If you know anything about the Algarve, you will know that it’s one of the top tourist destinations in Europe. You will also know that it’s home to an array of cities, towns and villages, all of which attract thousands of tourists each year. Though it’s nice to have such a varied choice of places to holiday in the Algarve, it can make choosing your perfect location difficult. Once they have narrowed down their options, a lot of holidaymakers find themselves torn between two places: Carvoeiro and Albufeira. Luckily, you are unlikely to be disappointed by either.
When it comes to deciding between Carvoeiro and Albufeira, the key is finding out what makes the two locations different. Though there are certainly a lot of similarities – after all, they are only a short drive away from one another – the two areas do have something different to offer. Below, we take a look at what you can expect from each.
What Does Albufeira Have to Offer Holidaymakers?
As the second biggest city in the Algarve, Albufeira has a lot to offer holidaymakers. It’s one of the most popular holiday destinations in the region, and holidaymakers choose Albufeira over other Portuguese destinations year after year. There are many reasons for this, such as Albufeira being located on the coast and being home to many of the Algarve’s top beaches. It’s a lively, bustling and enjoyable place to visit.
Regardless of what you are looking for, Albufeira has something to offer. It used to be a fishing village, and it’s still home to a wide range of seafood restaurants and fresh ingredients. There are no shortage of options when it comes to eating out, even if you are travelling with fussy eaters.
As a popular holiday destination for families, you won’t be surprised to hear that Albufeira has a long list of beautiful beaches for you to explore. In fact, Albufeira is where you will find a number of the Algarve’s beach hotspots. A lot of the beaches in Albufeira are perfect for families, as they are safe and secure. Children can paddle and adults can relax, knowing that there’s very little to worry about. There are also ideas for watersports and swimming, should you want to be a little more active during your trip. Albufeira also has a lovely marina for holidaymakers to explore and there are lots of excursions to enjoy. These include diving trips, trips to the floating caves and dolphin watching experiences.
As well as having a tonne of day trips and activities on offer, Albufeira also has a beautiful Old Town for you to explore. It boasts cobbled streets, bars, restaurants, local shops and nightlife. From the moment you arrive in Albufeira, you won’t be short of things to see and do.
Why Do Tourists Flock to Carvoeiro?
Though there are certainly some similarities between Carvoeiro and Albufeira, Carvoeiro offers a calmer and more relaxed vibe. As a town, Carvoeiro is charming and peaceful. It manages to welcome a lot of tourists each year, whilst still remaining pleasant and tranquil. This is why it’s the ‘go to’ holiday destination for a lot of families, as well as tourists who are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Carvoeiro boasts a lot of what you would expect from a holiday destination in the Algarve. There are long stretches of beautiful beaches, local restaurants serving delicious food and a whole host of shops, hotels and streets to explore. Overall, it’s somewhat similar to Albufeira, but it’s on the quieter side.
From Carvoeiro, you can enjoy a wide range of activities and attractions. It’s close enough to other areas of the Algarve, meaning you can explore other regions and towns. Though you may be staying in Carvoeiro, there is nothing stopping you from seeing what else is out there.
There are a lot of accommodation options in Carvoeiro, just like there is in Albufeira. However, these are generally on the smaller and quieter side of things. This is because the town as a whole is smaller and more peaceful, and it doesn’t draw in big crowds in the same way that Albufeira does.
Should You Choose Carvoeiro or Albufeira as Your Holiday Destination?
Regardless of whether you choose Carvoeiro or Albufeira as your holiday destination, you are unlikely to be disappointed in what the region has to offer. As a whole, the Algarve has something for every type of holidaymaker. Whether you are travelling as a family or a couple, as a solo traveller or a group of friends, there is a lot to see and do in the Algarve.
If you are looking to be part of a busier area of the Algarve, consider heading to Albufeira. This is where you will find a lot of holidaymakers, hotels, restaurants and nightlife. Though Albufeira has quaint streets and a local scene, it is certainly tailored for the tourist market. This is why it’s one of the top holiday destinations in Portugal, drawing in thousands of visitors each and every year.
If you are looking for something quieter and calmer, Carvoeiro is more likely to tick your boxes. Though it does have a lot of what Albufeira has to offer – it boasts local restaurants, beautiful beaches and things for tourists to do – it does this on a much smaller scale. It’s popular, but noticeably less busier than Albufeira during peak holiday months. This is why it appeals to families during the summer holidays, as well as couples who are searching for a relaxing break abroad.
Of course, if you’re unable to choose between Carvoeiro and Albufeira, you should consider checking both destinations out. They are only around a 30 minute drive apart, meaning you can definitely head from one to the other for a day trip. By doing this, you get the chance to explore the full range of what the Algarve has to offer.