A guide to Alvor, Algarve, Portugal




A guide to Alvor, Algarve, Portugal
Alvor is a coastal village in the Algarve with a rich history, culture and tourist industry. Today it is a popular spot for travellers to the Algarve to stay and enjoy for its numerous restaurants and bars as well as Alvor hotels and tourist attractions. It is a modernising town with clear remnants of its past life as a fishing village and interesting history. Arguably its most attractive quality is its proximity to the beautiful sandy beaches that draw in visitors who want both luxurious and cheap holidays in Alvor.

Alvor holidays mainly revolve around the sun, sea and sand, but in a number of novel ways and a vast array of activities are open to those staying in the region. Numerous boat trips and fishing trips run from the beaches and golf courses are scattered over the surrounding area which are popular amongst golf enthusiasts from the entire region. Alvor’s authentic Portuguese culture can also be sampled with its exciting live music and cuisine as well as by visiting the older districts of the town where traditional houses remain.

A Brief History
Alvor has existed for centuries as a small fishing village. Its ancient roots as a coastal town were its positive fishing industry which continues to some extent today. The village still has traces of its past and the various stages of its growth. It is believed that the Carthaginians actually founded the village before the Romans inhabited it for some time and the ruins of a luxurious Roman villa remain slightly inland from the main centre of the village.

Another historical landmark that remains is Alvor’s original 16th century Parish Church. It was rebuilt following an earthquake in the mid 18th century, but the construction still contains some remarkable examples of the impressive craftsmanship of the Portuguese Late Gothic, or Manueline, era of art and architecture. A further fascinating historical fact about the village is that King Dom Joao II, who is widely regarded as one of the great Portuguese kings, is recorded to have died within the village walls in 1495.

In Town Attractions
There are numerous attractions for Alvor holidays. Understandably, the village’s main appeal derives from its beaches which offer picturesque sandy shores, sea and sun to its visitors. The coast is very popular, but the restaurants, bars and shops also attract thousands to the village. Alvor has embraced its buzzing tourist industry and caters to those on luxurious or cheap holidays in Alvor. The seaside is ideal for water-sports and many enthusiasts choose this location for their excitement. Boat trips and fishing trips can also be taken for those interested in the coast or the ancient local trade. Furthermore, many places offer romantic boat trips that are hugely popular among those couples who hire these services.

The village faces the natural, beautiful lagoon and by exploring the coast, visitors can experience the striking rock formations created by waves eroding the rock faces over thousands of years. Several coves and grottos, carved into the cliffs, can also be seen and the islets and caves rarely fail to impress. Away from the beach there is also a lot to do and the top golf courses in the surrounding area attract great numbers of golfers. Ancient buildings can also be visited such as the 16th century Parish Church which contains some well-maintained and grand Portuguese Late Gothic architecture.

Surrounding Attractions
There is always much to do nearby to Alvor too and towns and villages in the surrounding area offer much to their visitors. The nature reserve of Quinta da Rocha is home to natural wildlife and landscapes while the famous popular beaches of Praia da Vau and Praia da Rocha are also located nearby.