A Pt catalyst supported on activated carbon was prepared and pretreated at different conditions. Both experimental conditions and catalyst characteristics were optimized. The influence of the textural properties of the support on the catalytic performance, based on the study of the internal and external diffusional limitations, is presented. The Pt-dispersion and its localization along the porosity of the support, strongly influences the activity and the product distribution. The production of valuable unsaturated alcohols is favored using catalysts with a Pt-particle size of around 8nm working at a high hydrogen pressure and moderate temperatures. Secondary reactions are favored by increasing the temperature and the presence of active particles inside the mesopores of the support.