Things to do...

Where to Visit: - Things to do. Beaches and Water Parks

Beaches in Carvoeiro are stunning and the caves and coves are a great way to search for shells. As you drive into the village of Carvoeiro carry on down to the bottom on the street until you come to the square and the beach is right in front of you.

If you turn left from the bottom of the street and drive up the two way street pass the boutique on your right and carry on right up to the top of the road and then turn right, you will come to the caves which are really breathtaking and the views are stunning. (There is a have a lovely bar where you can have a drink and snack).

Just look for the signs of these beaches. Centianes beach, Carvalho Beach, Alfanzina and Marinha Beaches. All an easy drive from Carvoeiro Village.

Ferragudo Beach.- Praia dos Caneiros From our Villa up the lane and turn right. Follow the road round as if you are going to Ferragudo and as the road dips down there is a small left (be careful not to drive too fast as you will miss this). Turn left into this small road and follow this right to the bottom. This is the Caneiros beach, a fantastic view with beach enclosed by the caves. They serve ice creams and light refreshments on the beach and the famous and luxurious restaurant owned by the Joseph family is a must. Try not to visit this at weekends as this becomes very busy with the locals.

WATER PARKS/THEME PARKS

There are two water parks the nearest is "Slide and Splash" in Lagoa and the "Big One" is worth a visit too, it on the main E125 road going towards Faro. The owners of the "The big One water park tend to change the name quite frequently. You have probably seen this on your way from the Airport to our villa.

Zoo marine is an added attraction for the children. This is in Guia, just outside Albuferia. You may have to book if you want to swim with the Dolphins. In any case this is a lovely day out for the kiddies and adults alike.

TOWNS AND VILLAGES:

CARVOEIRO: A charming and picturesque fishing village in the western Algarve the remains largely unspoilt although is becoming very popular with the tourists.

The village square and beach is right at the centre of the village and is littered with coffee shops and sidewalk cafes.

Carvoeiro village itself has many restaurants, bars, small shops and artisans selling local crafts.

The choice of restaurant is excellent serving both national and international cuisine, many serving fresh fish caught that very day.

The choice of local wine is varied excellent and endless.

Like most small towns and villages in the Algarve Carvoeiro has its daily open market with a wide choice of meats, poultry vegetables, fruit, freshly baked bread and of course freshly caught fish.

There are the usual large supermarkets and many small corner shops or mini-mercados with their own bakery selling early morning fresh bread and rolls (papo secos) for your breakfast and lunch.

MONTE CARVOEIRO: From our villa go up the lane to the top and turn right to the mini roundabout and water tower and turn right again sign post Carvoeiro. Carry on down this road and then bare left still following the road round and then take the 2nd right where sign posted to Monte Carvoeiro. Carry on and you will come to Monte Carvoeiro which has some really nice restaurants and bars.

FERRAGUDO:

From our Villa turn up the lane and turn left and just drive, the views are stunning and this beautiful village is an excellent place to eat with a few bars and restaurants and the views are pretty.

PORTIMAO: The famous town where Sardines are cooked on the barbeque the traditional Portuguese way. The shopping is also good in Portimao. From our villa turn left at the top of lane and head for Ferragudo, then follow the signs for Portimao.

MONCHIQUE If you go further inland to the beautiful and stunning town of Monchique you will see the beautiful waterfall and spas where the Portuguese fill their empty water bottles. Make sure you bring your own to fill. The water is lovely.

Travel like the Portuguese: The new motorway is a must to use to get out and about and see how the locals live. Take a trip to the town of SAGRES and eat traditional cataplana by the quayside- beautiful. TAVIRA is another beautiful and quaint village to visit. The best way to see TAVIRA is by using the little train which runs every hour or so.

RESTAURANTS Apart from the many restaurants and bars in Carvoeiro here are a few outside Carvoeiro and only a few minutes drive away.

L'Orange Restaurant is a must to visit. From our villa up to the water tower turn right and follow the road round to the end and then turn right and L'Orange is on your left.

Bon Bon - from our villa up to the lane turn right and just before you get to the water tower Bon Bon is on your left (next to Rustica - another nice restaurant).

The local restaurants in Benegil are a definite must do especially if you have Children. The beautiful ROMA restaurant in Benegil even has its own crèche which is free; giving you parents a romantic night without the worry of making sure your children are not bored.

The quaint town of Portimao is a place where Sardines are cooked on the barbeque the traditional Portuguese way.

SHOPPING

For boutique and clothing go the Guia for THE ALGARVE SHOPPING CENTRE - from our villa up the lane and turn right. Keep going over the water tower and keep going straight until you get into Lagoa. Follow the signs for A22 to Faro and come off at Albufeira/Guia and follow signs for Shopping.

For supermarket head for Intermarche in Sesmarias/Carvoeiro. You cant miss it as you are driving about.

The shopping is good in Portimao. Again head for Ferragudo and then follow the signs for Portimao.

Our own local supermarket is just up the lane a 5/10min walk. Turn right and then it's on the left. They bake their own bread here. You can also buy local and international newspapers here. There is also a little village shop which has some unusual bits and bobs and they make their own pottery here, well worth a visit.

GOLF AND TENNIS

Clube Carvoeiro tennis courts and fitness centre are nearby for those who prefer not to laze their day away on the beach. With your back to our villa head up the road in front of you then turn left and Carvoeiro Tennis is on the left.

Two golf clubs exists nearby with full facilities on both courses. Full details of these are in the folder in our Villa.

A CAR IS A MUST IF YOU BOOK OUR VILLA.