Alvor is a small fishing village located about seven kilometers west of Portimão / Praia da Rocha in the Portuguese district of Faro. With a total area of about 15.25 km2 and the place has about 5000 inhabitants. During the Moorish occupation there was a castle which, was destroyed by the earthquake in 1755. The town is situated on a lagoon which opens onto the Atlantic Ocean. In the cozy narrow streets in the center you will find nice shops, restaurants and cozy bars. About 500 meters from Alvor you will find one of the finest sandy beaches of the Algarve, Praia do Alvor.
Sightseeing
Alvor has two beautiful long sandy beaches. Praia do Alvor in the west and Praia dos Tres Irmaos in the east. The intermediate section is called the Praia da Torralta, but it is actually one long white and golden sandy beach. Praia do Alvor has many options for water sports activities such as sailing, surfing and pedal boating. There are also sun loungers for rent and a game of beach volleyball for the more active ones.Praia dos Tres Irmaos has rock formations on the sandy beach, also called the “Three Brothers”. This is because of the three consecutive boulders on the beach and in the sea. Both beaches are easily accessible and there is plenty of parking space.
Alvor Castle
There are many things to do and must-sees such as the castle of Alvor, the church, the chapels and the beautiful nature reserve Ria de Alvor. Alvor Castle or Fortress of Alvor unfortunately only has some remnants of walls and towers, but the old fortress is a military monument because it played a role in the defense of nearby Silves.
Igreja do divino Salvador
Built in the 16th century in Portuguese late Gothic style, is about the decor of the Church of Alvor. The entrance to the church is highly decorated and the interior is also worth seeing.
Marabut chapels
In addition, there are the Marabut chapels, three small hermit mosques built in Manuel style and Islamic heritage. In the past there was a Marabut in every chapel; a sage or a holy man.
Ria de Alvor
Then the unmissable nature reserve, Ria de Alvor with its flora and fauna. Many migratory birds have their breeding ground here through fresh river water that mixes with salt sea water. Shellfish and molluscs such as oysters and mussels are also cultivated. It is a beautiful dune area with gray dunes and beaches. From the beach to the nature reserve Ria de Alvor is a long wooden walkway "The Alvor Boardwalk". The longest in the whole Algarve with many side roads to various beaches. The walkway has been constructed to protect the vulnerable nature reserve.
Enjoy a stroll along the river promenade. With enough and especially varied offer of various restaurants where you can eat delicious fresh fish. Enjoy the authentic charm, which has been well preserved in Alvor. This may be Portugal at its best!
