Guide to Alvor

Alvor is a popular resort with families because of its quiet tranquility and wide sandy beach. The old village faces a natural lagoon opening onto the sea and has narrow cobbled streets and meandering alleys. The fishing boats of the harbour provide freshly caught fish for the town’s many good restaurants and provide a colourful backdrop to the setting sun.

The original village, said to have been founded by Hannibal in 182 BC, was originally known as Portus Hannibalis and is also the death-place of the famous Portugese King Jao II. Much of the village and its castle were destroyed in the devastating earthquake in 1755, but the original 16th century Parish Church largely survived and has a magnificent doorway.

The resort has bloomed in recent years and become a popular place for a villa holiday in the sun. The lively streets now have a collection of bars and restaurants which will cater to most tastes, but the traditional fish restaurants of the harbour area still remind us of the town’s heritage. Whitewashed cubic houses reside in sleepy narrow lanes, but there are plenty of bars and restaurants to spend your time in.

Nearby resort of Lagos and Ferragudo have further attractions. The unspoilt fishing villages of Praia da Luz, Salema and Burgau are all within a 20 minute drive. The commercial town of Portimao is close by, and the famous beaches of Praia da Rocha and Praia da Vau are a popular visit for families seeking good beaches to visit on their villa holiday.

Villas to go recommended beaches…

Meia Praia - One of the longest stretches of beach in the Algarve, with 4 kilometres of fine white sand that spreads as far as Alvôr. Many beach bars and restaurants. Good for surfing, but take care as there can be strong currents.

Praia da Luz - A large bay, well established as a family resort where sand gently shelves into the sea, making it excellent for children. The flag system operates in the high season and there are lifeguards. This beach is excellent for water sports.

Villas to Go recommended golf courses…

Penina was originally paddy fields where rice was grown and is the grandfather of courses in the Algarve. Now a flat course which is especially challenging for the experienced player. Designed by Henry Cotton, there are strategically placed water hazards to catch out long hitters. 5km east of Portimao.

Alto Golf, located between Portimao and the coast, so has stunning views of the sea at various points. Elevated greens, well placed trees and strategic bunkers make good tests of a player’s ability. The par-5 on the sixteenth is one of the longest holes in Europe.

Morgado is the newest course in the Algarve, north of Portimao. Has large greens to test your putting skills, and deep aggressive bunkers.

Alamos is another new course to the north of Portimao, in a similar layout to Morgado.

Take time to go…

Take the kids to Aqualand, 26km away at Alcantarilha (1/2 hour drive). The biggest open air water park in Europe has countless ways to have fun in the water!

Take the family to see the dolphins. Tours operate out of Portimao marina at Praia da Rocha. The boat is small, so you will be able to get really close – but watch out for the weather, and choose a calm day.

Visit Omega Wildlife Conservation Park, near Monchique 30km away (1/2 hour drive). This zoo conserves endangered species including bamboo lemurs and cheetahs. Visit the animals in their natural habitat and take in the spectacular views of the Monchique mountains.

Explore the crystal clear water and go scuba diving. Discover the coast’s numerous wrecks, reefs and caves hosting a wide choice of different fish and underwater species.