A famous fishing village and a seaside resort, Alvor in Algarve, Portugal, is a renowned holiday destination that is most often overlooked by its neighboring cities. Boasting both yellow-sand beaches and Alvor estuary, Alvor lies between Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve and the largest sandy beaches in Algarve. With a Portuguese outlook, this delightful town features classic white-washed houses, narrow cobbled streets, and small boats resting by the riverbanks. Although a small town, Alvor is filled with varieties of restaurants, small shops, pubs, and bars, which are located within this historic town. Explore Praia dos Tres Irmanos, Beach Alvor Nascente, Alvor Boardwalks, Igreja da Misericórdia de Alvor, and many others on your visit to the charming Alvor. If you are visiting soon, check out some of the best things to do in Alvor, Portugal.
1. Showoff your photography skills at Praia do Submarino
Want to explore or improve your photography skills? Head to Praia do Submarino and take the coolest Instagram-worthy shots. At the base of the sharp cliffs and interesting rock formations, this semi-circular beach offers powdered sand, clear waters, and a relaxing spot perfect for naturists to unwind.
Praia do Submarino
Address: Alvor, Portugal
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
2. Soak in the views of João de Arens Beach
Located on the west side, on the bottom of a cliff, Joao de Arens Beach was named after a shepherd called João de Arens, who used to live around town. One thing that this beach is famous for are the pristine views. Beautiful rocky formations and multiple small beaches - to get the best of the João de Arens Beach are by taking a walk or a hike that will lead you up to the marvelous views of the bay.
João de Arens Beach
Address: Portimao 8500, Portugal
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
3. Take a swim in the ocean
Why swim in the chlorine pools when you can swim in the ocean? Nestled on the coast of Portugal, Iberian Peninsula, Beach Alvor Nascante is famous for its calm waters, sand dunes, and street vendors. You can enjoy long walks on the sand boasting up to 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) or swim in the calm, gentle waters of the peninsula. As you walk around the open landscape and the sand dunes, don’t forget to shop for artifacts from the street vendors or to sip on a drink and eat fresh seafood from the nearest beach bar.
Beach Alvor Nascente
Address: Aldeamento Prainha Club S17, Alvor, Portugal
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Walk through the ruins of Castelo de Alvor
What was once an old commercial center, is now the square-shaped Castelo de Alvor, which was constructed by the Moors. This castle is a fine epitome of true vigor and vitality of Moorish constructions because even after an earthquake back in 1755, it stood tall throughout everything. Not just that, in 1189, the Dom Sancho I armies and crusaders of Denmark and Frisa joined forces to storm Castle de Alvor. When you visit here, the memories and the history of the castle won’t escape you as you walk around the ruins of this medieval castle.
Castelo de Alvor
Address: Tv. do Castelo, 2500-003 Portimão, Portugal
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
5. Marvel at the architecture of Igreja Matriz de Alvor
Considered as the highest form of the Manueline architecture in Algarve, Igreja Matriz de Alvor is a magnificent church known for the entrance gates among other prominent artworks. Embellished with scenes of the war and other religious symbols, the interior is adorned with the 18th-century tiles and a famous picture of ‘Our Lady’ is placed on the altar. This picture was found by the local fishermen as it mysteriously appeared on the beach. Visitors who come here are spellbound and in total awe of the architecture of Igreja Matriz de Alvor.
Igreja Matriz de Alvor
Address: R. da Igreja 25, 8500-007 Alvor, Portugal
Price: Free
6. Sip cocktails at Sunset Bar
After exploring the city or chilling by the beach, call it a day by sipping cocktails at Sunset Bar. With a relaxed atmosphere and a friendly environment, enjoy watching sunsets over the estuary with a cocktail on one hand a delicious meal on the other. This colorful bar has a variety of cocktails, foods, games, and more for you to indulge in and to have a fun-filled evening. And with a happy hour of two for one cocktail offer, there is more than one reason for you to experiment with your cocktails.
Sunset Bar
Address: R. Vasco da Gama 31, 8500-028 Alvor, Portugal
Website: Sunset Bar
Opening hours: 5pm - 1am (daily)
7. Stroll along the pathway of Alvor Boardwalk
It’s time to take a long stroll in Alvor, Portugal. Famously renowned as the “Alvor Boardwalk”, this spot is located on the popular Praia de Alvor. Walking on this boardwalk pathway, you will be blessed to witness the amazing views of Algarve’s wildlife and nature. While here, you can either talk a long walk, skate or bike along the long pathway and soak in the refreshing ocean breeze.
Alvor Boardwalk
Address: Praia de Alvor, Alvor, Portimao 8501-906, Portugal
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Catch some rays at Praia do Alvor
Do you love getting a natural tan but don’t want to spend bucks getting a Caribbean tan? Well, no one has to when you have the natural energy source - the sun, giving it away for free! All you need to do is just head to Praia de Alvor, one of the most popular beaches in town and sunbathe all day long. Formerly a fishing village, this new tourist destination boasts a long boardwalk, white sandy beaches, and many restaurants and bars. While here, you can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters, walk on the fine sand, build sandcastles with your kids, or just lay by the beach, read a book, and breathe in some fresh air.
