Carvoeiro, Algarve, Portugal

  Vila Real Santo Antonio

All roads lead to the beach at Carvoeiro on the western Algarve region of Portugal. Nestled in the dip of two rocky hills this small, former fishing village has proved popular with holiday makers over the years with families crowding onto the sheltered beach during the spring and summer.

Carvoeiro is relatively compact with the main square situated just back from the beach. There are two main roads into the town, both converge at the square, which following upgrades several years ago, does not permit parking, but does allow for pleasant al-fresco dining experiences.

Fishermen still launch their boats from the beach at Carvoeiro, providing fresh fish for the local restaurants and markets, and it's not uncommon to find towels strewn beside and in between this brightly coloured crafts at the height of the season as space on the beach fills up.

Carvoeiro has no end of places to get a bite to eat with restaurants and cafes lining the roads into and out of the town. There is also a good selection shops providing tourists with all the necessary items from buckets and spades to groceries and a good selection of artisan shops filled with local crafts and pottery.

There are a number of hotels, guest houses and private apartments and villas both in and leading to Carvoeiro ensuring even in the height of summer you should be able to find somewhere to stay.

Situated 60 kilometres from the international airport at Faro, Carvoeiro is relatively easy to reach either by the A22, electronic toll dual carriageway or by the national 125 route, taking around 55 minutes.