Handpicked by a Algarve Local Expert, we bring you our guide to 'The Best in Alvor '.
Alvor is a fishing village on the southern coast of Portugal that charms visitors with a mix of old-world serenity and top travel experiences with excellent restaurants and bars and plenty of fun things to do. Visitors from around the world rub shoulders with generations of local Alvor folk, old men sitting in the shade playing cards and discussing football, young children chasing seagulls, and they return year after year as Alvor works its magic. Check out our suggestions below for some of the best restaurants and bars, things to do and places to stay in Alvor.
The huge beach and estuary boardwalk are top attractions in Alvor. This is one of the best beaches in the Algarve. The boardwalk meanders between the ocean and the river estuary, and can be accessed from the village harbour as well as from the beach. The beach is several kilometres long, made of fine golden sand. To the east, known as Praia dos Tres Irmãos, there are cove beaches and cliffs to explore to low tide, with some spectacular caves and arches connecting this part of Alvor beach to Prainha. To the west the curving bay is expansive with ocean to the front and the river to the back. This is the favoured spot with kite surfers who speed across the water. There are some great restaurants on the beach - perfect for a cold drink, a quick snack or a delicious meal as the sun sets.
Alvor is a wonderful family destination. Aside from the fun on the beach there are plenty of things to do that appeal to all ages. The dinosaurs at Alvor Adventure Golf appeal to the kids while the adults enjoy the more challenging than expected course. Adrenaline junkies can jump out of airplanes with SkyDive Algarve and those looking for more relaxed fun can take a sunny cruise along the coast with Alvor Boat Trips.
Alvor may be small but it has a huge number of restaurants to tempt you. The standard of food served is generally very high and there is a great range of cusines - from typical portuguese fare and freshly grilled fish to Italian, Indian and modern steakhouses. Many restaurants have open air terraces or patios which are perfect for summer evenings. After dinner, wander the streets and enjoy a drink or two at one of the many bars.
Being a very picturesque village, Alvor is a popular wedding destination. The village church is charming and the resort has some very good hotel wedding venues.
Check out these Alvor suggestions:

Of all the beaches in the Portimão – Alvor area, this is My Guide Algarve’s favourite. Praia de Alvor has everything necessary for a quality beach experience. The beach is several kilometres of the finest white sands and forms an immense natural bay with views across to neighbouring Lagos. Inland you can see the Monchique Mountains and the quaint village of Alvor. Access onto the beach couldn... More info

Alvor is one of the Algarve’s most popular destinations. The village has succeeded in retaining its essence along with offering all that you could want for a superb holiday and that is its charm. The warren of narrow winding streets offers a huge selection of restaurants, cafés, bars and shops yet in the evening you can see the locals, sitting in their doorways, bemusedly w... More info

Golfland Family Entertainment Park is one of the Algarve’s newest attractions, offering great experiences for families and golfers. A superb 18 hole Championship mini-golf course, two top of the range Trackman golf simulators, a playground, a great restaurant, three bars and sunny terraces overlooking the action – there is something for everyone here. Located in Alvor, Golfland is much more... More info

Alvor Boat Trips, proud owners of Portugal's 1st solar powered boat, offering top class, great value coastal cruises, Benagil cave trips, dolphin watching and river adventures from Alvor, Algarve. Private charter, sunset tours, river cruises and more. Proud owners of Portugal's 1st solar powered boat, Alvor Boat Trips is a family run company offering top class, great value Sea Trips and River a... More info

Allgav Tuk Tuk is an award-winning company offering tuk tuk tours around the Algarve, to wineries and scenic spots, focused on the Portimão, Silves, Carvoeiro areas. The electric tuk tuks are clean, quiet and allow you to discover hidden parts of the Algarve in the company of your local guide. Tuk tuks are a great way to explore the Algarve. Allgav Tuk Tuks are 100% electric making them a clea... More info

Caniço Restaurant is one of those places you have got to see to believe. The setting is breath-taking, the views amazing and just getting there is an adventure. It is actually built within the cliffs and hovers above a picturesque cove, making it one of the most romantic places in the Algarve. You get there by taking an elevator from the cliff tops down through the rocks and out onto sea level. F... More info

Those that appreciate good seafood love the Algarve and they adore Àbabuja Restaurant in Alvor. Located just metres from the seafront you can enjoy some delicious traditional Algarve cuisine, a wonderful ambience and spectacular views. Ababuja Restaurant is just one of eight restaurants in the Algarve to recevive the Quality Seal from the Algrave Hoteliers Association in 2015 and it is consist... More info

Vagabondo is one of Alvor's most popular restaurants - and justifiably so. It is almost an obligatory stop during your stay in the area. The setting is lovely, the ambience relaxed and the food excellent. Located on Alvor's busy pedestrian street, Vagabondo's main dining room is the perfect place for people watching, with wide windows giving you the best views of main avenue. In the winter... More info

