Public Transport in Carvoeiro

[Mackers]

Hi,

We are a family of 5 travelling to Carvoeiro in June/July this year and have booked a villa near Monte Santo. We are not hiring a car and just wondering if there is public transport from the town to Portimao or to the shopping centre in Guia. Thank you. Mary

[shanagarry]

Mary - there is public transport (buses) from Lagoa but Taxis are the only way to get around the village. I don't know what or where Monte Santo is but if it is a resort - they may run a shuttle bus to the centre.

How are you getting there from Faro?

[Mackers]

Hi there
Thank you for your speedy reply. We are renting a private villa which is near the Monte Santo Resort. It seems to be a new resort in Mato Serrao area of Carvoeiro. We intend getting villa owner to organse minibus transfer from Faro to where we are staying. Where is Lagoa in relation to Carvoeiro town? Would we have far to walk to get buses I wonder?
Thank you
Mary

[ditzy]

If you're staying near Monte Santo, there are a number of bus stops in the area that take you to Lagoa, the main bus station. From there, there are buses to Portimão and I'm sure to Algarve Shopping, I've definitely seen a stop outside!

[shanagarry]

Hi Mary - I know where Monte Santo is now - are you staying in the resort? - if you are - I would imagine they will have a shuttle - it is a quality resort.

If you are staying outside the resort - you will have to rely on taxis - there is no public transport (to the best of my knowledge) operating in that area. I may be wrong and I'm sure if I am you will have my error picked up here before too long. Also bear in mind taxis are licensed to carry 4 people - some taxi owners will squeeze 5 in but others won't. I would estimate the taxi fare from Mato Serrao to the village to be €8 - €10 + tip. If you go out as a family (5) it would be advisable to book the mini-bus in advance as there is only one and he is usually very heavily booked.

The major supermarkets are in Lagoa or on the way there - you need to factor that in as well - as you won't be carrying shopping from them to Mato Serrao on foot.

Lagoa is about 2 miles north of Carvoeiro village and in Mata Serrao/Monte Santo you will be 2 miles west of the village. Walking from Mato Serrao to the village is a good 20-30 minutes - maybe longer. It is possible to walk to Lagoa from Mato Serrao (3 miles) but in the heat of June it would not be advisable and would take you the best part of 40+ minutes.

Staying in the Carvoeiro area does really require a car - but I know people who visit who use taxis - driving in Portugal frightens them. There are plenty of taxis available and I will give you a number of one (if you wish) who will always ensure you are collected/delivered even if he cannot get to you himself - including the mini-bus.

I hope this helps

[shanagarry]

Mary - there you go - I knew you would find someone putting me right. I have never noticed a bus in that area - and would imagine it only operates during the day - so apologies if I gave you palpitations.

However, I would add that I would be very surprised if a bus operates from Carvoeiro to Mato Serrao in the evening

[TheBoss]

You might aswell just rent a car. Then you can go where you want and your not so restricted.
For the sake of around 100 euros a week, its well worth it.
But i have found some bus times for you here

[shanagarry]

Mary - I've looked at the bus timetables and regretfully they do not explain the routes. I guess you need to get here and get a feel for the 'system'

Have you been here before?

[joanne]

Our Villa is a couple of seconds before where you staying, it is a very easy walk into the Village as it is all down hill, then Taxi is 4 Euros and 60 cents home, there are 5 of us so there is the problem of them wanting you to use the Taxis in order, so they want you to use 2, but we have a no of one of the local men who has a 7 seater and he will come and collect you, he also does Airport collections, we at the Villa in a couple of weeks so will bring his no home and send it to you. Joanne

[ditzy]

I would say that Mato Serrão to Carvoeiro is no more than a 10-minute walk. Shanagarry, are we talking about the same place? As joanne said, a taxi will cost you €4 or so.

[TheBoss]

Yes but by the time you have paid the taxi there and back every day and the airport transfers, you might aswell rent a car!!

[shanagarry]

It would be a very fast walker who could walk from Mato Serrao/Monte Santo in 10 minutes - that's Olympic standard.

For the purposes of giving accurate information I am referring to Mato Serrao as being the main entrance to Monte Santo (by that war-memorial statue or whatever it is) - if that's a 10 minute walk - hello Seb Coe

[shanagarry]

Oh! I forgot to mention the hill climb on the way home with full tummies and a few beers - 10 minutes

[shanagarry]

There are many people who come here on holiday and do not want the 'pressure' of driving in a strange place and on the other side of the road. That's before taking Portuguese driving etiquette and 'capability' into account

[ditzy]

Shanagarry that's very true, from there it would be much longer. No wonder you're too knackered to notice all the bus stops! Mackers, if it is on the Sesmarias side of Monte Santo then Shanagarry is spot on (taxi under €5 each way). If it's near the Vila Nova side, then I think my Olympic-standard times would be more accurate. Go on, 15 at a push...