Alvor

The pretty village of Alvor sits in a sheltered estuary midway along the curving coastline of the Bay of Lagos. It was founded well before the time of Christ, probably used by the seafaring Carthaginians. It is a haven now for local fishermen and of late, even more so for holidaymakers who mingle in narrow streets leading down to the beach.

The village itself is a maze of cobbled streets and a 16th-century parish church with a fine Manueline portal featuring a round arch and abstract floral motifs.

Nearby. The small village of Abidaca, situated on a slope to the east of Alvor, has traces of a Roman settlement. Further east, the bustling fishing port of Portimão has many good restaurants and plenty of night-life.

Alvor Beaches

The main Alvor Beach known as Torralta runs for 4½ miles; it is wide, sandy, straight, backed by dunes and has plenty of facilities. Tres Irmaos Beach, farther East, is mostly backed by cliffs with huge rocks scattered along the shoreline; it has basic facilities like sunbeds, parasols, restaurant and bar.

Farther East still, Prainha Beach is in a small cove with access only via Prainha complex. They provide all beach facilities so it can be expensive for non-residents. Beyond that, and well on the way to Praia da Rocha, Vau Beach is also in a cove and backed by cliffs, with bar, restaurant, sunbeds and sun shades.

Alvor Restaurants

Goodville Restaurant
Located in the cente of Alvor. Extended menu with portuguese and International dishes. Charcoal grilled fish and meat. Cosy patio at the back and roof terrace with harbour view.

Fishermans Rest
The Fishermans rest has one of the best positions in Alvor and is long established. It is at the bottom of the street leading down to the old fish market, almost at waters edge. If you sit outside you can watch the catch of the day being grilled to a turn. Fresh fish evey day - you may even see it being landed!

Restaurant Por do Sol
Some restuatrants are classics - this is one of them. It is elegant, professional with a mouthwatering internatioal menu. Easy to find on the inalnd side of the main Alvor to Portimao road, just a few mnutes from Alvor. Favourites on the menu are chateaubriand steak, rack of lamb with herbs, tournedos and peppered steaks plus casseroled chicken. There is a flambe trolley for speciality deserts.

Hellmans

Situated down by the harbour, Hellmans overlooks the unique scenery of Alvor Bay. Fish and seafood specialities with years of experience. The menu is well balanced between Portuguese and International dishes. Fish and seafood include Alvor Clams, gratinated lobster, cataplanas (fish stew), seafood platter, grilled tiger prawns and monkfish with caper sauce. A pleasant eveing in an unforgettable ambience.

Activities

Daytime:

Water sports. Slide and Splash Aquapark. Golf. Horse riding at Centro Hipico de Belmonte in Portimao.

Have a look at the 16the century Alvor Parish Church, note in particular the main doorway. It is an example of the Manuueline style of oprnmental architecture which reflected the wealth of exuberance that prevailed in Portugal at the time of the late 15th century discoveries.

A great place to sit and "people watch" is down by Alvor's tiny fish market

Archaeological buffs will want to see the neolithic burial site at Alcalar. Drive to the N125, take the first turning on the right-hand side of the road going towards Lagos, opposite the Meridian Penina Hotel. park at the little village 4km along this road and walk as signposted on the right to the fenced dolmen, which is perhaps 4500 years old.

Drive past Alcalar to the Monchique Hills and taste the Monchique spring water. Visit the pictureseque Spa Village of Caldas de Monchique and visit a vantage point to take in panoramic views of the Algarve coastline.

Nature Lovers should visit the marshalnd, saltpans and mudflats of the Alvor Estuary. Birdwatchers are almost sure to see the Black winged stilts, kentish Plover and other waders. This is also Stone Curlew territory. Little Terns, Yellow Wagtails and Short Toed Larks breed here. The sea wall is a good vantage point.

Alvor Nightlife: There is a range of bars in Alvor but for greater choice try Praia da Rocha and Portimao for discos, bars and casino.