Praia do Carvoeiro

Praia do Carvoeiro is the Algarve's most photogenic village beach—a small triangular cove of golden sand nestled between dramatic limestone cliffs, overlooked by the whitewashed houses of a former fishing village. Traditional fishing boats still rest on the sand, though they now ferry tourists to nearby sea caves rather than catching the day's fish. The beach is compact but perfectly formed, with the village tumbling down to its edge in a cascade of restaurants, bars, and cafés. While it can feel crowded in high summer, the intimate setting creates a wonderfully social atmosphere unlike the larger resort beaches. Just a short walk away lies Algar Seco, a surreal landscape of eroded rock formations including the famous "Boneca" cave with its natural window frames overlooking the Atlantic. The charming wooden boardwalk connecting the village to Algar Seco is one of the Algarve's most scenic short walks.