Are you visiting Alvor? Getting to know one of the most scenic villages in Algarve? Walk around a place that still retains Moorish roots and religious beliefs? That instead of multi-story developments, has traditional Algarve houses, narrow streets, and the famous Alvor river that no one has managed to deprive of its character? Well done! This is a quiet, carefree vacation destination that still offers some fun-filled days in the heart of Algarve.
It is true that due to the proximity to Portimão, the village of Alvor still goes unnoticed by many tourists who prefer to spend their vacations in the city. But at the same time, it attracts a lot of people who like the charm of a picturesque village with a homely atmosphere.
This small village is quite famous for its grilled fish, clams from Ria de Alvor, and seafood. Despite being calmer, it offers a large variety of restaurants (fish & seafood, traditional cuisine, Italian, Indian and the famous steak on stone) and bars.
It’s perfect for people who are adventurous and want to try different sports, being “home” to many kitesurf practitioners and offering skydiving/ parachuting lessons in the closest aerodrome.
Alvor, a former fisherman village, does not appear in tourist routes due to its numerous monuments and attractions, but it appears as a destination of excellence to live or spend vacations, much due to these 6 places that you can not miss in Alvor, which we will discuss next!
The town of Alvor is decorated with heavenly beaches! One of them is located within walking distance from the town center, is flanked by rocks and cliffs, and has a vast sandy beach that stretches for several kilometers and attracts many tourists every year. We are talking about Alvor Beach, known for its calm sea, with translucent and shallow waters. Because it is flat, this Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Algarve for practicing sand sports, such as soccer and volleyball, but it also has many support facilities where you can rent equipment to try water sports, including water skiing and windsurfing.
Due to its privileged location, stretching from the mouth of Alvor river to the Três Irmãos beach in the east, the beach of Alvor is one of the most sought after in Algarve by wildlife enthusiasts. The reason is simple! In addition to countless fish and shellfish, its dunes are home to countless species of birds and beautiful plants. And because Alvor’s sunset is one of the most famous in Algarve, you have to find a spot on the beach and not miss it when visiting Alvor.
Also known as the Church of the Divine Savior, the main attraction of the Mother Church of Alvor is its entrance door, which is an imposing Manueline door decorated with war scenes, religious symbols, and patterns alluding to the Algarve region's wildlife, very much in the artistic style of the Age of Discovery.
And after admiring the door, take the opportunity to step inside, since the interior of the Mother Church of Alvor features beautiful tiles from the 18th century and sacred art scattered around six gilded altars, including an image of the Virgin Mary that, as the story goes, was placed on the altar by local fishermen after it washed ashore.
This church, built in the 16th century on top of a medieval church and by order of King D. Manuel, is considered the finest expression of Manueline architecture in Algarve, and for that reason alone you can't miss it when you visit Alvor!
You may not believe it, but the Alvor Castle was built on top of an old trading center from before the Roman occupation, when the Moorish, after the conquest of Alvor, decided to improve the region's defense with the construction of a castle. A castle with walls so strong that when the earthquake of 1755 destroyed almost the entire town of Alvor, it remained strong and firm. Today, only vestiges of a tower and some parts of the walls of Alvor Castle remain, classified as Property of Public Interest. And there also remains the memory of Dom João II, the Perfect Prince, promoter of the Sea Route to India, who died in 1495 before realizing his real contribution to the future of the small kingdom of Portugal.
On foot or by bike, if you head south along the marginal avenue, you will reach the famous Alvor Walkways: a 6 km route that crosses dunes, mud, and shifting sand, connecting the Three Brothers Beach (Praia dos Três Irmãos") to the wonderful Alvor river. It's a great opportunity to take a relaxing walk in the fresh air, take in panoramic views of the estuary, enjoy migrating birds, and finish with a dip in the sea, as the wooden walkways stretch along Alvor Beach to the other side of the estuary where the municipality of Lagos begins. And if, when you visit Alvor, you feel filled with energy, intoxicated by the best that nature has to offer in the Algarve, take the round trip, and walk all the walkways that cross the dunes and marsh area of the Alvor river, stopping to admire the landscape and take a picture. And don't let the distance scare you, because these Alvor walkways - the largest in Algarve and the landmark of Portimão - are perfect for a family outing with people of all ages: they are almost flat, have no significant drops, and are dotted with rest spots.
There are as many ways to get to know the Alvor river as there are reasons to explore what is one of the most beautiful and emblematic places in the south of Portugal. You can do it paddling a kayak or on a group boat trip, the important thing is to have fun and admire the birds and other species, as well as the area surrounding the river: beaches, estuaries, dunes, farmland, vineyards, mudflats, bushes, pine forests and salt marshes.
This area situated between Alvor, Mexilhoeira Grande, Figueira, and Odiáxere is privileged for fishing and shellfish breeding, and although it attracts many national and foreign tourists who decide to visit Alvor, it is not at all uncharacterized.
Just outside the village of Alvor is Pestana Group's Alto Golf & Country Club, a par 72, 18-hole golf course designed by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton in the late 1980s. If you play the sport, don't hesitate to visit this golf course in Alvor and overcome the difficulties of each hole, especially the legendary par 5 (also known as the Sir Henry Challenge) with a length of 600 meters. Alto Golf & Country Club has a configuration that allows players of all levels to practice this sport.
After visiting Alvor, it's only natural that you will be enchanted by the local surroundings, the quiet life, and the friendliness of the locals... and decide to pack your bags and move to Algarve! Why wouldn't you? Contact Engel & Völkers Portimão and find the several properties we have available in this typical fisherman's village. Surely you will find the right residence or vacation home for you and your family!