About Carvoeiro and the Algarve
This charming seaside resort is 5km (3 miles) south of Lagoa. It is one of most attractive resorts in the Algarve. Its small beach is pictured in many travel guides and postcards. It is an ideal place to enjoy a relaxing holiday. An useful website is www.carvoeiro.com.
Airport
For directions from Faro airport to Carvoeiro please see www.carvoeiro.com/info/airport
Banks and money
The currency is the Euro. There are several banks and ATMs in town. Credit cards are accepted almost universally.
Beaches
Carvoeiro has a small sandy beach with great swimming facilities. Within easy reach are many other beaches, some spectacular.
Drinking water
Tap water is safe. If you prefer, supermarkets stock bottled water.
Supermarkets and local Carvoeiro market
There are several excellent supermarkets just after leaving Lagoa towards Carvoeiro. Immediately on the right after the main roundabout in Lagoa there is a Pingo Doce which is fine for everyday things. Then further on and on the left you will see Apolonia (similar to Waitrose and upmarket) along with an Aldi (fine for everyday things). Then a bit further on and on the right will be an Intermarche (similar to Tesco). There are several smaller ones in Carvoeiro itself as well. Personally, when we first arrive on holiday we go to Intermarche to get the basics but will use the others according to our needs later on in the holiday.
Self-catering
There is an excellent fish, meat and veg market near the town centre. The produce is local and good quality and it’s good to support the locals here. There is a small café where you can enjoy a coffee while your fish is being filleted.
Food and drink welcome pack
If you will be arriving very late, then arrangements can be made for a welcome pack to be waiting for you at the villa. The agent charges an extra €10 on top of the groceries cost.
Golf
Carvoeiro is an excellent base for a golfing holiday, even in winter. There are three courses near by Quinta do Gramacho, Vale de Pinta and Vale do Milho. There are several more within a comfortable drive away.
Places of Interest
Some nearby places include the following and is by no means exhaustive. There are two water slide parks nearby.
- Slide & Splash is the nearest near Lagoa on the old N125 road to Portimăo. The Big One is about five miles away towards Faro.
- The Zoomarine sea park has shows and displays of seals, sea lions and dolphins near Guia, six miles from Lagoa towards Faro.
- There are many sight seeing boat trips to choose from departing from Portimăo.
- The Monchique mountains are about an hour away. In the cool mountains are the spa towns of Monchique and Foia.
Restaurants
You will not be disappointed with the great and extensive choice of restaurants available, ranging from a quick snack to a gourmet meal. Most are Portuguese serving excellent seafood and steaks. There are also Italian, Indian, Thai and Chinese restaurants available as well. The Goan fish curry in the Indian restaurants is a firm favourite with us.
Shopping
There are plenty of shops in town to buy newspapers, clothes, beach kit, fishing gear and souvenirs.
Sport
Tennis, horse riding, windsurfing, sailing and deep sea fishing are all available fairly locally.
Taxis
There is a taxi rank just off the main square in the town centre. Alternatively, phone for a taxi to come to the villa. We use a firm called Taxirade (phone number 282 460 610). They speak excellent English. They will just stop outside the villa gate and expect you to come out to them. Best way is to have a sundowner on the roof after ordering the taxi and you will see them approaching.
Tourist Office
This is found in the centre on the square close to the beach.
Voltage
220v AC with a continental two-pin plug. Please bring your own adapters.