Alvor

Alvor is a picturesque town close to Portimão in the Algarve. This beautiful and charming town conserves most of its Moorish historic roots due to the fact that the whole region was under Moorish occupation for many centuries. An example of those Moorish roots can be found in its name – Alvor – which is still very similar to the old Moorish one: Al-Bûr.

Alvor would only be conquered by the Portuguese in the year of 1189 when the armies of king D. Sancho I were finally able to take Alvor’s Castle. The Castle is still there along with its lovely medieval churches.

This fishing village with its maritime roots is profoundly religious. Located on the western part of the south coast of Portugal, Alvor’s main economic activities are fishing, catering, commerce and tourism. The traditional white washed houses, narrow streets and Alvor’s river make for a relaxed holiday destination.

Alvor has some of the most ravishing beaches in the whole world. Calm and long sandy beaches with golden dunes and crystal clear waters are the reason why a small town of 6 000 people is one of the most sought out touristic destinations in the Algarve.

Praia do Alvor – Within walking distance to the town centre there is Alvor’s main beach, a vast and sandy beach which stretches for kilometres. Its cliffs and rocks attract thousands of tourists every year who enjoy kayaking around them. This is also one of the best beaches to practice sports since it has a lot of sand and it is flat, meaning you can easily play beach football, beach volleyball, beach rackets and many others.