Carvoeiro and Five of it's Beaches

The seaside town of Carvoeiro has some 12 beaches for you to choose from. They range in style from the very busy and family fun orientated, to the quieter, romantic and more couple centric. This fabulous selection of beaches cater for everyone from the couple just wanting to relax and enjoy each other’s company, to families with young children enjoying, sun, sea and sandcastles and groups of friends looking for beach bars and adrenalin fuelled water sports.

Part of the Algarve’s appeal is that it can be all things, to all people. Its vast coastline, varying terrains and changing waters, make it the ideal holiday location. One day you can be enjoying the thrills and spills of waterskiing and the next, the peace and quiet of a secluded beach cove.

The waters are warm and generally calm. The currents pick up in a few places but these are well marked with flags and the main beaches are manned by lifeguards throughout the summer months keeping them as safe as possible.

1. Praia de Marinha

Ideal for a day trip to the beach, once here, you won’t want to leave. Marinha is located 5km southeast of Lagoa and just 1km east of Benagil but from wherever you are staying in the Algarve, Praia de Marinha is well worth a visit.

One hundred and sixteen wide shallow steps, cut from the rocks, transport you effortlessly from a cliff top car park to the soft golden sands beneath. This small beach cove sits below some magnificent rock formations providing an intimate, cosseted feeling that will make you want to stay on longer and this feeling is further enhanced, by the friendliness of the staff at the beach side snack bar.
At high tide this relatively small beach is reduced in size still further, becoming no more than a sandy strip.

At this time, the sand is usually home to the gear of snorkellers. The quality and clarity of the water here is so good that it attracts people from all over, to spy on and mingle with species from the sub aqua world.

When the waters recede, the area becomes a fascination for children of all ages as the many rock pools play host to some interesting and varied marine life. Previously submerged coves become accessible once again and harbour treasures left behind by the sea.

2. Praia de Benagil

This small beach, a short drive from Rocha Brava on a sharp bend in the road, is often used by local fishermen. They haul their boats up onto the beach, laden with the days catch which makes for an interesting spectacle. A small number of restaurants and bars in the area regularly benefit from the fisherman’s catch, ensuring the very freshest of fish gets served at their tables.

Having unloaded their catch and finished for the day, for a small fee the fishermen will offer to take holidaymakers out on the water. As you trip up and down the coast, you can properly appreciate the majesty of the rock formations and the diversity of the scenery that this part of the world has to offer.

3. Praia de Carvalho

If you leave the resort of Rocha Brava and wander across the cliffs tops with views of the sea out to the west, you will stumble upon this tiny but beautifully presented beach. With steps in the rocks leading down to a tunnel, through which you have to climb to get down to the beach, access to the sanded paradise is not exactly straight forward, but it is certainly worth it.

This secluded spot is a haven for couples who are looking to escape the other more touristy beaches and because it is relatively difficult to access, many of the more committed peace seekers find their way there. With rock formations on either side it is a natural sun trap and out of the cooling breeze, it really can get very warm indeed. A number of stubborn rock forms protrude from the sea and present dramatic sunset photo opportunities.

4. Praia Centianes

This lovely beach is proving more and more popular, so much so, that a new apartment complex is being built in the vicinity. Just 500 metres from the resort of Rocha Brava, the beach provides plenty of space at least when the tide is out.

A measure of its increasing popularity is the fact that the beach has recently been extended, through the removal of some crumbling cliffs. These needed to go, to make the beach safe but as a result of the increased space, this has led to increased patronage. The beach is approached by a pathway from a small gravel car park and there are a few steps leading down onto the sand. Sunbeds and shades are available here.

5. Vale de Covo

The beach at Vale de Covo is about as picturesque a setting as you are likely to find in The Algarve, especially in the evening. The rock formations are dramatic, the beach is small and intimate and the whole thing is lit up at night time giving it an especially, magical feel.

This pretty little cove just past the Almonsor Hotel is reached by quite a few steps so you must go prepared, but it is well worth the effort once you are there. There are lots of small caves that have been eroded into the rocks providing perfect little hideaways for those feeling romantic.

