Carvoeiro
Praia de Carvoeiro · Carvoeiro Bay
37°05.8'N 08°28.1'W
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m in 4–8m on sand. Good holding throughout. Watch for rocks at headland ends — limit swing to avoid close approach. Swell refraction around the headlands can make the bay uncomfortable even from NW swell.
About This Anchorage
Carvoeiro is one of the most charming villages on the Algarve — a small fishing settlement tucked into a dramatic cleft in the golden limestone cliffs, with a small sandy beach flanked by colourful houses. The bay anchorage is a beautiful spot for lunch or an evening swim, with several excellent seafood restaurants above the beach. The rocky cliffs on both sides are spectacular at close range by dinghy. Carvoeiro Caves (Algar Seco) are 0.5nm E and accessible by dinghy in calm conditions. The anchorage is weather-dependent — open to S/SE — and best suited as a daytime stop with Portimão or Lagos as overnight base.
Protected From
N · NW · W
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No specific restrictions. Respect the small beach swimming zone directly in front of the village. Keep clear of the small fishing boat ramp on the N side of the beach. Tour boat operations active daily in season.
Hazards
- !Rocks at both headland ends — approach centrally and anchor mid-bay; echo sounder essential on approach
- !S/SE swell refraction around headlands can create confused sea state even in moderate conditions
- !Nortada arrives 10:00–12:00 and builds short chop in this open bay — depart or prepare for uncomfortable conditions
- !Dinghy landing on the beach requires caution — dumping surf possible in any swell; beach ramp is steep
Skipper's Tips
- →Best as a morning/lunch stop — arrive 09:00–10:00, explore the cliff walks and lunch at the village, depart by 13:00
- →The Algar Seco rock formations (0.5nm E) are worth a dinghy exploration in the morning calm — stunning rock arches and caves accessible from the water
- →Portimão Marina (8nm E) is the recommended overnight base for this section of coast
- →Fish market in Portimão for provisions; Carvoeiro village has a small supermarket
Facilities
Several excellent seafood restaurants along the clifftop promenade above the beach — dinghy landing at the beach ramp, short walk up. Famous for percebes (barnacles) and fresh fish.
Nearest provisions: Carvoeiro village supermarket (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
May–June and September ideal. July–August: very crowded beach and consistent Nortada afternoon chop. Avoid in any S forecast — the bay is a trap in S/SW winds. Best spring tides: tidal range here is ~2.8m.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
When Nortada builds overnight on the Algarve coast, Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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