Carvoeiro
BEST BEACH
The Algarve serves up an idyllic selection of beaches to suit everyone. Carvoeiro is a small resort in the Algarve region, west from Albufeira to Portimao in the southern part of the country. Its beautiful beaches with fine sand and limestone cliffs make it a popular tourist destination, particularly for families with children. Carvoeiro Town Beach is one of the favourite beaches of the resort. For a small cost you can hire sunbeds and sunshades. The area is abound with lots of handy shops and decent restaurants.
BEST ART AND CULTURE
The UK has its fair share of castles, but Silves Castle on a hill overlooking the town of Silves in the Algarve region is definitely worth a visit. Most likely built in the 11th century, the castle is steeped in history, and excavations are still being carried out today. Two earthquakes damaged the castle in the 18th century, but it has since been restored.
The Fábrica do Inglês, an old cork factory in Silves, is also worth a visit. A number of museums and activities teach the history of the Algarve people and delve into the past of the Algarve’s cork industry. In the summer there is a water / light show in the evenings and the occasional concert, exhibition.
BEST AREA FOR NIGHTLIFE
When the sun goes down the nightlife gets going in the Algarve with a mix of sophisticated bars and nightclubs entertaining visitors and locals well into the night. Carvoeiro is a lively village and offers a number of bars, many with live entertainment, but if you want clubbing you’re better off in the Albufeira. The O Bote, a disco on the Carvoeiro beach, is the place to go for a late night boogie.
BEST FAMILY ACTIVITIES
A short drive to Portimao and you can hire local fisherman for a trip along the Algarve coast. Visit the caves, go fishing or watch wild dolphins at play.
Head to Zoo Marine for a dolphin show. There are three shows a day and you can even swim with them for a fee, but do book in advance. The Slide & Splash water park, situated on the E125 about 5 minutes from Lagoa, is a family favourite.
BEST ACTIVITIES/SPORT
Give the beach a rest, pack your rucksack and cross the Algarve along the Via Algarviana, a 240 km network of inland paths that runs from east to west beginning in Alcoutim and ending at Cabo de São Vicente, in Vila do Bispo. Visitors can explore the trails on horseback or trek with a local guide.
Visit www.viaalgarviana.org/ingles for more information.
British Airways offer flights to Faro from £75 pp (one way). Terms and conditions apply. See ba.com/cityoffer for details.