Monte Carvoeiro

We stayed at Monte Carvoeiro as a timeshare exchange. In terms of overall unit quality, this was probably the nicest unit that we have had in 20+ years of timeshare exchanges. We had a one bedroom units located, as are all the one bedroom units, in the core area adjacent to the reception area. The unit had been very recently completely refurbished. Most other units appeared, externally to have also been refurbished. Larger units are located further away from the reception area nearer to the outdoor pool and several on-site restaurants.

Shortly before our visit was due to start we received a welcoming letter together with details of how to get to the resort, car rentals and an option to purchase a basic food package to be delivered to the unit on the day of our arrival. Cost €25 for two people. We are glad that we purchased this option as there is no nearby large supermarket (nearest is almost in Lagoa). There are several small supermarkets ‘down the hill’ in Carvoeiro. However, Monte Carvoeiro is located at the top of a long steep hill up a very narrow, in places, road from the centre of the town. It is about a 10 to 15 minute hard uphill walk from the town to Monte Carvoeiro with no public transport option.

Everything in the unit functioned as it should. It was, after all, all brand new. The kitchenette was good and fully equipped with fridge, small cooktop, dishwasher, etc. The bedroom had a large built-in wardrobe/closet.

The pool was not particularly warm but was refreshingly swimmable.

If you don’t have your own set of wheels, (we didn’t) getting to and from Carvoeiro and Monte Carvoeiro in particular can be a challenge if you don’t want to walk or ride the local buses. Local buses from the centre of Carvoeiro to Lagoa are not particularly frequent but do run as advertised. Bus timetables are in a binder in the reception area of Monte Carvoeiro along with all sorts of other tourist information. Alternatively, the local taxis are readily available and are not expensive. At taxi to Lagoa bus terminal was €8 for two people and luggage.

Monte Carvoeiro was quiet throughout our stay. Many of the units in the complex appear to be owned by retired people who use the units as a second home rather than just as a holiday rental.

There is a good onsite Italian restaurant, Mama Mia’s, adjacent to the reception area. This restaurant is quite popular locally and gets full quickly in the evening. There is also a snack bar open during roughly business hours during weekdays only. In the part of the resort near the pool, there is a plaza with about four restaurants in it.

Checkin and checkout were swift and painless even though we arrived earlier than the advertised checkin time. A €25 utility charge (one bedroom units, €50 for two bedroom units) is payable at checkin. Pretty standard for European timeshares but unheard of in North America!

We stayed here as an RCI exchange and upon arrival were very disappointed by our unit. The living room and kitchen were adequate, but as a spoiled Gold Crown trader the overall appearance and comfort of beds was definitely below our expectations. So why did I rate it so highly? Location, location.

Once I got over my first impression, the friendliness of the staff, the ease of parking, the services nearby AND MOST OF ALL the ridiculously short and beautiful walk to the town and the iconic cliffs of Carvoeiro won me over completely. We walked to Paradise Beach, we hiked nearby cliffs, we strolled to dinner, we had wine at the cafe near the beach. We also took day trips by rental car…two hours west we enjoyed the stunning natural coast, two hours east amazing beaches, two hours north castles and vineyards.

This would not be the place to stay if you have difficulty walking or with hills, but for our active travel style, it was perfect.

Wander and hike by day, eat and wine by sunset.

We flew in to Lisbon and chose to drive to the Algarve by way of Evora and Portel. The drive was gorgeous.

One caution: We were here in mid-March with warm afternoons, cool evenings and minimal crowds. I can’t imagine what this small town would be like with crowds, but if you have the chance for fall or spring, I’d recommend Monte Carvoeiro to anyone.

Prior to the week in Monte Carvoeiro, we were in Alvor, so popped over to check exactly where we were going. The area around reception seemed a bit shabby, and at that time we did not know which unit we would be in, so left with a slight feeling of apprehension.

However, after a smooth check-in, we found our way to apartment 44 which is a refurbished unit, very stylish, well-equipped kitchen, good standard of the downstairs shower room and upstairs master suite, which changed our feelings.In fact, the only downside was the road noise if you were trying to catch some rays in the attractive garden area.

We were fortunate with the weather, so we were able to use the pool – not as small as some reviewers suggested, but heated? not so sure.

We gave the on-site restaurants a miss- mainly because there was no way the number of people at the resort could generate any atmosphere. We did have an excellent meal at Ele & Ela’s in the village, which did have a great atmosphere, spot-on service & superb food at a reasonable price. All- in- all a good do.

Booked a private 2 bed house which was beautiful and first class and a real home from home. But the Monte Carvoeiro complex looks a bit tired in places, and could do with a revamp. A lot of local businesses have closed including the supermarket (means a walk to town via steep hill) and makes the area look a bit run down. Pool area fairly nice, no early morning scramble for sunbeds, but our biggest bugbear was that a lot of the apartments are privately/timeshare owned and we found a lot of these owners a bit stuffy and seemed to think they had priority over the pool area and seemed to frown on anyone kids having fun!! The complex is on a very steep hill and from town is even a trek for the able-bodied, let alone anybody with walking difficulties, but a taxi is only 5 euro. Also heard of a couple of break-ins while we were there, but our house was pretty secure with FREE safes.

Very nice pool. Timeshare sales staff a bit pushy wanting us Togo to meeting and would not take no as an answer.

Would not buy there as a yearly fee a bit high.

Having said this very well kept nice views.

Some unit needs a major update but was informed that all the site will be done by the new year. Some lovely places to eat. And a short walk home. Not sure if I would go back. Moved to Vale de Lobo second week a lot better apartment. First weeks bed was like sleeping on a jelly.