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Villas in Carvoeiro | Holidays in Carvoeiro

If you are planning on taking your holidays in Carvoeiro this year, or are looking at villas in Carvoeiro to rent, then you are quite literally spoiled for choice. We have an extensive range of villas and apartments to rent, in and around this popular Algarve location.

Holidays in Carvoeiro are very popular among families and couples alike as there is such a large choice of quality self-catering accommodation both large and small. Whether you are looking for an intimate apartment with 1 or 2 bedrooms or a large villa to accommodate an extended family, we have many holiday properties to choose from, which will exceed your expectations.

Once a traditional fishing village relying on its Tuna catches, Carvoeiro has moved with the times to become a very popular seaside holiday resort. Catering for the wants and desires of the modern day tourist, the town now offers a high standard of accommodation, together with quality restaurants and bars. One thing you certainly won't be short of in Carvoeiro, is somewhere to eat and drink! There is a huge selection of bars, restaurants and cafés all within easy walking distance of the town centre.

The centre of Carvoeiro itself is still quite contained as it hasn’t sprawled like so many other popular holiday resorts. There are just two roads leading down into the town, meeting in a small square adjacent the beach. Unfortunately there is no longer any parking available in the town square since it’s re-vamp in 2009, so if you’re driving, you should look for parking in one of the side streets. It’s not too far to walk though and besides, it’s nice to get out and wander round.
Although the town itself is quite small, in Carvoeiro’s case, small does not mean sparse. The town has all the things you are likely to want in a holiday resort and a lot more besides.

You’ll find plenty of shops catering for your everyday needs and because they are so used to British visitors you will be able to find most of your normal groceries here. There is also a large “Intermarché” on the Lagoa road which is on the outskirts of Carvoeiro. Like our out of town supermarkets, these larger centres stock a huge range of goods and groceries, including electrical items, but do remember, the power grids are different here, so you’ll need a converter plug to use any electrical item bought here, back in the UK.

As with most seaside holiday resort locations, much of the larger accommodation is located on the outskirts of town but it has all been sympathetically designed to merge with the existing architectures of the area, so as not to stand out as bold, brash, new or garish. Carvoeiro is not a town of high rise hotels and apartment blocks, nor will it ever be, the authorities here will simply not allow it.

The town square features plenty of bars and cafés so you can enjoy watching the action on the beach, while you sit comfortably in the shade with a cool drink in hand. If you prefer something a bit more hands on, you could catch a ride with the local fishermen who offer boat trips around the coastline to see the caves or you could seize the opportunity to jump on a jet ski or go water skiing.

There is so much to do here; the list of activities is endless. From boat trips to big game fishing, from cycling to golf and from horse riding to water sports, you’ll never run out of things to do. The cliff tops around Carvoeiro offer plenty of scope for walking and some great views but do beware of the ‘algares’. Algares are holes in the cliffs where the sea has eroded them from underneath, there are some near the lighthouse at Cabo de Carvoeiro. Luckily, they have been fenced off but it just goes to show how fragile the cliffs can be.

If even the thought of all this activity is tiring you out, or you simply want to relax quietly with your partner and soak up the sun, you can. Away from the main beach of Carvoeiro, there are plenty of smaller bays and coves. Here, couples can relax in a truly romantic setting, taking in the sights, sounds and sunsets of this glorious seaside location, whilst enjoying nothing but each other’s company.

Algarve Villas – click here to search for holiday villas and apartments in Carvoeiro

Family Holidays Algarve – Albufeira

Truly® Algarve offer a stunning selection of holiday villas and apartments, just perfect for Algarve family holidays. Available for rent, in and around the beautiful coastal town of Albufeira, these delightful and luxurious holiday homes come fully equipped* with everything you’ll need for a relaxing family holiday.
One of the larger towns on the coast of the Algarve, Albufeira has lots to offer the whole family. From children’s entertainment, through to ample shopping, to water sports and a great nightlife, there is plenty to occupy older children and teenagers alike.

Family Holidays Algarve - click here to search for Villas in Albufeira

If you prefer the quiet life and want simply to lounge around by a pool, then a villa just outside of town should suit you to a tee. Many of them are within walking distance of local shops, so stocking up on supplies is easy and this highlights the true beauty of a self catering villa holiday; you are free to do exactly as you wish. If that means nothing more than sunbathing and tending to a barbecue between drinks, before sitting down to a freshly prepared alfresco family lunch, then so be it.

