ALGARVE TOURIST
Adventures in Carvoeiro
Best Places to Stay in Algarve
Exploring Algar Seco
ALGARVE TOURIST Magazine
Faro, Algarve, Portugal
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Algarve Tourist Magazine is a free, online, and independent guide to the Algarve for those who are planning a holiday in this paradise.
Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
editor letter fromthe
Welcome to the first issue of Algarve Tourist, the new monthly magazine in the Algarve!
We aim to deliver quality content to those who are planning to visit to explore this paradise in Portugal This also means that our inspiring themes and photos are original, and made by professionals for our readers In this monthly published magazine, you will find plenty of writings that serve as good directions for this region.
Here, with us, month by month you will find many interesting places in the Algarve, guides to find your way, and info to help you in every situation during your holiday Our passion is to broaden your knowledge, delight your senses, and have you coming back to visit Algarve, or to read us online every month.
We highly respect that you are part of our story and history.
Editor-in-Chief
PraiadoParaíso
Asmall,hidden,andrelatively unknownbeachwestofCarvoeiro. Greatplacetoescapefrommass tourism.
ADVENTURES in CARVOEIRO
Carvoeiro is a picturesque and traditional Portuguese resort town. Fantastic destination if you are seeking a calm and relaxed holiday in a charming town.
Carvoeiro appeals to all kinds of travelers. With its peaceful and welcoming ambiance makes it an ideal location for families during the summer or for couples and retirees outside of the peak season.
The main season is especially from June to September, and in autumn and winter, it’s very quiet but still attracts visitors looking for sunnier weather. The main attraction is the small but
very picturesque beach right in the center. It’s surrounded by white villas and low-rise apartment buildings perched on sandstone cliffs, and there are many restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops in the vicinity. Within walking distance of the center is also the region’s most scenic hiking trail, known as the Seven Hanging Valleys. And there’s another coastal boardwalk from the beach, leading to the fascinating rock formations of Algar Seco.
IN CARVOEIRO WHAT todoandsee
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
The majority of tourists visit Carvoeiro purely for a relaxed beach holiday, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the surrounding region.
You don’t have to be a keen walker to enjoy this trail over the cliffs by Carvoeiro. It starts at the beach of Praia da Marinha and ends at Praia do Paraíso. In between, you pass by the beaches of Carvalho and Benagil. In total, this walk covers close to 6 km (just over 3.5 miles) and offers some truly breathtaking views.
Benagil Cave
Text & Photos by Algarve Tourist Magazine
Algar Seco
The winds and waves joined forces over thousands of years and created a curious rocky landscape in Carvoeiro. There are fantastic rock formations and rock pools, and a cave with “windows” opening to a picture-perfect view of the sea
This spectacular cave has become the most popular tourist attraction in Algarve. It’s best accessed from Benagil Beach, which is 15 minutes by car from Carvoeiro. Boat tours also depart from Vale Centeanes Beach, which is within walking distance of the center of town, or also from Praia do Carvoeiro. The only way to reach the cave is by boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard.
Praia do Carvoeiro
With its fishing boats on the sand and white houses perched on the cliff, this is one of Algarve’s most picturesque and photographed beaches It’s quite small but perfect to relax after a day around the coast, exploring the famous caves and bigger beaches Its central location with a number of restaurants and shops behind it, gives a lively atmosphere at any time of day.
Nearby are the Slide & Splash and Aqualand water parks, with their slides, pools, and entertainment for the whole family.
Praia do Paraíso
This small, sheltered beach is hidden down by a long staircase. Very few people come here, and it almost disappears at high tide. However, when Praia do Carvoeiro is just too crowded, it’s a peaceful alternative.
Praia de Vale Centeanes
It takes 20-25 minutes to walk to this beach from the center of Carvoeiro, but all you have to do is follow the main road. By car, you ’ re there in just 5 minutes. It’s one of the main departure points of the boat tours to the Benagil Cave, as well as the ending point of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail. It can get crowded in the summer, as there are many apartments around it. It’s sheltered from the wind by the tall, golden cliffs surrounding it.
From Carvoeiro, there are a number of interesting day trips which include Silves, Ferragudo, and Portimão
EXPLORING ALGAR SECO
By Algarve Tourist Magazine
Algar Seco is one of Algarve’s main natural monuments, with sweeping views from all angles.
Erosion has created a fascinating site in the town of Carvoeiro. The wind and the sea carved rock pools, caves, and “balconies” over the sea, and there are fossils of marine life from two dozen million years ago. Paths are hewn into the limestone cliffs and rocks, and the rock pools are formed at high tide
cave with windows opening to a picture-perfect view of the sea.
The fascinating site can be reached from the center of town via a boardwalk, which offers sweeping views of the coast. Go there in the evening and sit on one of the benches because it is the best sunset spot in town.
