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Carvoeiro is a fishing village which has, over the last 15 years, grown to be a sizeable holiday resort. However, it has not destroyed the intrinsic charm of the place, as the development has been sympathetically done, keeping to low-rise buildings in the traditional Algarvian style. There are very many restaurants and bars, shops and a market.
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In summer, a stage is erected, and there is music and dancing in the town
square by the beach - sometimes modern bands, and sometimes traditional Portuguese music.
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Transport is easy up and down from Rocha Brava - there are frequent buses, cheap taxis, and the charming 'Jumbolino' - a little train which does a round trip between the town square by the beach, and Carvalho (Smugglers) Beach, passing by Rocha Brava's entrance.
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Portimao is about 20 minutes drive away from Carvoeiro. If you enter the town across the old bridge and immediately turn left, you will find yourself on the quay side where the sardine boats unload their catch. All along here it is possible to have a lunch of freshly barbequed sardines with salad, bread and wine, as much as you can eat, very cheaply.
The town is possibly the main shopping town of the Algarve - the Rua da Commercio in the centre of town is the main shopping street, having many smart shops.
A new marina has been built along the river - head towards Praia da Rocha, and then follow the signs to Ferragudo Marina. There are several bars and restaurants, and more lovely shops. It is very easy to spot it - the buildings are all painted bright red,orange and ochre yellow!
Capital of the Moorish kings of the al-Gharb, Silves is still an imposing place and one of the few towns of inland Algarve that merits a detour. The impressively complete sandstone walls of the Moorish fortress retain their towers and elaborate communication system, and inside, although there's nothing left of the old citadel apart from the great vaulted water cisterns that still serve the town, it is possible to walk inside the top of the walls and see wonderful views up to Monchique and almost to the sea. A very interesting place to visit is the Fabrica Ingles (the English Factory), which is an old cork factory which has now been converted into a museum, as well as a cluster of bars and restaurants. A sight not to be missed ( in high season only) is the musical dancing fountain.
