Culture
Away from the beaches there are some delightful town and villages to explore in Carvoeiro. Alvor with its traditional white-washed houses and winding cobbled streets has a surprisingly large selection of restaurants, shops and late-night bars, all of which are found within the pretty historic centre.
Monchique is a must for anyone looking to get a real sense of the Algarve and the traditions of the people who live away from the busy coast. Situated in the Serra de Monchique mountain range that separates the Algarve from the neighbouring northern region of the Alentejo. This lush landscape of rolling hills, leafy woods and flowing streams is aptly referred to as the ‘garden of the Algarve’.
There is also a lot to do in the town of Silves, which is just a 20 minute drive away from Carvoeiro. The ancient Moorish capital of the Algarve, Silves is a charismatic town steeped in history. A great place to visit at any time of the year, there are plenty of things to do and see here.
Back towards the coast Algar Seco is one of the best viewpoints in Algarve where visitors can admire a network of pools, arches and rocky holes that were naturally shaped in rocks by wind and waves over millennia.
The area provides a stunning walk past numerous fascinating natural features, including rock formations, caves, cliffs and a blow hole. Keep an eye open for the famous rock formation known as ‘The Pinnacle’, you’ll definitely know it when you see it.
Also on the coast of Porches lies Nossa Senhora da Rocha fishing harbour which roughly translates as ‘Our Lady of the Rocks. It is home to many things worthy of a visit including a medieval castle, an attractive chapel and some breath taking coves and beaches.