Paesano Italian Restaurant in Alvor serves quality and authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant is comfortable and spacious with a warm and welcoming décor, a pretty garden patio and a fab deck for people watching. Add a menu to satisfy pretty much every Italian flavoured whim and you have a winner. Paesano Restaurant is sister restaurant to the fantastically popular Vagabondo rest... More info

Big Red’s Steakhouse is famous for its sizzling stone steaks, racks of BBQ ribs and prime cuts of meat grilled to perfection. Offering a varied menu with vegan, vegetarian and fish options too, Big Red’s is a great all year round restaurant as well as an excellent party and wedding venue. Located just outside Alvor, on the road to Portimão, Big Red’s is spacious. There is a lovely garden... More info

The Black Stove Irish bar in Alvor opened its doors in 2005. Since then many happy holiday makers has quenched their thirst, cheered their teams and tapped their feet to the great live music. Alvor is one of the Algarve's most popular resorts. As an authentic algarvian fishing village turned holiday haven it deserves an authentic irish bar - and that's what it has in The B... More info

Located right on the beach by the picturesque fishing village of Alvor Windsurf restaurant and snack bar is the perfect choice for delicious food and stunning views at any time of day. As you approach the restaurant the wonderfully vast horizon of Alvor beach becomes visible. This is the fantastic panorama that accompanies your meal, a view that is constantly changing depending on the hour. Win... More info

Adventure Golf Alvor brings some fun, adventure golf to Alvor, Portugal. Watch out for the huge dinosaurs! 18 holes of adventure golf that are challenging and fun - great entertainment for adults and children, perfect for groups and great venue for kids' parties. Adventure Golf Alvor has a 'Lost World - Jurassic Park' theme and there are plenty of dinosaurs about. They are huge, colourful and l... More info

Bolan Bar in Alvor is famous for its great music, great atmosphere and great drinks. Special mention for the delicious caipirinhas - a deliciously sweet and chiiled brazilian invention that is summer in a glass! Alvor is pretty unique in that it has managed to retain its own identity while becoming a very popular Algarve resort. Bolan Bar is on Alvor's main pedestrian street and is the perfect... More info

The Pestana Delfim is an All Inclusive family resort in Alvor in a prime location overlooking the beach. Your meals, drinks and entertainment are included, and the hotel is just a few minutes walk from Alvor beach. A super family resort for a worry-free holiday. Alvor is one of the Algarve's most popular family destinations. The fabulous beach and charming village are beloved by the visitors wh... More info

The Pestana Alvor Praia is a superb 5 star hotel overlooking Alvor beach. Amazing sea views, an elevator giving direct access to the beach, a fabulous pool overlooking the ocean all add up to an excellent choice for a great stay in Alvor or for your Algarve wedding. The Alvor Praia hotel has one of the very best locations in the Algarve. Overlooking the wonderful, long, golden expanse of Alvor ... More info

The Pestana Alvor South Beach is a four star slice of heaven just 80 metres from the beach! It's less than 1 minute walk from the hotel to one of the Algarve's best beaches. Add to this the relaxed Miami vibe, a super pool and sun deck area, the glorious beach restaurant SeaDeck and you have one of the best hotels in Alvor. Alvor beach is rightly famous as one of the best beaches in the Algarve... More info

The Pestana Dom João II is one of the most popular hotels in Alvor. Set right on Alvor beach, the location is perfect for a family holiday, a romantic getaway or your wedding in the Algarve. There are 3 swimming pools, modern rooms, many with sea-views, spacious gardens and direct access to the beach. The hotel boasts a superb location right by the beach. Alvor beach is one of the best in the ... More info

SeaDeck Restaurant - beachside restaurant in Alvor, serving fresh seafood, fish and great steaks. Perfect for cocktails, for day time beach snacks and for romantic evening meals as the sun sets. SeaDeck restaurant in Alvor has the perfect location - it's right on the beach, with miles of golden sand and the endless ocean to the front, and with the pretty infinity pools and sun decks of Pestana ... More info

Skydive Algarve is the home of Tandem Jumps, Free Fly and Sky Diving courses in the Algarve. Rated the best in Portugal, jump with Skydive Algarve for the best views imaginable! Remember that childhood wish you had that you could fly? Well, a tandem jump with Skydive Algarve comes pretty close. And a free fall 'Skydive' above one of the most stunning coastlines in Europe is a very original way ... More info

Lagos is an ancient maritime town steeped in history with beautiful beaches, great restaurants and bars and a bohemian vibe. The town became hugely important during the 15th century, the age of the great Portuguese Discoveries, when Prince Henry the Navigator, third son of King João I, took up residence and headed up maritime expeditions to Morocco and to the western coast of Africa. Lagos was al... More info
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