Praia do Alvor
Address: Alvor, Portimao, Portugal
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Taste the best seafood at Adega d'Alvor
Posted by Adega d' Alvor on Thursday, 28 January 2016
Craving delicious seafood? Head to Adega d'Alvor and get your hands on the best seafood such as prawn curry, crab-stuffed with toast bread, monkfish medallions, and more. Relax and unwind in a cozy atmosphere adorned with an indoor garden, while you enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne to start off with a pleasant evening. What was once a winery has now been converted to the best seafood restaurant in town, serving amazing local specialties. You can start off by tasting some Mediterranean tapas, and fish soup followed by varieties of grilled tiger prawns, lobsters, mixed seafood plate, a rack of lamb, T-Bone steak, and more.
Adega d'Alvor
Address: R. Marquês de Pombal 50, 8500-021 Alvor, Portugal
Website: Adega d'Alvor
Opening hours: 11am - 10:30pm (daily)
10. Admire the works of art at Igreja da Misericórdia de Alvor
Igreja da Misericórdia de Alvor, also known as the Church of Mercy is one of the most-visited religious sites in Alvor, Portugal. As charming as it is, this marvelous site, although small, has been standing tall since the mid-17th century. Visitors are drawn to this church because of the spectacular details of the pulpit on the left side wall, and the altar, marked with impressive stained glass representing the miracle of the roses staged by the Saint Queen, St. Isabel of Portugal.
Igreja da Misericórdia de Alvor
Address: R. 25 de Abril 11, 8500-013 Alvor, Portugal
Website: Igreja da Misericórdia de Alvor
Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: Free
11. Devour the best steaks at Big Red's Steakhouse
Posted by Big Reds Alvor on Wednesday, 22 May 2019
It is all in the name. Want to get the best and the tastiest steak? Just head to Big Red’s Steakhouse during your vacation. With a friendly staff and a relaxed ambiance, this European restaurant also features a bouncy castle to keep your children occupied. While here, you can order some of the crowd favorites such as pan-fried scallops, grilled mussels, salmon fishcake, Argentinian ribeye steak, American ribeye, and Tornedo Rossini among many others.
Big Red's Steakhouse
Address: EM531-1 32, Alvor, Portugal
Website: Big Red’s Steakhouse
Opening hours: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm (daily)
12. Go shelling at Beach Prainha
Love collecting shells as a part of your souvenirs? You would love Beach Prainha. Don’t go by its size. Although it is smaller compared to the other beaches in Algarve, you can’t judge it by its exterior. Known as the “tiny beach” in Portuguese, this beach is quite popular among the locals especially during the weekends and summer. Located on the eastern side of Alvor, one can indulge here in swimming, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, surfing, collecting beautiful shells, and more. And if you haven’t carried any gears along with you, fret not, you can always hire them from facilities near the beach. And if you are interested in how the world worked before the technology existed, you can explore the grottoes that were once famous among the lovers, who used to exchange love letters and love pledges, which were written on the walls.
Beach Prainha
Address: Aldeamento Prainha Club A11, Alvor, Portugal
Website: Beach Prainha
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
13. Enjoy boating with Alvor Boat Trips
Posted by Alvor Boat Trips on Saturday, 24 March 2018
Want to go on a fun, adventurous excursion? Book your trip with Alvor Boat Trips for a marvelous experience exploring the caves of Alvor. A family-run business, Alvor Boat Trips offers one of the best sea trips and river adventures in all of Alvor, including excursions to the famous Benagil Caves. You can choose from a range of trips that are available every day - early morning fishing trips, sunset cruises, family outings along the coast, a boat trip to watch the dolphins, and a trip to the mesmerizing Benagil Caves. If you are visiting Alvor during the peak season, it is beneficial to book your boat trip in advance.
Alvor Boat Trips
Address: R. da Ribeira, 8500-023 Alvor, Portugal
Website: Alvor Boat Trips
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
14. Tee off at Adventure Golf
Posted by Adventure Golf Alvor on Friday, 31 August 2018
How about playing a game of golf with a Mesozoic era or “Middle Life” twist? And to step into the Mesozoic era, all you have to do is to step into Alvor, Portugal. If you find the normal golf boring, this right here is right up your alley. Adventure Golf at Alvor features an amazing golf circuit that is completely inspired by the “Lost World” of dinosaur species. These gigantic creatures stand and serve as crazy obstacles on different golfing mini-grounds. If you are looking for a great place to spend an evening with your friends or family, or just to celebrate any occasion, Adventure Golf is the place to be.
Adventure Golf Alvor
Address: Urb. Qta dos Arcos, Beco da Amoreira Lt 3, 8500-045 Alvor, Portugal
Website: Adventure Golf Alvor
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
15. Showoff your skills at Bowling Alvor
A fun recreational activity for everybody - friends, couples, and even families. Bowling is the kind of activity where even losing sometimes seems fun. So, go ahead and book your bowling lane at Bowling Alvor and play a game or two, or more and have a fun-filled day. While at the center, you can either practice or improve your skills at Tenpin Bowling by hitting up with one of the center’s leagues, or you can just enjoy all the activities with your friends and family. Other than bowling, this leisure center also boasts billiards, foosball tables, and also displays the main sports events. So, what are you waiting for? Get the balls rolling down the bowling lanes already!
Bowling Alvor
Address: R. da Torralta, 8500-322 Alvor, Portugal
Website: Bowling Alvor
Opening hours: 2pm - 2am (daily)
Spend a beautiful getaway at Alvor
Because of its pristine beaches and historic sites, Alvor is becoming popular as a beachy holiday destination in Portugal. With so many things to see, do, and eat in this town, it is no surprise why tourists are drawn to this charming town.
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