Holidays to Alvor

A little further to the west of the tourist hotspots of Faro and Albufeira lies the smaller parish of Alvor – a place to which more and more visitors are heading as they learn of its beauty, history and modern day attractions, as well as its ability to effortlessly mix fun with relaxation. A little further to the west of the tourist hotspots of Faro and Albufeira lies the smaller parish of Alvor – a place to which more and more visitors are heading as they learn of its beauty, history and modern-day attractions, as well as its ability to effortlessly mix fun with relaxation.

This quiet resort on the south coast of Portugal charms visitors with its old fishing village style, long sweeping beaches and dramatic coastlines. The warm waters and relaxed lifestyle of this resort, attract holidaymakers here year after year and the narrow cobbled streets leading from the town centre to the harbour add a unique feel.

Alvor maintains a steadily warm climate all year, with nights only slightly cooler than days in the winter. Summer is obviously the time to go if you like it hot, with temperatures often climbing to the mid-thirties and dropping to comfortably cooler conditions in the evening. Many golfers and outdoor enthusiasts prefer to enjoy cheap Alvor holidays in the spring or autumn.

Beaches

The gorgeous beaches of Alvor are probably the main reason people visit this beautiful Portuguese resort. The main beach, Praia de Alvor, is a wide and spacious beach that is backed by sand dunes and is easily accessible from the main town. Further up the coast, you’ll come to the Blue Flag beach of Torrealta before ending up at the rocky cliff-lined beaches of Praia de Tres Irmaos.

Things To Do

Alvor is the ideal spot to get away from it all and relax, which is why many visitors here while away the time on the golf courses at Penina and Pestana, or by fishing in the Mediterranean Sea and hoping to hook anything from a moray eel to a small shark.

Relax in the slow pace of Alvor’s lifestyle by watching the day go by down by the lagoon. This area has been regenerated in recent years and provides a peaceful paradise in Alvor. Alternatively, hire out a canoe and take a leisurely paddle on the calm waters to take in the scenery of the coast. On an evening, take a short cycle down the boardwalk to blissfully watch the sunset over the scenic landscape.

That’s not to say that Alvor is simply a place for people who like the slow-paced, leisurely life. Go-karting, mountain biking and horse riding opportunities are all just a stone’s throw away, while those looking to delve into the area’s history and heritage will want to visit at the Castle of Alvor and Matriz Church.

Food And Drink

In an area with the sea at its heart, it would be a crime to leave here without sampling the seafood. Some restaurants in Alvor truly specialise in it, and use delicacies like monkfish to create their own rice dishes. Caldeirada is another popular local option, combining some of the areas tastiest fish in a stew. Head towards the riverfront where smells of barbequed fish and the salty sea waft through the air.

If you favour turf to surf, you haven’t been overlooked – there are traditional English restaurants in Alvor too, along with Italian and world cuisine offerings.

Alvor is a place that makes the most of its coastal location whatever the time of day, so don’t be surprised to see parties and music spill out from the bars and onto the lush, sandy beaches. With beach DJ sets common during the warm summer nights, Alvor is the perfect place to enjoy the best of the Algarve’s nighttime thrills without being cooped up indoors.