Guide to Alvor

" Alvor presents many pleasures – from massive sands to a beautiful lagoon and delicious quayside restaurants"

This quaint old port is one of the western Algarve's natural gems. Facing a natural lagoon linking to the open sea, it's an authentic chunk of Portugal with a bustling, modern resort. Cobbled lanes curl between white-painted cottages towards the medieval castle remains that crown the port. Souvenir shops and grocers' jostle with jaunty neon-signed bars for space. And around the quayside, simple fish restaurants advertise daily specials on cheery-looking blackboards. Elsewhere on the picturesque waterfront, friendly bars and restaurants set their tables at the water's edge, enticing you to sit for a while. If you're here for the beach, then a bit of self-congratulation is due. It's a massive swathe of sand, fringed by soft dunes, sandstone cliffs and striking rock towers. Pass the kids their buckets and spades and settle back to catch some. When you're peckish, pick one of the amiable dune-side restaurants to feast on fresh paella, topped with clams from Alvor's lagoon. Fancy a change of scenery? Head for the picturesque cliff-enclosed coves – including the beauty spot of Praia de Rocha - along the nearby shores or treat the kids to the local waterpark. And if mooching around is more your style, take a bus to Portimao with its fountain-decorated square, colourful shops and boat trips. Whatever your day brings, dinner on Alvor's waterfront is the perfect finale. Dig into freshly grilled sardines washed down with crisp vino verde, before taking to the old town to savour the lively music bars and disco.

Older children will love the extensive range of watersports available from most of the beaches. There's also an aquapark and a horse riding centre nearby. Adults may prefer a peaceful round of golf and will enjoy the extensive range of restaurants and bars. Alvor offers facilities for everyone in a traditional Portuguese environment.

Find the cheapest late deals to Alvor leaving in the next six weeks.

Recommended Alvor hotels and apartments

Dunas Do Alvor Apartments

Hotel Pestana Alvor Praia

Hotel Pestana Delfim

Alvor hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Alvor include Bemposta Apartments, Club Alvorferias Apartments, Clube Brisamar, Dunas Do Alvor Apartments, Hotel Pestana Alvor Praia, Hotel Pestana Delfim, Ladeira Da Nora, Pestana Dom Joao Ii and Villa O Monte.

More Algarve holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Algarve? Our Algarve holiday destinations include Acoteias, Albufeira, Alcantarilha, Almancil, Alte, Alvor, Armacao De Pera, Balaia, Boliqueime, Bordeira, Branqueira, Caramujeira, Carvoeiro, Cerro D'aguia, Cerro Grande, Espiche, Estoi, Ferragudo, Ferreiras, Gale, Goldra, Guia, Lagos, Loule, Luz Bay, Moncarapacho, Monchique, Montechoro, Montinhos Da Luz, Olhao, Olhos D'agua, Pera, Porches, Portimao, Praia Da Gale, Praia Da Luz, Praia Da Marinha, Praia Da Rocha, Praia Do Vau, Quinta Do Lago, Quinta Dos Alamos, Santa Barbara De Nexe, Santo Antonio, Sao Bras, Sao Joao, Albufeira, Sao Rafael, Tavira, Vale Da Ursa, Vale De Garrao, Vale Do Lobo and Vilamoura.

Beaches

There are plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from in Alvor. The largest, sometimes known as Torralta, is the best equipped, sandy and backed by dunes. The other beaches in the vicinity, such as Praia Tres Irmaos and Prainha Beach, are also sandy but with huge rocks sporadically dotted along the stretch.

Eating out

The fishing quay's excellent traditional restaurants serve the pick of the catch every day. There are alternative restaurants which serve a more international menu.

Nightlife

Alvor has plenty of bars, but only one disco. Venture to Praia da Rocha for more choice, including a casino.

Shopping

The shopping in Alvor is fairly minimal, although the essentials and souvenirs are plentiful. Be sure to visit the market in nearby Portimao which is held on the first Monday of every month.

Local information

During the day, head inland to the small, nearby village of Portimao. Its main square, with a fountain and beautiful mosaic, will make the trip well worth it.