CARVOEIRO

		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, yet it still manages to retain something of the original atmosphere of the fishing village it once was. Rest assured, 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, restaurants and night-spots. There is plenty of live music here with venues including The Roundup Saloon (Country and Western), The JailHouse (Blues and Rock) and Manuel’s on the cliff top (Brazillian Jazz, every Monday night).

Carvoeiro beach is convenient in that it is small, central and sheltered while, at the same time, it is easy enough to take a trip east along the Estrada do Farol until you reach the Praia de Centianes, which is another spectacular, sheltered beach. 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 several times a day during the summer season. In the winter, Carvoeiro is a different story with a quiet but pleasant out of season feel and still plenty of wonderful warm sunshine to enjoy.