If you feel a little more adventurous and would like to explore the local countryside, there are walking, cycling and horse riding opportunities aplenty. Alternatively you could go fishing, play tennis or golf. The area is famed for its golf and with many of its courses benefitting from breathtaking countryside and coastal views; it is quite possible to lose yourself for a while between the first and ninth or even the eighteenth holes. With so much to occupy the older children, why not take advantage and escape for a while?

Albufeira combines its old town tradition and character with a modern outlook. Its contemporary marina offers all the modern tourist conveniences including supermarkets, beach resort shops, bars, pubs and restaurants and yet, within a short time, you can be amongst the fishing boats or out in the countryside and in a quiet place that has deliberately ignored the march of time.

The town is centrally located on the Algarve’s Atlantic coast. The weather here is consistently warm, without being unbearably hot which makes it ideal, even for those with very young children. The beaches are wonderful, soft golden sand stretches for miles in both directions along the shore and the relatively calm, quite shallow waters are perfect for snorkelling or splashing about on lilos and pedaloes.
Many parts of this glorious coastline have received awards for both cleanliness and safety and if you are beach lovers, you are quite literally, spoiled for choice.

There are over 20 beaches to choose from in the Albufeira region, from large expanses of golden sand to intimate little bays. These are wonderful locations from which you can marvel at stunning sunsets and photograph some awesome rock formations.
Whatever you choose to do and however you choose to spend your time here, a self catering villa or apartment holiday in Albufeira on Portugal’s Algarve coast will relax and rejuvenate and provide some quite wonderful holiday memories.

*Cots and highchairs are available on request.

Algarve Villa Holidays - The Resort of Monte da Quinta

Set deep in the heart of Quinta do Lago is the exclusive private members club of Monte da Quinta. This premier development affords a level of service and facilities, unmatched anywhere in Europe. Every care has been taken to ensure that the superbly appointed accommodations, set amid beautifully landscaped gardens, blend with and compliment the surrounding countryside.

Part of Quinta do Lago and internationally renowned as one of Portugal's finest residential and leisure developments, the area consists of high quality residential accommodation designed in a mix of architectural styles. Surrounded by well-tended trees and shrubs and perfectly manicured lawns each property benefits from its own private pool.

Variously described as “heaven on earth” and “a lovely quiet resort” in which to have “a very enjoyable family holiday”, the management and staff of Monte da Quinta pride themselves on their attention to detail and their level of customer service. They are acutely aware that those who choose to holiday here do so, on recommendation and on the strength of their memories and experiences from previous visits. They know that it is only through maintaining these high standards that they can expect to welcome their guests again.

Monte da Quinta is a relaxed and comfortable environment, offering a peaceful haven to those requiring nothing but the highest standards of holiday accommodation. The “club” is uniquely located, right at the heart of the Algarve’s prestigious Quinta do Lago and within easy access of many award winning golf courses including, Pinheiros Altos, Quinta do Lago North & South and The Ocean and Royal courses of Vale do Lobo. With year round sun, the golf season never ends at this exclusive resort. Temperatures never fall much below 15º even in winter, making 18 holes at any of the 25 or so local courses, a very real pleasure.

Central to the Monte da Quinta development is the MQ Clubhouse. Here you’ll find The Quinta Cafe and The Quinta Restaurant. Both serve excellent food and are beautifully positioned, overlooking a large private swimming pool and health spa. This entirely self contained development also offers “Quinta shopping”. Here you’ll find a newsagent, a souvenir shop and an Italian trattoria together with a health and beauty clinic.

An added attraction and a real joy is the Quinta club yacht. Available for half or full day bookings, this luxurious craft trips up and down the beautiful Algarvean coastline, treating you to some quite wonderful scenery as you enjoy lunch and drinks onboard.

Monte da Quinta, in the heart of Quinta do Lago, is Portugal’s principal holiday destination and probably the finest residential, holiday and leisure development in Europe. Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa estuary, an area of outstanding natural beauty, it is located just a short drive from Faro International Airport and therefore, just a few hours from most European capitals.

