CARVOEIRO:
THE BEST OF TWO WORLDS
THE BEST OF TWO WORLDS
The coast-line of the Algarve stretches from Cabo Vicenze in the west to the estuary of the river Guadiana in the east. It is Portugal's most southern part, bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and named by the Moslems Al Gharb, which means "the West" and it really does have two faces:
The eastern part (east from Faro) is rather flat with big sandy beaches and is named "Sotovento" (leeward side). The western part is far more spectacular with limestone rocks, typical caves and beautiful half-moon bays and is called "Barlavento" (windward side).
In the middle of this coast you will find one of the most colourful fishing villages:
CARVOEIRO,
naturally grown and built up around a half-moon bay. Not long ago the exclusive domain of charcoal burners, fishermen
and some donkey-men.
Nowadays Carvoeiro (the name is derived from the old Moslem fortress Caboiere) has developed into an attractive and exclusive holiday-village, marked by the English AA (Automobile Association) as a "Quality resort"!
Indeed the local authorities took good care: skyscrapers are not allowed!
Therefore Carvoeiro is being considered by aficionados as "the best of two worlds": the nicest spot on the most beautiful coast!
Supermarkets
As far as daily shopping is concerned, you will find at least five supermarkets in the centre of Carvoeiro,
most of them belonging to the "Ali"-chain.
Between Carvoeiro and Lagoa there is the large supermarket "Intermarché", where you can buy almost everything.
For those of us who are looking for best prices, the pricefighter "Lidl" has three outlets in the region (in Ferragudo, Silves and Portimao).
Another well known Portuguese chain is "Modelo" (in Sives and Portimao). The local daily market in Carvoeiro (mercado) is open every morning (except Sundays) and located in the centre (sea signs!).
Between Carvoeiro and Lagoa there is the large supermarket "Intermarché", where you can buy almost everything.
For those of us who are looking for best prices, the pricefighter "Lidl" has three outlets in the region (in Ferragudo, Silves and Portimao).
Another well known Portuguese chain is "Modelo" (in Sives and Portimao). The local daily market in Carvoeiro (mercado) is open every morning (except Sundays) and located in the centre (sea signs!).
Banks and money
Carvoeiro has three bank-offices and at least five cash-machines (in peak-season it is best to get your money before the weekend, because the machines are often empty during weekends).
Health
There are several medical centres in Carvoeiro. Next to the reception of Monte Carvoeiro is the medical office of Dr. Peter Pertl; down in the village (above Smilers Bar) there is the medical office of a group of German doctors and a bit further in de Estrada do Farol you will find the medical office of doctor Robert Popken. Furthermore there is a good (English spoken) pharmacy down in the village.
Tourist accommodations
In and around Carvoeiro you will find nowadays at least 3 big hotels (4 stars level) and more than 100 restaurants and bars. Most of the tourist resorts have swimming pools (approx. 30) and tennis courts. There also is the Carvoeiro Tennis Club with a separate fitness centre.
Scuba diving courses are possible at the Almansor Tivoli Hotel and at the Quinta do Paraiso, and for windsurfing you have to go to the Ferragudo beach.
In Carvoeiro you will find 5 car rental companies and also a bicycle and motorbike rental.
Furthermore there are 4 travel agencies with lots of information and brochures and the possibility for ticketing trips etc. And of course not to forget the local "Turismo" in the centre near the beach.
Aqua-parks……
There are two big aqua-parks in the region. Both offer a complete day of fun:
Slide and Splash is situated between Lagoa and Estombar;
Aqualand is to the east along the N125, next to the roundabout of Alcantarilha. Both parks do have a (free) shuttle bus from Carvoeiro.
A little bit further on the N125 (direction Guia) you will find Zoo-Marine, where you can even swim with the dolphins.
Beaches…
Carvoeiro is surrounded by lots of cosy beaches, not only the village-beach but also a bit to the west the beautiful "Paraiso-beach" and to the east the beaches of Centeanes, Carvalho and Benagil.
Boat-trips……
By far the best way to visit the caves is to make a trip direct from the beach of Carvoeiro or Benagil. But you can also consider to book a full day's cruise on one of the boats in Portimao, combined with a tasty BBQ lunch (sardines!) on one of
the beaches. You can find information about these trips at the agents in the village or at the tourist office.
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Golf……
In and around Carvoeiro are 3 golf courses: one 9-hole course: Vale do Milho and two 18-holes (Pinta and Gramacho).
Walks and/or guided tours……
There are lots of nice walks in the surroundings of Carvoeiro: on the headlands, over the cliffs or along the beaches. To Algar Seco, Centeanes or Benagil. Or to Ferragudo!
A trip to the old and very Moorish Silves.
Or to Cape Vincent and Sagres.
To Lagos or to the very nice kids-park "Krazy World".
Or a shopping-afternoon in the Algarve Shopping Centre near Guia.
And of course wining and dining
Or to Cape Vincent and Sagres.
To Lagos or to the very nice kids-park "Krazy World".
Or a shopping-afternoon in the Algarve Shopping Centre near Guia.
And of course wining and dining
In our houses you will find comprehensive information about trips and touristic possibilities:
| a special guide: "Bemvindo em Carvoeiro". |
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| Also a special guide for wining and dining: "Bom Apetite". |
BOAS FERIAS…..!