But before, do not forget to visit the amazing Boneca cave to admire the ocean through the two big holes created in the cliffs by nature
It’s recommended that you continue down the boardwalk that goes to the center of Carvoeiro, which has displays explaining the vegetation and wildlife of the place. Nearby (less than a 15-minute walk away) is Vale Covo, a “secret” beach that’s only accessible at low tide from the Tivoli Carvoeiro Hotel.
Its sheer variety makes the Algarve a fantastic holiday destination, whatever kind of holiday you are seeking. This guide will summarise the best places to stay in the Algarve as holiday destinations and help you identify the most suitable for your holiday.
Albufeira
01 best places to STAY IN ALGARVE
Albufeiraisthelargestandliveliest resorttownintheAlgarveandisableto offersomethingforeveryone Atthe heartofthetownisacharminghistoric center,while“TheStrip”iscrammed withbarsandlate-nightclubs The beachofAlbufeiraisoneofthebestin theregionwithitsbeautifulsandsand clearwaters,extendingalongthelength ofthetown.Theonlydownsidetothis townisitspopularity;duringthe summeritwillbeincrediblybusy
Tavira
Taviraisafavoriteholidaydestination intheAlgarve.Thetownissituatedin thelesstouristyeasternAlgarveand providesanauthenticPortuguese experiencethatiseasytofallinlove with Ithasanextensiverangeof hotels,restaurants,andbars. Taviraisagreatbasefromwhichto exploretheeasternAlgarve Theonly issuewithTaviraisthatthebeachesare onasandbarislandthatisaccessible onlybyashortferryride.
Carvoeiro Lagos
05 04 03
ThehistoriccityofLagosisapopular holidaydestination,lyingalonga stunningcoastlinewithvastbeaches anddramaticcliffformations,itisa vibrantcityboastingarangeof activities,sightsanddaytrips.Also thereisawideselectionofrestaurants, barsandshops
TheonedownsidetoLagosisthelong distancefromFaroairport,which meansalongandexpensivetransfer unlessyourentacar.
Carvoeiroliesononeofthemost beautifulsectionsoftheAlgarve coastline,aregionofgoldencliffs, hiddencovebeachesandturquoisesea waters.Thetownisclosetoallofthe actionofthecentralAlgarve,withits waterandthemeparks,oractivities. TheonedrawbacktoCarvoeiroisthat publictransportisverypoor,soyouwill needarentalcar.
PraiadaRocha
PraiadaRochaisaresorttownsituated onthebeach,3kminlandinthecityof Portimão Itoverlooksoneofthefinest beachesoftheAlgarveandisalively andbustlingresort.Thebeachis amazing,thesummertimenightlifeis impressive.
PraiadaRochaispresentlyattempting totransformitselfintoamore sophisticatedandstylishdestination, withdesignerbeachclubs,swanky hotelsandanexpensivemarina complex.
Cabanas
Vilamoura
Faro
08 07 06
Vilamouraisasprawlingresorttown thatencompassesfourgolfcourses,a largemarinacomplexandtwobeautiful sandybeaches.Thetownhasa reputationforsophistication,andstyle andisoneofthemostexpensive destinationsintheAlgarve. Thisisadestinationforchicmeals overlookingthemarinaandglamorous nightsspentatdesignerbeachclubs. Vilamouraoffersawideselectionof holidayactivitiesandattractions CabanasisasmuchanoppositeofPraia daRochaasitcouldpossiblybe This tinyvillageiscalm,peacefulanda favoritewithretireesandexpatswho frequentthenumerouscafesthatline theharborfront.Fromtheharbor,a smallferrycrossestothedeserted beachesontheIlhadeCabanas
Faroisacharacterfulandhistoriccity, thatlendsitselfmoretoaculturalcity breakthanaconventionalsummer holidaybeachresortdestination. WithinFaroisadelightfuloldquarter, aprettyfishingharbourandshopping streetsaimedatPortuguesepatrons. Itshouldbenotedthatthereareno beachesclosetoFaro,andabusorferry rideisneededtotraveltothesandbar islands.
Drivingin
ALGARVE
By Algarve Tourist Magazine
Hiring a car is a great way to explore the Algarve and opens up many remote beaches or traditional villages that have little or no public transport options. Most visitors collect their car from Faro Airport and this saves on transfer costs and delays This guide will provide an overview of driving in Algarve
PRACTICAL DETAILS
Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road and it is compulsory for all passengers to wear seat belts.
Motorcyclists must always wear helmets.
Specific legislation is in force banning the use of mobile phones while driving, except when using hands-free equipment.
Traffic signs comply with international conventions. When driving, the maximum level of alcohol permitted in the bloodstream is 0.5 grams/liter.