Algarve Villas - click here to search for villas in Monte da Quinta

More than just a golf resort – come to Vale do Lobo Algarve for sun, sea and sandcastles

Vale do Lobo in the Algarve is much more than just a golf resort. It has developed over the years and now forms one of the principal tourist and holidaying destinations on the coast of the Algarve, catering for families and groups of friends and yes, the odd golfer too. Situated just 20 minutes from Faro International Airport, and with direct flights from most European cities, Vale do Lobo is a convenient and luxurious holiday destination.

Algarve villas – click here to view our villas in Vale do Lobo

One of the main attractions to this part of the Algarve is of course, the magnificent golfing facilities on offer and the many championship standard courses. However, now virtually a town in its own right, the area known as The Vale do Lobo, has plenty of other things to offer too including a vast array of entertainments, shops, restaurants and sporting activities.

If its activity you’re after then you may wish to hire bikes and take yourselves off cycling or perhaps go horse riding in the rich, unspoilt greenery offered by the local countryside. If all that sounds too much like hard work, you can always relax on the long sandy beach or lie around on sun beds by the pool, peacefully unwinding as you soak up the sun.

The first development of its kind, ever to be established on the Algarve, Vale do Lobo has undergone numerous improvements and facelifts over the years to keep pace with the latest trends and to keep the resort in tiptop condition. Redevelopment continues today but it is strictly monitored to ensure that nothing is done to adversely affect the scenery or its landscape. The authorities are very keen to avoid over developing the area as they have seen the effect this has had on other resort locations.

The building of high-rise developments above 3 storeys has been stopped and beachfront development is now very restricted, all of which is aimed at maintaining the very high standards that the area has become internationally famous for.
We have many holiday villas to rent in Vale do Lobo, all within very easy reach of the extensive range of sporting and leisure facilities as well as the beautiful, two kilometre stretch of golden-sanded beach which lines the coast.

Villas in Vale do Lobo – click here to view.

Beaches of the Algarve

Portugal’s Algarve has a quite stunning selection of beaches. Catering for everyone from the couple just wanting to relax and enjoy each other’s company, to groups of friends looking for beach bars, water sports adventure and adrenalin to families who need quiet, clean safe beaches – they are all here a plenty. This is the appeal of the Algarve, with its vast coastline and varying conditions; it can accommodate and satisfy every kind of holidaymaker.

The waters are warm and generally very calm. There are one or two places where the currents pick up but these are well marked with flags. All of the main beaches, are manned by lifeguards throughout the summer months keeping them as safe as possible. Many of the Algarvian beaches hold the blue flag award. This means they have been recognised for their cleanliness, their safety, and their facilities. The Gold award for good water quality is also much in evidence in this part of the world.

Great Family Beaches

Praia Verde

Eastern Algarve is home to Praia Verde. Literally translated as Green Beach, it is named after the Pine tree forest that skirts the sand dunes. A number of beach bars and restaurants make this beach a firm favourite among family holidaymakers looking for a relaxing day out.

Praia da Arrifana

Situated to the north of Lagos along the EN 124, just before you get to Aljezur, this lovely little beach, with incredible views, can be reached via a very steep narrow road leading down from the coast road. With not much parking available, this delightful area is rarely busy and makes the ideal picnic hideaway.

Praia da Luz

A firm family favourite, with slide and splash pool and a zoo nearby the area has attracted many British expat families. The beach itself is lovely with many restaurants, bars and cafes making it ideal for families of all ages. Well served by a bank and shops, it is little wonder that once here, people rarely venture too far.

Meia Praia

Literally translated as 'half beach', this long ribbon of sand skirts one of the biggest bays in Europe offering protection from the rough seas and making it particularly popular with families. Dotted with snack bars and restaurants, it attracts windsurfers and kite surfers. Other sports on offer here are paragliding, sailing, volleyball and tennis.

Praia da Galé

An escape from the busy town of Albufeira, its nearest neighbour, this beach takes you away from all that and transplants you to an area of comparative serenity. There are a few bars restaurants and shops to cater for the necessities but generally this is a much more peaceful location. With no cliffs or steep inclines to negotiate, the beach is easy to reach and the perfect setting for a relaxing family holiday.

