Alvor

Travel Guide
Tres Irmaos Beach which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach
Tres Irmaos Beach which includes general coastal views, a sunset and rugged coastline
Tres Irmaos Beach showing rugged coastline, night scenes and a beach
Tres Irmaos Beach showing a sandy beach, fishing and a sunset
Tres Irmaos Beach featuring rugged coastline, a beach and general coastal views
Found in the western part of Algarve, Alvor is a charming ancient village on the southern coast of Portimão. Situated at the mouth of the Alvor estuary it offers incredible scenic views, with the Atlantic Ocean to one side and the calm lagoon on the other.

With narrow streets, whitewashed houses, golden beaches and rocky cliffs this fishing village is the perfect match between heritage and natural beauty.

Castle of Alvor

The castle was constructed in the 7th Century AD and would become the basis of a Roman settlement. It was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, however, the wall remain and offer visitors a fantastic panoramic view of the sea. Plus, if you are with the kids, you have the bonus of a children's playground.

Megalithis Monuments in Alcalar

The megalithic tombs of Alcalar are old memorial temples, which date back to the 3rd millennium. They were left undiscovered until the late 19th Century. Today, some of these tombs are now open to the visiting public. There is also a visitor centre where you can learn more about the day-to-day life of this prehistoric community.

Church of the Divino Salvador de Alvor

The Church of the Divino Salvador de Alvor is a magnificent Catholic church with an impressive 18th century Manueline style entranceway. The interior has an intriguing mixture of Baroque and Rococo influences. It’s an impressive attraction that’s well worth taking an afternoon to explore.

Morabito de São João

The St. John Morabito is a curious hermitage-like mosque situated in the local graveyard. There is an inscription that marks the Christianization of the temple:

Ego sum vox clamantis in deserto – ‘I am a voice clamouring in the desert’

A singular attraction, you won’t want to miss getting a snap of this unique piece of architecture.

Villa Abicada

Inhabited between the 1st and 4th century AD, the ruins of this Roman Villa has a geometrical plan with wide views of the lagoon and the sea. Be sure to check out the colourful and beautifully preserved mosaic floors.

Sculpture tribute to the Fisherman

On the waterfront of Alvor, visitors will find a stone sculpture by respected Portuguese sculptor, João Cutileiro. A tribute to the fishing community, this 4 metre tall sculpture depicts a fisherman holding his prized catch of fish aloft in the sky.

Beaches

There are four beaches within easy reach from Alvor: Alvor, Torralta, Three Brothers and Prainha Beaches.

Alvor Beach marks the division between the ocean and the estuary. With great facilities, such as bars and restaurants, and easy parking, this is one of the most popular beaches in the Algarve.

Torralta has clear, warm waters, with a long sandy beach. It’s close to several hotels and restaurants, making it very convenient and a favourite with families.

Three Brothers Beach is located on a long, wide sandy stretch, bordered by rocks from which you can view a pretty spectacular sunset. Prainha has a beach club with a nice swimming pool, and a chillout area and bar serving snacks and drinks.

Activities

There’s plenty to keep the active holidaymaker occupied in Alvor. Alvor Beach’s scenic boardwalk is a gem for any runner. If you really want to get the adrenaline pumping, skydiving in the area is spectacular and offers amazing views of the coastline. There’s also plenty of boat tours that let you explore the scenic coastline and local marine wildlife swim to the caves and, if the tide is right, stop at a sand bank to collect shells.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Alvor has a lively bar scene where you can enjoy live music, top DJs, or just have a quiet drink before the setting sun. There’s also a great selection of restaurants serving both traditional Portuguese fish dishes and international cuisine.

Where to stay in Alvor

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Alagoas

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Alagoas and surrounding area, you can visit Alvor Boardwalk and Tres Irmaos Beach.

Alagoas
Wyndham Residences Alvor Beach
Wyndham Residences Alvor Beach
4 out of 5
Rua do Barinel Praia de Alvor, Portimão
The price is P3,220 per night from 27 Nov to 28 Nov
P3,220
P3,536 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 27 - Nov 28
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (141 reviews)
Super
"Excellent hôtel. Grande chambre, grand lit et chambre et hôtel très très propre. Stationnement gratuit et sécurisé. Piscine chauffée. Nous avons bien aimé notre séjour de 3 jours. Hôtel proche des plages"

Reviewed on Nov 15, 2024

Wyndham Residences Alvor Beach
Pestana Alvor Praia Beach & Golf Hotel
Pestana Alvor Praia Beach & Golf Hotel
5 out of 5
Praia dos Três Irmaos, Alvor, Portimão
The price is P6,233 per night from 21 Dec to 22 Dec
P6,233
P6,730 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 21 - Dec 22
Stay at this 5-star beach hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (440 reviews)
Stay at Pestana
"Our stay here was wonderful. Our room walked out to a patio over looking the pool and ocean. The food was incredible. The staff were friendly and accommodating. I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2024

Pestana Alvor Praia Beach & Golf Hotel
Tivoli Alvor Algarve - All Inclusive Resort
Tivoli Alvor Algarve - All Inclusive Resort
5 out of 5
Avenida José Saramago, Amoreira, Portimão, Portimão
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 6 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (122 reviews)
"It was an amazing experience for me and the kids. From the warm welcome to the luxurious rooms, every detail was perfect. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the views were stunning. The dining options were outstanding—each meal was delicious and beautifully presented. The facilities, including ..."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Tivoli Alvor Algarve - All Inclusive Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pestana Alvor Atlântico Residences
Pestana Alvor Atlântico Residences
3 out of 5
Praia de Alvor, Alvor, Portimão
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Portimão. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Alvor Beach and Rocha Beach are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (213 reviews)
"Beautiful beach close by lots of free parking our room was updated and very clean would stay again."

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2024

Pestana Alvor Atlântico Residences
Pestana Alvor Park
Pestana Alvor Park
4 out of 5
Adega, Quinta do Ribeiro, Alvor, Portimão
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Portimão. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Alvor Beach and Rocha ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (104 reviews)
ABOVE AND BEYOND SERVICE
"We were here for one night. Very clean, neatly organized kitchen, great TV, comfortable bed. The service was outstanding. Our rental car had a dead battery and the manager was so very gracious and helped us. He used his personal car, got out his jumper cables and got our car running! ABOVE AND BEYOND ..."

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

Pestana Alvor Park
Alvormar Apartamentos Turísticos
Alvormar Apartamentos Turísticos
4 out of 5
Rua D. Sancho I, n 9 / 11, Alvor, Portimão
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Portimão. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (79 reviews)
"A central location but quiet at night! Great views, really clean rooms, modern bathroom! Staff weren't overly friendly, polite but a little stern."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Alvormar Apartamentos Turísticos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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