Carrapateira is located at he Atlantic Algarve coast. By road 35 km from Lagos and 110 km from Faro. Other centres in the neighbourhood are Aljezur, Monchique and Vila do Bispo.  Sagres and Cabo Sao Vincente , the most southwestern point of mainland Europe, are only 18 km away.

The village lies in the National Park of the Vicentine Coast. The former fishing village with a small population was once considered a very dangerous place for passing sailing ships because of the strong southwestern currents and the treacherous cliffs.

It is surrounded by the beaches of Bordeira and Amado, both considered as two of the most beautiful beaches of the Portuguese, Atlantic coast.

As one of the few villages in the region, Carrapateira has largely preserved its authentic character. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate influenced by the ocean.