The distance between Portimão and Alvor is only 10 minutes, so you can simply take the car, public transport, or even your bike to discover the best attractions of this tourist region of the Algarve. From historic buildings and monuments to museums, famous beaches, golf courses, walkways and hiking trails by the sea and other natural areas of great scenic beauty.
In addition to enjoying a fantastic climate, the city of Portimão has a unique natural and cultural beauty that begins in the streets of the historic center, passes through the long sandy beaches and warm, calm waters, ending in the neighboring areas, on boat trips along the coast or on walking trails along the estuary of the River Arade.
1. Igreja Matriz of Portimão
Start your route between Portimão and Alvor at the Mother Church (also known as Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição), located in the highest part of the city, inside the old walls. The building dates from the 14th century, but was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake and remodeled in 1845. Only the portico remains from its original layout.
2. Bivar Palace
The Bívar Palace, built in the late 13th century in neoclassical and baroque style, is considered the best example of neoclassical civil architecture in the Algarve. It is currently the building of the Town Hall of Portimão.
3. Church of the Jesuit College
The Church of the Jesuit College is another point of interest that cannot be left out of your itinerary on a holiday in Portimão and Alvor, because it is considered one of the main works of Portuguese architecture of the 17th century.
4. Manuel Teixeira Gomes Square
Need to give your legs a rest? Praça Manuel Teixeira Gomes is the ideal place to stop, have a coffee and watch the usual movement of Portimão's riverside area.
5. Portimão Museum
Interested in taking a trip back in time to the origins of the city and the most striking aspects of its industrial and maritime history? Visit the Portimão Museum, located in the premises of a former canning factory.
6. Praia da Rocha
Golden sand as far as the eye can see? You'll find it at the famous Praia da Rocha, where the blue of the sea blends with the ochre of the cliffs, creating the perfect backdrop for your stay in Portimão and Alvor.
7. Slide & Splash
Do you prefer stronger emotions? They are at Slide & Splash, a water park full of mind-blowing slides, located in the Lagoa area, just a few minutes from Portimão.
8. Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve
Do you want to test your driving skills? You can do so at the Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve, located in Portimão. The Kartódromo usually hosts national and international competitions, so you also don't miss anything to check if there are any races happening during your time in Portimão and Alvor.
9. Golf Courses
Is your preference for golf? You couldn't have chosen a better destination! Portimão and Alvor have several quality golf courses.
If you dream of enjoying a peaceful holiday in the heart of the Algarve, you are in the right place! Alvor is a charming village with a family atmosphere, narrow streets and white houses. It doesn't have big monuments or many tourist attractions, if compared to other regions of the Algarve, but precisely because of that it has managed to maintain the charm and tranquility that characterize it. Even so, you can't miss the historic center and do some activities in the surrounding areas.
1. Igreja Matriz of Alvor
It was built in the 16th century in Manueline style and, although it has been altered over time, the Mother Church of Alvor is a monument that cannot be missed, both for its rich decoration and for the attached morabito, an Islamic temple that served as a cult to heroes and saints.
2. Alvor Castle
The place where the Moors decided to build a castle to defend Alvor was once a trade center before the Roman occupation. It is a small fortification and already in ruins, but it stoically resisted the earthquake of 1755 that destroyed almost the entire village.
3. Riverside
Relaxing on a terrace in Alvor's riverside area? There are plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants in this part of town, which is particularly lively during the summer.
4. Waterfront promenade
Strategically located in front of the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve, the seafront promenade is a must for those who can't do without a walk accompanied by excellent views of the dunes and marshes of the Ria estuary, which is home to several species of birds.
5. Alvor Beach
Of course, Alvor Beach could not be left out of your itinerary in Portimão and Alvor, because it is one of the ex-libris of the region, with a sandy beach as far as the eye can see and complete support infrastructures so that you don't miss anything on a beautiful summer day.
6. Ria de Alvor
It's great to laze around on the beach, but on your holiday between Portimão and Alvor, set aside a day to visit the Ria de Alvor, an ecosystem that includes dunes, mudflats, salt marshes and a diverse and specialized flora and fauna.
7. Alvor Walkways
About 6 km long, they are the largest walkways in the Algarve, present in any itinerary between Portimão and Alvor. They connect Praia dos Três Irmãos to Ria de Alvor, always by the sea, close to the dunes. The Alvor Walkways provide a unique and very relaxing walk, which can be done on foot or by bicycle.
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