Alvor

Alvor is a captivating Portuguese village where the past and the natural world blend seamlessly. Once an ancient fishing port, its Moorish heritage is still palpable in the charming, cobbled lanes that wind down towards the waterfront.

The heart of the village pulses around its active fishing harbor, where small boat bob near traditional, whitewashed houses and open-air restaurants. Here, you can witness the daily catch being prepared and enjoy authentic, freshly grilled seafood-a simple, deeply rooted pleasure of the Algarve.

For those drawn to nature, the real discovery is the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve. Follow the Passadiços de Alvor, a beautiful wooden boardwalk that stretches across the fragile wetlands and dunes. This path offers a quite immersion into the coastal ecosystem, a privileged spot for observing a variety of birdlife and appreciating the expansive, subtle colors of the estuary as it meets the sea.

Historical points of interest include the remnants of the old Moorish castle, now a peaceful local park, and the Igreja Matriz de Alvor, known for its elaborate Manueline-style entrance that survived the great 1775 earthquake.

Alvor provides a calming alternative to the larger resorts, offering a genuine, leisurely pace where you can step between centuries of history and miles of protected natural beauty.