Explore the Quiet Corners of the Algarve

Welcome to Porto Carvalhoso

Casa Catarina sits quietly in the rural hamlet of Porto Carvalhoso, just beyond the village of Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo, one of the Algarve’s most charming inland spots. Wrapped in citrus groves, olive trees, and sunlit hills, it’s a peaceful base for walking, cycling, or simply letting the rhythm of nature slow you down.

The landscape here is striking in its simplicity, wide skies, soft trails, and long golden sunsets that give way to clear, starry nights. In spring, wildflowers bloom along the footpaths. In summer, the trees stay green, the birds stay busy, and time feels less urgent somehow.

Day Trips, Detours & Quiet Discoveries

You’re tucked away in nature, but still close to some of the Algarve’s most beautiful places. Barril Beach, with its long boardwalk and iconic anchor cemetery, is just under 30 minutes away. The old town of Tavira offers quiet charm, riverfront cafés, and easy ferry access to Ilha de Tavira, a stunning sandy island. Faro, the regional capital, is about 40 minutes by car and worth a visit for its historic centre and less-visited old harbour.

Closer to home, the Pego do Inferno waterfall is just 13 km away, a shady, lush spot perfect for a cooler walk or a scenic picnic.

If you feel like a change of scenery, head west to explore the wild coastline near Lagos, or continue toward the Costa Vicentina, where rugged cliffs and surf beaches meet quiet pine forests.

Whether you stay nearby or venture further, this part of the Algarve is full of quiet beauty, small discoveries, and landscapes that linger long after you leave. Below, we’ve gathered a few of our favourite beaches, day trips, and places worth wandering to... to help you plan, or simply to spark your curiosity.

Local Shops & Essentials

You’ll find a small local supermarket right in Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo, about an 8-minute drive from the house, perfect for basics and everyday bits.

For a bigger shop, Intermarché in Loulé and Continente (near São Brás de Alportel) are both within a 20–30 minute drive and well-stocked with everything you might need.

Markets, bakeries, and roadside fruit stalls also pop up in nearby towns, so don’t be surprised if you come home with more oranges than you planned for.

The Beaches

Golden Sand, Clear Water, and Space to Breathe

Fuseta

Access: Walk to the lagoon beach or take a 5-minute ferry through Ria Formosa.
Vibe: One café by the lagoon and one restaurant. Nothing on the ocean side. Peaceful, with miles of empty beach if you walk a little further.

Praia do Barril

Access: Take a charming mini train or a 10-minute walk from Pedras d’el Rei.
Vibe: Family-friendly with plenty of history, the old tuna station and anchor “graveyard” make it unforgettable. Wide open sands in both directions.

Tavira Island

Access: Ferry from Tavira (15 min, in season) or from Quatro Águas (5 min, year-round).
Vibe: Busier in summer, but beautiful in every season. Head right along the beach for more peace.

Ilha Deserta (Barreta)

Access: Ferry from Faro, 40 minutes through Ria Formosa.
Vibe: Lives up to its name. Also known as Cabo de Santa Maria, it’s the southernmost point of Portugal, with a boarded walk over the dunes. Bring snacks and sun protection, there’s only one café near the ferry landing.

The beaches of the Eastern Algarve are long, golden, and quietly spectacular, many with Blue Flag status and some of the warmest waters in Portugal. Stretching between Faro and Vila Real de Santo António, most lie on a chain of five low islands within the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, including Barreta (Ilha Deserta), Culatra, Armona, Tavira, and Cabanas.

Most are reached by small ferries or water taxis, adding a little adventure to your day. Even in high season, you’ll often find wide-open space if you're willing to walk a few extra minutes. Topless bathing is common, and outside the busiest areas, nudist-friendly spots exist too.

From the sleepy lagoon shores of Fuseta to the soft bustle of Monte Gordo, each beach has its own rhythm and all are just a short drive (or boat ride) from Casa Catarina.

Farol

Access: Ferry or water taxi from Olhão, followed by a short walk.
Vibe: Small beach bars, a charming village, and great fishing off the long breakwater. A lovely round trip if combined with Culatra.

Culatra

Access: Ferry or water taxi from Olhão, 30–45 minutes through Ria Formosa, then a 10-minute walk through the dunes.
Vibe: A real working fishing village with simple charm. Nothing on the beach, but cafés and restaurants in the village. Miles of nearly empty coastline. Pair with Farol for a peaceful loop.

Armona

Access: Ferry from Olhão, 15 mins, then a short walk through the village.
Vibe: Relaxed and easygoing, with cafés and umbrellas if you want them, or just keep walking for quiet sands to the left.

Terra Estreita

Access: Short ferry from Santa Luzia, 5 minutes.
Vibe: Nestled between Tavira and Barril beaches. No facilities, just dunes, sea, and the sense that you’ve found a secret spot.

Praia Verde

Access: By car, with lots of parking.
Vibe: Well-developed with bars and restaurants, but still spacious. A good option when you want comfort with your coastline.

Cabanas

Access: Quick boat from Cabanas village (3 minutes).
Vibe: Intimate and scenic. Everything you need is nearby but if you want solitude, just walk a little further.

Manta Rota

Access: Easy car access and a large car park.
Vibe: Where the Ria Formosa gives way to the sea. Small-scale facilities and long stretches of beach in both directions.

Monte Gordo

Access: Direct access by foot from the town.
Vibe: More developed, with plenty of people, and even a casino. For those who like some buzz with their beach towel.

Faro Beach

Access: Easy car access, lots of parking.
Vibe: Lively, with bars and restaurants lining the sand, good if you want a mix of beach and city energy.

Villages, Views & Little Adventures

The Algarve isn’t just about the coast. From slow-moving villages to ancient ruins and local olive oil tastings, there’s so much to explore beyond the beach towel.

These are some of our favourite places to visit, all an easy drive from Casa Catarina.

Close & Easy Favourites

These are nearby and great for short morning or afternoon trips.

A must-see town with riverfront cafés, cobbled streets, churches, Camera Obscura, a castle, salt flats, and a ferry to the beach.

A hidden waterfall near Tavira, perfect for a shaded walk or a swim on a hot day.

Known for its Moorish-style architecture and vibrant fish and veggie markets by the lagoon. Ferries to Armona, Culatra, and Farol leave from here.

Squid capital of the Algarve, with a charming fishing harbour and the Festival do Polvo every August.

Visit the Monterosa Olive Oil Estate for tastings and orchard tours. Also home to local pottery and a quiet village charm.

Tavira

Pego do Inferno

Olhão

Santa Luzia

Moncarapacho

History & Hidden Corners

For slow exploration and a little time travel.

Cacela Velha & Fábrica

Faro

Estoi

A cliffside village overlooking the lagoon, with Moorish ramparts and quiet beach walks at low tide. Peaceful and timeless.

Home to the restored 19th-century Palácio de Estoi, now a luxury pousada, and the nearby Milreu Roman ruins.

The regional capital with an old walled town, cobbled streets, historic buildings, and the nearby Forum Algarve shopping centre.

For the Adventurous or Curious

A little further, but worth the drive.

Costa Vicentina & Lagos

Castro Marim & Vila Real de Santo António

Alcoutim

Drive west for wild beaches, dramatic cliffs, and surf-town energy. A big contrast to the stillness of the east, perfect if you want a change of scene.

A riverside village with the only cross-border zipline in Europe, fly from Spain to Portugal in one swoop!

Historic towns near the Spanish border. Walk the fortresses, explore local markets, or catch a ferry to Ayamonte, Spain.