Here are some suggestions of places
to visit and things to do whilst you are in the Algarve. If you have
any suggestions to add to this list, please email us to info@carvoeiro-holidays.com.
EAST
TOWARDS
ALBUFEIRA AND FARO
Algar Seco
An interesting rock formation
just out of the town heading towards Rocha Brava. Well worth a visit
Armacao de Pera
This is popular resort although perhaps
spoilt by high rise developments. Take a right turn at Porches on
EN125 and just keep going.The fisherman's beach is right at the very
end of the road and opens out onto a wide beach where you can still
see the fishermen repairing their nets. There is a fish market on
the beach and a couple of beachside reastaurants where you can enjoy
freshly barbequed sardines for lunch.
Algarve shopping
This is a recent shopping centre built opposite
Makro on EN125 on the way to Albufeira. There are a many different
shops here together with a large Supermarket (Continente) a multi
screen cinema and bowling complex. There are plans to extend the development
which has proved a great success with resident and tourist alike
Zoomarine
Zoomarine can be found on at Guia on the
main EN125 heading towards Albufeira. As the name suggests it has
some animals and also some sealife including seals and dolphins and
there are lots of things to do
WEST
TOWARDS
PORTIMAO AND LAGOS
Silves
this old Moorish city was the ancient capital
of the Algarve. It has a large castle with panoramic views of the
surrounding area.Behind the castle there is a large handicrafts shop.
Another place to visit whilst in Silves is Fabrica do Ingles
(the old cork factory) which has some interesting exhibits,
they also offer dining and evening entertainment (please check locally)
Portimao
A bustling city west along the coast from
Carvoeiro It offers many shops in a pedestrian precinct together with
lots of restaurants. The riverside area around the old bridge has
been redeveloped with a wide pedestrian walk alongside the river.
The old sardine restaurants by the bridge have gone but you can still
find some on the other side of the river where the fishing boats still
land their catches.The new riverside walk is very popular and often
there is live entertainment in the square outside "casa
ingles".
Praia da Rocha
This resort has what is probably the most
photographed beach in the Algarve. The town is now a busy resort with
lots of bars and nightlife. The new marina on the river estuary now
boasts some good restaurants and bars with views over the beaches
at Praia da Rocha and Ferragudo
Alvor
The old town boasts a castle, a magnificent
church and some good restaurants.There is also near to the castle
a factory outlet shop for bedspreads and tablecloths etc.Down the
hill towards the sea you will find a number of fish restaurants where
they serve fresh sardines,clams and other fresh fish
Lagos
This old town boasts some very famous history
and was the capital of the Algarve until 1755. It was where the first
African slave auctions were held in and around the old customs house.
The main shopping area is pedestrian and has many restaurants where
you can enjoy a lesuirely lunch or dinner and watch the world go by.You
can also hire a small boat on the river front for a trip along the
coast to see the caves. On the other side of the river (back towards
Portimao) is Meia Praia which has a very long sandy beach (4 Km) which
is fast becoming a popular resort
Sagres and Westwards
Travelling westwards from Lagos towards
Sagres and Cape St Vincent is a rugged and spectacular coastline.
Here you will find Henry the Navigator's school (14th century) and
the lighthouse at Cape St. Vincent, the most southwesterly point in
Europe.
Monchique and the Mountains
Heading inland from the coast towards Lagos
you drive through forests of ecalyptus and rosemary together with
mimosa and rhododendrons towards Caldas de Monchique where there is
a spa ( with reputed healing properties). This area has been rebuilt
and renovated in the last few years. Travelling further up the mountain
will bring you to Monchique and Foia and then further on to the very
top of the mountain. Looking back towrds the coast on a clear day
there are stunning views of the Algarve