Things to Do in Alvor, Algarve

Alvor is a relaxed fishing village west of Portimão with a huge sandy beach, a lagoon full of birdlife and a long wooden boardwalk through the dunes. Its lanes are lined with bars and seafood restaurants. It’s a favourite with families and couples who want a quieter base.

Quick answer: Alvor is about 10 minutes from Portimão and 20 minutes from Lagos. Walk the boardwalk through the dunes to the beach, explore the rock formations at Prainha and Três Irmãos, eat grilled fish by the harbour and watch the sunset over the Ria de Alvor. See places to stay in Alvor.

Things to do

• The beach: a long, wide stretch of sand, with gentle water on calm days.
• The boardwalk: a wooden walkway through the dunes and along the lagoon, perfect for walks and birdwatching.
• Prainha and Três Irmãos: coves, rock arches and tunnels at the eastern end of the beach.
• The village: whitewashed lanes, the Manueline church and the castle ruins.
• The harbour: grilled sardines and fresh fish at the waterfront restaurants.
• Ria de Alvor: a protected lagoon with herons, egrets and shellfish beds.

Where to stay

Alvor has apartments, guesthouses and the beachfront Pestana Alvor Praia. Check prices. See Algarve family resorts.

Nearby

• Lagos: see things to do in Lagos.
• Portimão: see Portimão.
• Monchique: see Monchique.

More: the best Algarve beaches and the Algarve with kids.

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