Carvoeiro is a town and a former civil parish in the municipality (concelho) of Lagoa, Algarve, Portugal. In 2013, the parish merged into the new civil parish Lagoa e Carvoeiro. The population in 2011 was 2,721, in an area of 11.66 km². It is located about south of Lagoa.
As a traditional fishing village, Carvoeiro has maintained its authenticity while adapting to the needs of the increasing number of tourists. Despite its popularity, the town remains relatively underserved by public transport, with the closest train station being Estombar-Lagoa.
There are two beaches at Carvoeiro, including Carvoeiro Beach (Praia de Carvoeiro) and Paradise Beach (Praia do Paraíso).
History
220px|left|thumb|View of Carvoeiro (from the west)
thumb|220px|left|View of Carvoeiro (from the east)
Formed from a picturesque fishing village, with a long history of settlement, the parish slowly developed into a tourist area in the municipality of Lagoa, owing to its number of sand beaches protected by cliffs. There are vestiges of human settlement dating to the Roman occupation of the peninsula, as well as early naval activity in the area.
The region was historically unspared from frequent pirate and military assaults along the coast, with a number of naval battles occurring off the coast. Most notably, in 1544, a squadron of ships under D. Pedro da Cunha, battled the Turkish barbary coast pirate, Xarramet. Swift was an artist and long-time resident of Carvoeiro who founded Porches Pottery.
Carvoeiro became a separate/independent parish in 1985 and raised to the status of town on 19 April 2001. The design is comparable to the old lighthouse of Ponta dos Capelinhos and Ribeirinha (on the island of Faial in the Azores) or the lighthouse of Cabo Sardão. The fort was constructed in 1670 under the direction of Governor of Algarve, D. Nuno de Mendonça, Count of Val dos Reis, but began to serve as a fiscal outpost after 1870, before becoming a cultural attraction in the middle of the 20th century.
Vale de Centeanes Beach
Vale de Centeanes Beach (in Portuguese: Praia do Vale de Centeanes) is surrounded by big cliffs. There is a shallow valley leading down to the beach at the eastern end making access fairly easy (even by wheelchair). There are plenty of facilities for all the family including a seasonal lifeguard service. There i also bar right on the beach. It is popular spot to watch the sunset.
Marinha Beach
Marinha Beach (in Portuguese: Praia da Marinha) is the archetypal Algarve cove. It is located in Lagoa and Carvoeiro civil parish and only 4 km far by the Algarve International School. Main characteristics of the beach are clear turquoise waters lap up against the orange limestone that forms the cliffs and iconic rock formations. Praia da Marinha is small and sandy. Boat trips (including paddle boat hire) are available from the beach.