2 weeks in Carveiro

shep · Post by **shep** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:58 pm

Just back from 2 weeks in Carveiro. We were 2 families, 4 adults and 5 kids and we stayed in a villa just at the edge of the town. Our Villa was fantastic, especially the pool. The weather was sunshine all the way, and the atmosphere was brilliant during the World cup. We made the Flic Flac bar our base for watching the matches, and the staff there were great. (Thanks to Bill, Andrea and Jessica). Would I go back again ? Probably not. And the reason was that I just felt that it was just too busy, especially for the kids. If there was a bit more pedestrian areas or they managed to close off some of the roads at nightime, then it would be perfect. The square in front of the beach was nice, apart from the smell, but if only more of the restaurants and bars were located in an area like that, so that you'd feel safe leaving the kids walk around without traffic. Overall, its a lovely resort and there are some wonderful beaches within close distance of the town.

tbbr · Post by **tbbr** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:02 am

THe closing of of the centre at night has been suggested many times on this site as it would certainly enhance the ambience of the village.
This has been done in ALbufeira where the traffic free areas have been increasd and in Lagos.
Come on CVO don,t get left behind.

e-richard · Post by **e-richard** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 9:05 am

Hi Shep, and welcome to the forum. You make some good points above. Did you manage to find the small complex at Monte Carvoeiro ? Its an emclosed courtyard with a number of restaurants and bars with occasional live music during dinner and space for the kids to run around - safely. Also has one of the best restaurants at O Salmao - not often mentioned, but excellent food (slightly above average price)

Back on the topic of pedestrianizing Carvoeiro, I had often thought that one of this town's attractions was its authenticity - the preservation of a feel of an original fishing viallage. As a result, pedestrian precints could be said to kind of spoil that and turn it into a manufactured tourist trap.

On the other hand, we cannot stop the march of time, and in reality CVO is now just that - a tourist town, so perhaps its time to give more thought to the idea.

e-llen · Post by **e-llen** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 10:19 am

Personally I think the centre of Carvoeiro is too small to be pedestrianised and would detract from the whole atmosphere. Also, while it is a popular tourist town it is also a working Portugese town and many people live and work in Carvoeiro and have to be able to get around. There are areas on edge of town in very attractive tourist complexes where there is more space and is geared up for holiday makers so that would be something to consider when booking your holiday.

tbbr · Post by **tbbr** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 11:17 am

CVO may well be a "working " town but correct me if I am wrong but does not the majority of its income come from tourists and its business,s are geared up around that.
No one could deny that the square and roads leading into and out can hardly be described as atractive or authentic. ( where are the fishing boats donkey carts etc ).
People do not want to compete with cars for space and fresh air and will go where they don,t have to.

Lesley Jean · Post by **Lesley Jean** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 11:52 am

I think that it would be nice to have a pedestrian area from 6.00pm - 6am starting from the road that leads to the municipal market, and on the out and in roads where the roads are able to take traffic around the centre, if you catch my drift. The only thing is that you would need some car parks so that tourists can park and then walk to the centre. Good idea otherwise.

I agree about not wanting to change the town as I love the feel of it during the off season months more than the summer, so maybe the pedestrianisation should only be from the end of May to the end of September, allowing the town to revert back to itself.

saintsfan · Post by **saintsfan** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 3:19 pm

Can somebody please tell me where the enclosed courtyard is. I was in Carvoeiro at the begining of October last year (first time and we fell in love with the place ) We are coming back on the 21st September. I realise that I missed a lot of places and hope to see more this year.

We stay at Colina Da Lapa and last year did not come down into town much last year, but that will change this year, especially for the evening meal. any advice is much appriciated

e-richard · Post by **e-richard** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 5:36 pm

To Monte Carvoeiro, from the main square:

Facing the sea, take the road up the hill to your right, past the ice cream parlour.
Just past Rascals on your right, next door to Tia Ilda, there are some steps up to the right, with Tia Ilda on your left now.
Top of the steps, turn left.
20 yards on there is a road to the right, up a very steep (but short) hill.
As the hill starts to flatten (ha ha - well get less steep), you'll see Entrance (Entrada) to Monte Carvoeiro on the left.

Its a tough climb, but worth it.

saintsfan · Post by **saintsfan** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 6:24 pm

Thanks

We will make the climb to have a look

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 10:22 am

I have just returned today after two weeks in Carvoeiro and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised as the ease at which I got around for the time of year. I have been four times in the last 8 months at much quieter times and was worried about the level of activity but if you go anywhere in mid July you will experience conjestion. No problem getting tables or a beer. All you have to do is take a night out in Praia De Rocha and you will appreciate what you have got in Carvoeiro. Wouldn't agree about Monte Carv. A steep hill to climb and really there is very little to excite the kids when you get there. The irish band (Tuesday & Thursday) in Flic Flac are superb, a definite must. The sewage works are completed but the smell (jessssus !!) it must be a nightmare for the few (classy) eating establishments located there. I could not eat in them. Graffiti is getting worse and I know its part of the culture to some degree but it really is awful. Cheers to all and see you again in October

2 weeks in Carveiro

2 weeks in Carveiro

pedestrian access