Carvoeiro is a village in the municipality of Lagoa– Algarve. It was once a small fishing village and is now an important tourist centre, without having lost much of its old charm. In the centre you find a small but beautiful beach with fishing boats on the sand. Close to here you find the ex-libris of Carvoeiro, the rock formations of Algar Seco and the fantastic beaches of Vale Centeanes, Carvalho, Benagil and Marinha. All rather small and secluded beaches, each with its own characteristics and some with limited access, making the experience altogether even more special. The visit of the coast can preferably be done by boat, following the varied coast-line where the sea erosion has shaped the limestone into graceful shapes and imposing caves. The frequency of the boat tour depends on the tides and the condition of the sea, so check before you go.
Another asset in Carvoeiro, is the 5.7 km natural trail from the Vale de Centeanes Beach to the Marinha Beach. The walk follows almost the unbroken line of cliffs with beautiful clifftop views overlooking the sea providing a wonderful natural experience. The cliffs of the Lagoa coastline are carved in massive carbonated rock (limestone) with a high content of marine invertebrate fossils. Their age is estimated between 24 to 16 million years. These rocks were formed by the slow deposition over millions of years. They are vulnerable to water contact, thus being easily carved by it, creating the so-called “karst landscape”, sometimes opening up holes windows and caves through the rocks.
The Carvalho beach is one of the smallest beaches in the area, reached by rock-hewn steps leading down a sandy tunnel to the beach with further cliff-carved caves to explore at low tide. The Marinha Beach has been classified as one of 100 most beautiful beaches in the world. Nature has left its beautiful traces in these cliffs and awarded this beach with and amazing bluish-green sea. It is one of the bigger beaches and can get crowded in the summer, but is a heaven for snorkelling.
Near the Benagil beach is an impressive cave, called Algar de Benagil. The cave is located just around the corner of the left side of the beach and inside the cave is a small, magical beach. From there, you will see the blue sky through an opening in the ceiling, also known as the eye. By land, you can walk to the opening and look through the eye of Algar de Benagil. You will see the small beach and the sea down below. It is very easy to walk from the beach to Algar de Benagil. Just follow the signs. The cave opening itself is for safety reasons protected by a wooden fence.
The Carvoeiro area is somehow the most fascinating area of the whole beautiful Algarve Coast, thanks to the specific cliffy landscape and secluded beaches.
