Holiday in Carvoeiro and you may find yourself hooked! Once a fishing village, it's lost none of its charm, and many people just keep on coming back year after year. Tucked into a spectacular coastline, this little town centres on an open-sided village square, where you can eat al fresco with views past the colourful fishing boats to the sea. A few steps and you're on sand, kicking off your sandals to enjoy Carvoeiro's small sandy beach which is sheltered by cliffs rising up from the bay.

Venture the other way, and whitewashed lanes riddled with endearing souvenir shops and easygoing bars beckon you to explore. Development here is thoughtfully low rise, so whether you've booked a last minute holiday or chosen your summer holiday in Carvoeiro well ahead, you should find yourself staying in an attractive complex. If you're self catering, there's a busy local produce market, as well as plenty of very good restaurants serving mouth watering local specialities.

When it comes to exploring, it's the contorted coastline that really sticks in the memory. You must go to Algar Seco. Catch a lift with a fisherman to see the crazy rock formations from the sea, then discover Carvalho Cove and twist through the tunnels to the sea. Families will find this an excellent base with good accommodation somewhere like the Colina Village, and attractions such as the Slide and Splash Waterpark just down the road.