Where You Will Stay
Our European beach apartment is small. The bedrooms are small. The kitchen is small. The living room is small. It has only 1 bathroom. It fits a maximum of 6 people. It is perfect for a couple and a few kids, or for two couples. If you are 6 adults sharing 1 small bathroom, then it is going to be really tight.
You are living and sleeping above a small but active restaurant and bar. Music is on whenever the bar is open. You smell bangers and mash being made in the morning and Portuguese meatballs cooking at night. You hear the voices of patrons as late as midnight.
If you like this sort of thing, then you can grab a cappuccino on your way to your morning swim, hang with the locals for happy hour, or enjoy a night cap with a group of European tourists. If you don't like the sound of this, then you will not be happy staying at Coquilles Chantant.
After New Years Day, the town of Carvoeiro shuts down for January and February. 80% of the shops and restaurants are closed, including the Atlantic View Restaurant and Bar. If a sleepy, quiet beach town sounds appealing to you, then this is the perfect time to go. But, if you are seeking nightlife and partying, then this is the wrong time to go.
Getting to Carvoeiro
The fastest way to get to Carvoeiro from the United States is to fly United Airlines through Newark (EWR). United Airlines has a non-stop 7 hour flight from Newark to Faro. Faro to Carvoeiro is 61 kilometers. The car ride from Faro's airport takes 45 minutes.
We suggest taking an Uber to Carvoeiro when you fly into Faro. Your Uber will cost between €40 and €60. Trains and busses will take you to Lagoa (a town north of Carvoeiro), but not directly into Carvoeiro. Taxis or Ubers from Lagoa to Carvoeiro take 7-10 minutes and cost €10-€13.
You will find many more flights if you fly into Lisbon. If you rent a car, the drive is 270 kilometers and takes 2.5 hours. If you take a train, it's about 2.5-3 hours to Tunes, Portugal. From Tunes you can travel to towns close to Carvoeiro, but not directly into Carvoeiro. We suggest taking an Uber from Tunes to Carvoeiro. The drive is 30 minutes and costs €20-€35 depending on demand.
Finally, our nephew and niece (and her friends) found taking the bus from the Lisbon to Lagoa to be very affordable. When the bus arrives in Lagoa, taxis or Ubers from Lagoa to Carvoeiro take 7-10 minutes and cost €10-€13. Note that they walk to the ALDI or Apolónia in Lagoa (See Recommendations), stock up on provisions, and then Uber from there.
Average Temperatures
One of the reasons we intend to eventually snowbird in Carvoeiro, Portugal is because the southern Algarve region is well known for it's mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters.
Seasonal Weather Highlights:
Summer (June to September): Warm, dry, and sunny. Perfect for beach trips, hiking along the cliffs, and ocean activities. Water temperatures peak around 73°F (23°C) during August.
Spring and Autumn (March–May, October–November): Pleasant, milder temperatures ideal for walking trails and sightseeing without the intense heat. May and October feature very comfortable daylight hours.
Winter (December to February): Cool and windier, but still relatively mild compared to northern Europe. Rainfall peaks during December.
For a visit focused on beaches, hiking, and outdoor dining, most people will find May–June and September–October to offer the best balance of warm weather, sunshine, and manageable crowds. We often go mid–July to mid–August!
Rental Cars and Parking
Do you need a rental car? Not if you are spending the majority of your time in Carvoeiro! Plus, Ubers make it very easy and affordable to get around.
If you plan to explore the Algarve, then renting a car is a good idea. Just keep in mind that parking is not always convenient nor close to our apartment!
There is limited public parking down the hill around the beach and shops if you get lucky or park really early or late in the day. There is also parallel parking up the hill. Another option is to wind around and park on the street directly behind the apartment, then use the nearby steps.
What is Coquilles Chantant?
The beach at Praia do Carvoeiro is warm soft golden sand, but where the water meets the sand is a layer of thousands of seashells, broken by the tide.
When the ocean waves break and recede, the tide pulls at the shells and they make a sustained tinkling sound, almost like they are singing.
We have always loved the French language, so we were drawn to the name Coquilles Chantant, which translates to "Singing Shells!"
Thanks for listening!
- Katie and Pete