Carvoeiro and Lagoa are two charming towns that lie in the heart of the Algarve and make for fantastic holiday destinations. Carvoeiro sits on a beautiful cove beach while Lagoa, slightly inland, offers excellent value accommodation and easy access to the region's attractions.

While many visitors are drawn to the region's pristine beaches and glorious climate, there is an impressive variety of attractions and activities. From the exhilarating water parks of Slide & Splash and Zoomarine to the ancient streets of Silves with its Moorish castle, there are sights and activities for all ages.

This guide explores the finest attractions and activities throughout the Carvoeiro and Lagoa region, helping you plan an unforgettable Portuguese holiday.
Related articles: Carvoeiro introduction

Below is a brief overview of the top sights and activities in Lagoa and Carvoeiro – detailed descriptions of each attraction are provided later in the guide.

Benagil Cave - A stunning sea cave famed for its distinctive dome-shaped ceiling and golden sandy beach below. This can be visited by boat tour from Carvoeiro beach or as a kayak trip.

Day trip to Silves - The ancient Moorish capital of the Algarve with its impressive castle, fortified walls and charming Portuguese atmosphere (guide to Silves).

Zoomarine - A wonderful marine-themed park that features dolphin and sea lion shows, an aquarium, swimming pools and water slides. A fantastic family activity and highly recommended.

Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos - A stunning coastal hiking trail along some of the Algarve's most beautiful scenery offers views of rugged cliffs, hidden beaches, and the turquoise Atlantic Ocean - guide to the Sete Vales Suspensos.

Algar Seco - A highly weathered and otherworldly landscape comprising gnarled cliffs, caves, and Martian-coloured red rocks - guide to the Algar Seco.

Praia de Vale Centeanes - A glorious beach at the base of towering golden limestone cliffs and is a wonderful setting for a relaxing beach day.

Slide & Splash - Portugal's largest and most popular water park, featuring thrilling water slides, wave pools, and relaxing areas for all ages - www.slidesplash.com

Praia da Marinha - Voted one of the worlds most beautiful beaches, slightly further from Lagoa and Carvoeiro but worthy of the trip – guide to Marinha beach.

Wine tasting – Within the region are many beautiful vineyards offering wine tasting and tours of their estates, some of the best include Quinta dos Vales, Morgado do Quintão, Quinta dos Capinhas, and the winery of Cabrita

Day trip to Ferragudo - A pretty fishing village which is the quintessential Algarvian village tourists envision when thinking of the Algarve.

Praia de Carvoeiro - The picturesque beach at the heart of Carvoeiro, it’s sheltered beach and waters are ideal for families.

Sand City - A sand sculpture park, featuring intricate and massive sand creations - sandcity.pt

Day trip to Portimão – A busting port city with an attractive waterfront and excellent seafood restaurants - guide to Portimão

Senhora da Rocha Chapel - A small chapel sitting at the top of towering cliffs offering breathtaking views

Praia dos Caneiros - A pristine beach far from the tourist crowds with an idyllic natural setting

Porches Pottery - A renowned ceramics workshop famous for its handcrafted, traditional, and decorative pottery.

Vale de Milho Golf - A scenic 9-hole par-3 course, ideal for beginners and experienced golfers alike, with challenging greens and beautiful coastal views.

The interactive map blow shows the location of all of these sights and attractions

Legend: 1) Benagil Cave 2) Silves 3) Zoomarine 4) Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos 5) Algar Seco 6) Praia de Vale Centeanes 7) Slide & Splash 8) Praia da Marinha 9) Ferragudo 10) Praia de Carvoeiro 11) Sand City 12) Portimão 13) Senhora da Rocha Chapel 14) Praia dos Caneiros 15) Porches Pottery 16) Vale de Milho Golf
Wine tasting: 17) Quinta dos Capinhas 18) Quinta dos Vales 19) Morgado do Quintão 20) Cabrita

Zoomarine is one of the Algarve’s top family attractions, combining marine life encounters with water park fun. Located in Guia, it offers spectacular dolphin, sea lion, and bird of prey shows, as well as educational exhibits about marine conservation. Visitors can get up close with dolphins in specially designed interaction programmes.

Beyond the wildlife, the park features water slides, a wave pool, and a sandy beach area, making it ideal for cooling off on hot days. There are also fairground rides and an excellent aquarium. With a mix of education and fun, Zoomarine is a fantastic day out for families.

Benagil Cave is one of the Algarve’s most iconic natural wonders, famous for its dramatic rock formations and a striking circular opening in the ceiling, known as “the eye.” Located near the fishing village of Benagil, this sea cave is only accessible by water, with kayak, paddleboard, and boat tours departing from nearby beaches.

Inside, golden-hued rock walls and a hidden sandy beach create a stunning sight, especially when sunlight streams through the natural skylight.

The Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos (Seven Hanging Valleys Trail) is one of the Algarve’s most scenic hiking trails. It extends for 5.7 km between Praia da Marinha in the west and the Praia de Vale Centeanes in the east. This coastal path follows dramatic limestone cliffs, offering breathtaking views of hidden beaches, natural arches, and sea caves.

Along the way, highlights include the famous Benagil Cave (from above), the Alfanzina Lighthouse, and the rugged, golden-coloured rock formations that define the central Algarve coastline. The trail is moderately challenging, with some steep sections and uneven terrain.

Sand City Algarve is one of the largest sand sculpture parks in the world. Each year, talented artists create intricate and massive sculptures, covering themes ranging from famous landmarks and cultural icons to wildlife and fantasy scenes.

There are also workshops where visitors can try their hand at sand sculpting. Sand City is a unique and creative attraction, which is ideal for families.

Quinta dos Vales in Estômbar stands out as one of the Algarve's most established wineries, offering both guided tours and hands-on wine experiences. The estate combines wine tourism with art, featuring large sculptures throughout its grounds. Their tasting sessions include award-winning reds and whites, with their Marquês dos Vales wines being particularly well-regarded.
quintadosvales.pt

The Morgado do Quintão dates back to the 1800s, and offers an atmospheric experience among centuries-old olive trees and original vineyards. This family-owned estate specialises in small-production wines made from native Portuguese grape varieties. Their tastings often take place outdoors under a 2,000-year-old olive tree, paired with local products. Their Alvarinho and Crato Branco whites and Negra Mole reds showcase traditional Algarve winemaking.
www.morgadodoquintao.pt

Quinta dos Capinhas, provides intimate wine tastings with stunning views across the surrounding countryside. The vineyard focuses on sustainable practices and produces distinctive wines that capture the unique terroir of the western Algarve. Their tasting experiences often include a tour of the small-scale production facilities, offering insight into their winemaking process.
quintadoscapinhas.com

Portimão is a bustling coastal city centres around its historic fishing port and modern marina. The old town maintains its traditional Portuguese character with narrow cobbled streets and white-washed buildings. The local fish restaurants, particularly along the riverfront, serve fresh sardines and seafood caught daily by the local fleet. The Museu de Portimão, housed in a restored 19th-century sardine cannery, tells the story of the city's maritime and industrial heritage.

Ferragudo is a traditional fishing village that retains an authentic Portuguese charm that many larger Algarve resorts have lost. Its hillside location offers stunning views across the harbour, with whitewashed houses cascading down to the waterfront.

The village square, Praça Rainha Dona Leonor, forms the heart of local life, lined with cafés and restaurants where fishermen mingle with visitors. The 16th-century fortress of São João do Arade guards the harbour entrance, while the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição sits prominently at the village's highest point.
Ferragudo also has a number of golden sand beaches that open out on the calm estuary.

Slide & Splash the largest and most popular water park in the Algarve. It offers a fantastic mix of thrilling water rides, family-friendly attractions, and relaxing areas, making it a great destination for all ages.

Adrenaline seekers can enjoy high-speed slides like the Kamikaze and Tornado, while those looking for a more relaxed experience can float along the Lazy River or unwind in the Jacuzzi. There are also dedicated areas for younger children, including shallow pools and mini slides.

Porches Pottery offers visitors a glimpse into the artistic heritage of the Algarve. Here you can watch skilled artisans hand-paint distinctive ceramics using traditional techniques, creating everything from decorative tiles to complete dinner services. Each piece features unique designs inspired by Portuguese folk art, with characteristic blues, greens and yellows bringing the region's colours to life.

The on-site shop displays an extensive collection of their handcrafted pieces, making it perfect for finding authentic Portuguese souvenirs.

The Sítio das Fontes is a tranquil natural park beside the Arade River near Estômbar, which provides a peaceful escape from the Algarve's busier coastal spots. The park's centrepiece is its natural springs, which feed into a gentle stream and pond, creating a cool microclimate even in summer months. Visitors can explore the restored watermill, follow easy walking trails through Mediterranean vegetation, or simply relax in the shaded picnic areas under ancient carob and olive trees. The site's wetland areas attract diverse birdlife, while its riverside location provides lovely views across the water.

Silves is the ancient capital of the Algarve and is centred around its imposing red sandstone castle, one of Portugal's best-preserved Moorish fortifications. This medieval town, set on a hill above the Arade River, offers a striking contrast to the coastal resorts, with its rich history evident in every cobbled street.

The castle's well-preserved walls provide panoramic views across the town and countryside. Below, the Gothic cathedral and archaeological museum are worth exploring, while the old town's narrow streets lead to pleasant cafés and restaurants. The daily market offers fresh local produce, and the riverside area provides peaceful walking paths.

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