There are 24-hour service stations in main urban centers, as well as on motorways and main roads.
Petrol stations have variable opening hours.
Maximum speed limits for passenger vehicles without trailers and motorcycles:
in built-up areas: 50 km/hour in main roads: 90 km/hour on clearways: 100 km/hour on motorways: 120 km/hour
PCOMPULSORY DOCUMENTS:
Identity card or passport
Driving licence
Insurance certificate
Vehicle log book and proof of ownership
MORE USEFUL INFO
The Portuguese are very impatient drivers and will happily tailgate slower cars and attempt to overtake on hills or blind corners which has unfortunately given the country one of the highest levels of road deaths per population in Europe
While driving in the Algarve it is the law that the driver must have a photographic ID and it is recommended to carry both your EU driving license (or International Driving Permit if from a non-EU Country) and passport in the unlikely event of being stopped by the police
Other documents required by Portuguese are the car's logbook (the Livrete) and the registration document (the Título de Registo de Propriedade), both documents can be combined to form the Documento Único Automóvel and are supplied by the car rental company Non-Portuguese cars must have valid insurance and proof of ownership (the vehicle registration documents)
Alcohol limits and fines have dramatically decreased/increased respectively after many years of rule flouting and horrific accidents by Portuguese drivers and there is an almost zero tolerance policy employed by the police, it is easier and safer not to drink and drive
The present-day alcohol limit is 0 05% which is equivalent to a small beer or a very small glass of wine
Children under 12 are not allowed to ride in front of a car unless they are taller than 150 cm All young children in the rear must have suitable car or booster seats but these can be surprisingly expensive when hired from rental companies
One of the odd traffic rules that catch many foreign drivers to the Algarve is that traffic joining a road from the right has priority over the main road
GGASTRO ASTRO
BacalhauàLagareiro
Original from the Beira region where people use to cook it in the ovens of the olive oil cellars, this dish of codfish in olive oil goes by different names: à Lagareiro, Bacalhau no forno (codfish in the oven) or Bacalhau assado com batatas a murro (roasted codfish with, literally translated, “punched” potatoes). Regardless of the name, this is one of the most renowned recipes of Bacalhau.
Ingredients:
800g Cod loins
1 bay leaf
600 g potatoes
3 sliced garlic cloves
2 dl extra virgin olive oil
Salt, if needed
Cilantro
Method:
1.Heat the oven to 200°C (390ºF)
2.Wash the potatoes and bring them to a boil. Let them boil for a bit, then take them out of the water, place them on a tray and let them finish cooking in the pre-heated oven. When the potatoes are soft, take them out of the oven and punch them with your closed fist. You can place a kitchen cloth between your hand and the hot potatoes, so you don’t get burned.
3.Place the cod on a tray. Drizzle half of the olive oil and add the garlic and the bay leaf. Place the tray in the oven.
4.Occasionally drizzle the cod with the olive oil to moisten it.
5.Place the potatoes on a serving tray, layer the cod on top, and drizzle with the rest of the olive oil.
6.Finish with some chopped cilantro before serving.
JULY AGENDA for
This month's special selection of experiences worth participating
SUNSET SECRETS - THURSDAYS IN THE CASTLE
From 4 to 25 July 2024
Gastronomic experiences, the promotion of local products - Laranja de Silves and Wines of Silves - relaxing massages, music and dance, culminating with a fire show.
Hours: 18:30 - 23:00
Fee: €5 (general), €2 (residents)
SILVES BEER FEST
From 17 to 21 July 2024
One of the most iconic Beer Festivals in Portugal, in the Silves Castle.
Location: Al-Muthamid Square, Silves
Hours: 18:00 - 01:00
Free entry
5TH SALT COD FESTIVAL
From 19 to 21 July
Gastronomic experience in Casa do Povo of Alcantarilha. Taste cod fish, the most popular ingredient in Portuguese cuisine.
Hours: 19:00 - 2:00
Fee: €3,50 (1 day), €8 (3 days)
PIRATE FESTIVAL, OLHÃO
From 24 to 28 July
The event takes visitors back in time to the era of pirates. No matter where you look, chances are you’ll find some kind of historical reenactment, performative art, storytelling and much more. There will also be a pirate market at Jardim Patrão Joaquim Lopes with street foods.
Location: Riverside Area, Olhão
Hours: 17:00 - 01:00
Free entry
RIA FORMOSA FESTIVAL, FARO
From 25 July to 6 August
The most important gastronomy event in Faro, on Largo de São Francisco. For 11 days, it will be possible to savor the best shellfish from the Ria Formosa and other regional specialties. Daily entertainment will be provided by local and regional artists.
Location: Largo de São Francisco, Faro
Hours: 18:00 - 02:00
Free entry
Praia de Vale Centeanes
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By Algarve Tourist Magazine