| During the 19th century Carvoeiro was a small maritime settlement consisting of just 33 scattered dwellings, and the ruins of a chapel and a fortress. Today Carvoeiro is, first and foremost a holiday town, retaining nothing of the original character of the fishing village it once was. |
 |
| Nevertheless, if discos, bars and eating out is what you are after, Carvoeiro is a good place to spend a summer evening. Indeed the town offers a seemingly ever growing list of bars, restaurants and night-spots. There is plenty of live music here, venues include The Roundup Saloon (Country and Western), The Gaol House (Blues and Rock) and Manuel’s on the cliff top (Brazillian Jazz, every Monday night). |
| Although Carvoeiro beach is convenient in that it is small, central and sheltered, it is often crowded during the summer months and it is best to take a trip east along the Estrada do Farol until you reach the Praia de Centianes, which is another spectacular, sheltered beach and probably less crowded. |
| In fact there are plenty of secluded beaches and coves near Carvoeiro, some of which are only accessible by boat but are well worth the trouble; boat trips are scheduled daily during the summer season. In the winter, Carvoeiro is a different story, but it may have a pleasant out of season feel for those who enjoy the poetry of Philip Larkin. |
|