Bucket and Spade time…

Smugglers Cove, or Carvalho to the locals, just minutes from your door in Casa Octavius, is all that you expect from a beach in the Algarve – golden sand, clear water, soaring cliffs, and a sentinel rock stranded millennia ago just offshore, guarding the cove.

It is the first on your menu of beautiful beaches within easy reach of the villa – each offering something a little different, a slight variation in beauty.

On the road from Clube Atlantico to Carvoeiro is Centeanes Beach.  Very popular because of the ease of access – no daunting flights of steps – this beautiful stretch of sand is idea for families with smaller children who have lots of gear to haul.

Further along, hiding behind the Almansor Hotel is Vale de Cove.  Small, but beautifully formed, it’s not easy to find, but is worth the effort.  (Beware – more steps!)

One of the unique features of Carvoeiro village, is that it has its very own beach right at its heart.  A lovely spot to let the kids play while you enjoy something to eat at one of the adjacent restaurants.

Pintadinho is on the western side of Carvoeiro, on the road to Ferragudo.  It attracts many surfers and is a lovely stretch of beach where caution is advised.  There’s a great seafood restaurant there too – the fish hop out of the sea and onto the grill (or so it seems!).

Travelling east from Casa Octavius, there is a lovely beach in the neighbouring village of Benagil.  Again attractive to those who would like to avoid steep climbs, this walk-on beach is very popular.

A little further east along the lovely coast road is Marinha, often regarded as the most beautiful beach in the area, with fabulous rock formations.  Again, there are lots of steps, but the end justifies the means.

Beyond that there is Albandeira, a rugged spot where the water can be rough.  It is very lovely, and while caution is recommended, it’s worth the trip to try out the tasty snacks in the beach restaurant run by a friendly French couple.