Alvor lies along the hillside between Lagos and Portimao. It is fortified with a protected harbor along the estuary of Ria Alvor. Alvor is traditionally a fishing village but it has grown over the years by extending outwards from the center. The shoreline, with its beaches, is just magical as mile after mile of it remains completely unspoilt.Read more about Alvor
Alvor boasts of many great restaurants that offer traditional Portuguese cuisines along with a modern mixture to satisfy a multitude of tastes. Alvor’s nightlife is just as great, offering pleasant streets and promenades as well as an emphasis on civilized socializing. A wide variety of excellent shops offer artworks. There are also local crafts and relics for tourists looking forward to a pleasant visit.
The old town of Alvor is a labyrinth of fine cobbled streets that surround an old parish church. This church was re-established in the 18th century, after the 1755 earthquake.
Alvor is a charming resort that features a natural lagoon. The temperate waters of the natural lagoon are released out into the sea through a gentle slope. This is where deep-sea fishing trips are available. Alvor has one of the greatest beaches in Europe. Torralta is the main beach in Alvor. It is considered as a safe place for children and beginning swimmers. Other beaches situated in Alvor are found in a small cove surrounded by colorful sandstone cliffs with earthen hues of burnt to ochre sienna.
The cliffs surrounding Praia Dos Tres Irmaos, which are primarily red in color, passively shine in the sunlight. Further in the east, there are several deserted caves and coves that can be surveyed by boat. A large portion ideal for water sports such as diving, sailing, water skiing, and surfing is also available in the area.
A water park and a horseback riding center also provide great entertainment for kids. The golf course situated in Alvor was designed by a man named Sir Henry Cotton. It is known to be the last design he made. Having a hilly backdrop and lying between two valleys, it is a charming course. In fact, it is considered as one of Europe’s biggest golf courses. This 16-hole course is 640 meters long.
History of Alvor
It is believed that the Carthaginians founded Alvor. The Romans gave it the name Ipses and considered it a significant port. The long history of this ancient village started from the discovery on Vila Velha hill of the Neolithic village, where traces of Roman occupation were found.
The Portuguese military, which was led by King Sancho I, conquered the ancient village in the year 1189 with the help of the Crusades en route to Holy Land. Re-taken by the Moors in the year 1191, it was returned to Christian dominion in the year 1250, at the period of campaigns which resulted to the conquest of Alvor and the entire Algarve.
During the time of the Moors, Alvor was given the name “Albur”. The village passed through the hands of both the Moors and the Portuguese several times until the year 1250 when Christians conquered it for the last time.
The town walls of this ancient village are reconstructions from the year 1300. It was made into a town by King Joao II. It even enjoyed the prosperity of the 15th and 16th centuries but most parts of the initial village and its castle were destroyed in the earthquake.
Alvor Shopping
The shopping district in Alvor, although quite small, still features some shops that sell holiday basics. There is also the common variety of souvenir and gift shops where tourists can purchase brightly colored pottery, jewelry, embroidered linens, and leather goods as well as a variety of other items made of special seashells. They have a market that opens every first Monday of every month near Portimao.
Nightlife in Alvor
The nightlife in this ancient village is quite subdued. There are several restaurants and bars but only one disco place. The nearest resort is along Praia de Rocha which has a variety of discos and a small casino for travelers.
Dining in Alvor
There are many restaurants situated in Alvor that serve a selection of cuisines. The dockside or quaryside restaurants serve their “catch of the day” specials but for a higher price. Shellfish and fish such as grilled sardines and fish stews are prominently featured on the menus and are common favorites. The wines are a great addition to dinner whereas almond liqueur or Alfarroba liqueur is an excellent way to unwind at night.
Attractions in and around Alvor
Like all the Algarve resorts, the noticeable attraction for tourists in Alvor is the sea, sand, and sun. Whether you are here for a long-term stay or on a short holiday, the local folk are relaxed and casual. This laidback and easy-going pace of the people’s lifestyle in this town is one good reason why people keep coming back to this ancient village.
There are also plenty of available trips you can take to tour the town and other nearby areas. You can book tours with a holiday representative or local agents, offering you a great time for your money. Several of these trips are romantic but there are also fishing trips.
Romantic boat trips are provided every evening. The trips are usually along the west side, beyond Lagos bay. Fishing trips are found along the shores of every resort. Other trips available to visitors include going to shops in Gibraltar. It is also a long haul up to the Fatima where you can get more religious items. The city trip to Seville in Spain is also one of the most awaited because it is in Seville where the most remarkable cathedrals in the world are found.
Not far from this ancient village, tourists can visit Monchique and Foja. It is the highest point in Algarve. This place is limited to adults only for safety purposes. Make sure also that you purchase some traditional Algarvian firewaters, originally called Medronho, a kind of strong fruit brandy. A lot of tourists also visit the Monchique and Foja because they love the taste of natural spring water, which can be found in the lay-bay along the highest points of Algarve.