! Good place to chill out and meet other people.

Hemingway's nearby is a nice place for a quiet drink. Also check out Cheers Bar on Rua dos Pescadores in town. A small "living room" sized bar run by an amiable Swiss couple who are excellent company & mix amazing cocktails.

View of Carvoeiro (from West), Algarve, Portugal. Photo: Bengt Nyman / Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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