Alvor Algarve Portugal

Alvor is a traditional Portuguese fishing village (formerly a Roman settlement) which has developed into a small quaint resort; it remains unspoilt but offers everything needed for a relaxing holiday.
The main sandy beach is located at Praia de Alvor and has been recognised for its standard of cleanliness and peaceful surroundings. Water sports are available for those who wish to do more than laze on the beach.

 

There are numerous excellent fish restaurants serving local cuisine – all taking advantage of the daily catch. The narrow streets of the old village are lined with traditional fishermen’s cottages alongside a multitude of bars and restaurants. Within the town and surrounding areas, large-scale development continues and there is a sprawling modern complex of tower blocks and hotels by the ocean. Whilst most Portuguese villages and towns have seen tourist development and commercialisation, Alvor has generally remained less than many other resorts in the region.

Locality:

Alvor is located towards W end of the Algarve, in Municipality of Portimao (42 mls W of Faro and its airport, 3 mls W of Portimao and Praia da Rocha, 12 mls E of Lagos). Alaro is positioned on the east bank of a deep estuary inlet, about 1 ml inland from an extensive beach and backed by main national road (N125) and hilly countryside.
Alaro has wide appeal, including golfers and water-sports enthusiasts. The area tends to attract people seeking a quieter beach or pool holiday.

Accommodation here consists mainly of self-contained self-catering complexes, but also 4- and 5-star hotels. A popular attraction is the main Alvor Beach (sometimes known as Torralta) which runs for 4½ mls and is wide, sandy, straight, backed by dunes and has plenty of facilities. Tres Irmaos Beach, farther east, is mostly backed by cliffs with huge rocks scattered along the shoreline (contains basic facilities like sunbeds, parasols, restaurant and bar). Farther east still, Prainha Beach is in a small cove with access only via Prainha complex providing all beach facilities so it can be expensive for nonresidents. Beyond that, and well on the way to Praia da Rocha, Vau Beach is also in a cove and backed by cliffs, with bar, restaurant, sunbeds and sun shades.

Popular attractions here include: a variety of water sports, ‘Slide and Splash’ Aquapark, golf, horse riding (at Centro Hipico de Belmonte in Portimao). By night there are a range of bars in the village with a greater choice locally (including discos, bars and casino) in Praia da Rocha and Portimao.