Praia do Vau

Praia do Vau is one of the western Algarve’s most popular beaches. Calm good quality waters and direct, easy access to the beach, where there are sun loungers and umbrellas for hire, make it ideal for families with young children. The beach is served by a number of all day restaurants but be aware, it can get pretty busy in high season. It is a beautiful place though, so don’t let that put you off.

Family Holidays Algarve - Click here to search for villas and apartments

Quiet Secluded / Romantic Beaches

Praia da Ingrina

Voted the tenth most romantic beach in the world, this Algarve beach is a mix of sand and stone amid awe inspiring natural beauty. A wonderfully quiet location offering complete privacy this beach is ideal for couples in love. Restaurants and bars are dotted around but not so many as to be intrusive and they serve up some great locally caught seafood as well as the more popular international dishes.

Praia de São Rafael

A stunningly beautiful natural beach environment consisting of rocks and cliff faces, the soft white sand contrasts beautifully with the light blue of the sea and the waters are very clean. There is little in the way of entertainment here or food and drink facilities so it’s very much a “bring your own” beach. Easily reached on foot with good parking nearby, it’s ideal for picnics and because it’s so clean, you’ll want to keep it that way.

Praia do Barranco

This beach offers calm waters and basic facilities for visitors. Accessed via a 5 km stretch of dirt track, only the most determined sun worshippers will make it to this beach and that’s the way the divers like it. Its abundance of marine life attracts underwater explorers from all over and these guys will walk miles to swim with the fishes.

Praia Figueiras

Another beach that delights in its privacy, this one offers very limited facilities but absolutely hits the mark if you’re after peace and quiet. You’ll need to be quite determined again though; the car park is a good 15 minutes walk away.

Lagos Algarve – A Good All Round Holiday Destination

Truly® Algarve invite you to holiday on some of the most outstanding coastline to be found anywhere on the Algarve. The historic marina town of Lagos has some of the finest beaches in Portugal, which can be accessed easily from any of our holiday homes in the region.

Whatever type of accommodation you are looking for, whether it be a centrally located apartment or a town house within easy access of this lively and cosmopolitan resort, Lagos, and Truly® Algarve have something for you.

We offer spacious apartments and townhouses at the ‘Jardim da Meia Praia’ Resort in Lagos, close to one of the longest sandy beaches in the Algarve. This stunning resort is quietly located, just a few minutes from the centre of Lagos and the beautiful Meia Beach, it is family-friendly with lovely landscaped gardens. You can relax and sunbathe beside the pool with sun loungers and umbrellas or, if you’re feeling a little more energetic, there is a well kept tennis court for you to run around on. Younger guests are well catered for too, with a play area and kiddies pool.

As well as the beautifully appointed accommodation available at ‘Jardim da Meia Praia’ we offer a number of privately owned villas within close proximity of Lagos and the surrounding countryside.

Villas and apartments in Lagos Algarve – click here to search

The wide range of facilities in Lagos, amply cater for a self-catering holiday and the facilities and amenities on hand, mean you won’t have to travel too far for sporting pursuits either. There are a number of world-class golf courses close by, as well as horse riding, tennis, diving, deep-sea fishing, and sailing. All this is close to the stunning Meia Praia beach, which is filled with leisure activities for young and old alike. The town boasts great shopping and there’s even a cinema complex ready for you, if you ever tire of the sun.

Lagos, its marina, the old and new towns combine to present a picturesque resort that features some magnificent beaches, stunning coastal scenery with rugged cliff faces and fascinating old villages. As an area, it is fairly steeped in history and it doesn’t take much to uncover some of this areas fascinating stories. Statues in the town commemorate brave sailors and Kings who sailed from here to victory or famous defeat in years gone by.

There is a peaceful, relaxed ambience to Lagos now, an atmosphere and a quiet charm that is rarely found in an area as popular as this. Locals and visitors like nothing better than to sit at open-air café tables and watch the world go by. And with the great choice of restaurants, bars and cafes in the area, there is plenty of opportunity for you to do exactly that.