The beaches of Carvoeiro are considered some of the most picturesque not only in Portugal but also in the world, most of them awarded with the EU Blue Flag ecological label. The coastline of the resort area is dotted with small beaches hidden behind the majestic cliffs. These beaches include Praia da Marinha, Praia de Vale Centeanes, Benagil and the postcard-famous Carvoeiro town beach. It is surrounded by cliffs and sits in a distinctive horseshoe-shaped bay right in the center of the resort.
1. Praia do Carvoeiro Town Beach
A clean, small sandy beach protected on both sides by cliffs. There are showers and toilets on the beach, several bars and restaurants. There is a parking lot behind the beach, but in the "high season" you should not count on it - it is better to park a little further away and walk down to the beach.
Next door to the town beach in a bay protected by a natural arc is Praia do Paraíso. From Carvoeiro beach it is located on the left side behind a cliff. Praia do Paraíso has a parking lot near the O Boteco restaurant. You have to descend to the beach by a long curved staircase built into the cliffs. The beach is considered partly wild and there are no lifeguards on duty.
Note that lifeguards are usually on duty at beaches from April through the end of September. If a beach has a green flag, swimming is allowed. A yellow flag prohibits swimming, and a red flag prohibits even entering the water. A mottled blue and white flag indicates that the beach is temporarily unattended by lifeguards.
2. Praia do Carvalho
Another small sandy beach in a bay surrounded by cliffs. Access to the beach is from both sides, from the parking lot through a tunnel in the cliff or via a steeper staircase in the cliff. There are also no cafes, showers or toilets on this beach, and water must be brought with you.
