Alvor Bucket List: Best Places to Visit in Alvor, Portugal
Alvor is a relaxing part of Portugal, filled with multiple beaches. What was once a fishing port has turned into one of the world’s most popular vacation spots. While this city has a calm atmosphere, it also has a vibrant ambiance with historical structures, restaurants, and bars. Here some of the things you can partake in during your visit:
Spend the day in Praia de Alvor
Praia de Alvor is one of Alvor’s best beaches. Praia de Alvor is situated in Alvor, around 0.6 miles from Prainha Beach. The beach is expansive that can accommodate a lot of visitors and tourists.
You can also rent sunbeds, shades, and equipment for water sports. There are also plenty of restaurants to eat in and spots where you can watch the sunset.
Relax at Praia dos Três Irmãos
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If you’re an introvert or in a relaxing mood, then Praia dos Tres Irmaos is the right spot; it is actually near Praia de Alvor. In fact, this corner of Portugal is not owned as it was only discovered by fishermen.
The waters are calm, and the beach becomes low tide in the morning. This is definitely the perfect place for a getaway from crowded places.
Explore Praia do Submarino
Praia Do Submarino is an adventurous beach location. Asides from the clear waters, what makes this beach stand out is the rocky structures with cliffs and caves.
This is also an interesting site for photographers as the lighting is changed by the sand and rocks. However, be careful of the rocks and underwater tides when you swim.
Visit Castelo de Alvor
Castelo de Alvor was built by the Moors during the Islamic era in Portugal. This castle previously stood the test of time as significantly damaged by the war between Moors and Christians; however, the castle was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake.
To this day, only the foundations remain as the castle was converted into a children’s playground.
Ride the Portuguese Sailing Boats
If you’re not a person who tends to be seasick, then riding Portuguese sailing boats is highly recommended. This allows you to go beyond Alvor in seeing the natural gifts that Portugal has to offer.
One of the travel companies you can coordinate with is the Alvor Boat Trips. The company offers cave trips, dolphin watching, sunset cruises, and fishing trips.
Walk Along the Alvor Boardwalk
The Alvor Boardwalk is a must-visit for nature lovers. Its main purpose is to allow people to explore the Alvor estuary, which has become an area for a wide variety of habitats such as water marshes, farmlands, sand dunes, and salt pans.
This wooden structure starts from a little harbor with fishermen huts to wetlands and shallow lagoons. During your journey, you will soon discover the sight of marine birds such as the Caspian Tern and Greater Flamingo.
Visit Igreja Matriz de Alvor (Main Church of Alvor)
Known for its Manueline-style architecture, this church is a good blend of religion and local history.
The Main Church of Alvor was built in the 16th century with flora, fauna, and religious symbols. The church also contains images of war and conflict.
Another fascinating relic is an image known as “Lord Jesus,” found on the beach and was placed at the altar by local fishermen.
Visit Igreja da Misericórdia de Alvor (Alvor Church of Mercy)
Another fascinating church in the city is the Alvor Church of Mercy. This church was built in the mid-17th century. While the church is small, it has a large impact on people’s culture and heritage. Some of the beautiful things you can admire are the pulpits on the wall and the simple altar.
What makes this sanctuary stand out is the stained glass, which shows St. Isabel of Portugal, the church’s patron saint, changing bread into roses.
Go on a Fishing Trip
Since Alvor was previously a fishing town, it makes sense that fishing is part of the city’s culture. This means that there has always been an abundance of fishes in the nearby waters.
Seeing fishes has become a therapeutic sight for visitors to see. There are various fishing trips to choose from, such as Reef Fishing, Family Fishing, and Shark Fishing.
Roam Around Costa Vicentina
Costa Vicentina is a nearby, more traditional, and secluded environment compared to Alvor. It is recognized as the wild west of Portugal because while it is less developed than other cities, it offers historical sites and dramatic beaches.
One of the landmarks you can visit is the Promontorum Sacrum (Holy Promontory) and a small Moorish castle. You can also go surfing in Praia do Tonel, which is a beach filled with multiple waves.
Kayak in Ria de Alvor
Ria de Alvor is yet another showcase of nature’s beauty. This sanctuary is filled with unique creatures and vegetation.
To fully appreciate its beauty, you can rent a canoe that will take you to the clean lagoon surrounding Ria de Alvor. Some of the creatures you can find are rare birds, flamingos, and woodpeckers.
Watch the Dolphins
Dolphins are among the fascinating creatures of Alvor. You can sign with a dolphin safari company so that you can get close to the action. During the safari, the boat usually travels at high speed.
The boat is low so that you can closely interact with the dolphins. The tour guides also give out lectures during the trip so that you’ll know more about the dolphins.
Explore Serra de Monchique (Monchique Mountains)
Serra de Monchique is another refreshing tourist spot near the beaches of Alvor. It is a village surrounded by a thick forest, making the scenery a lovely place to stroll in.
In this area, you get to see a more traditional lifestyle surrounded by monasteries, small marketplaces, and a theme park as well.
Play Golf in the Alto Golf Course
The Alto Golf Course is a great blend of playing the sport and enjoying the place. The terrain contains valleys and multiple varieties of trees, such as pine, olive, and almond.
The course also has a beautiful background known as the Monchique Mountains.
Play Golf in Adventure Golf
If you’re bored with playing in traditional golf courses, then Adventure Golf can spice the game up. This 18-hole course has an adventurous twist with the presence of Jurassic Park-themed and water challenges as well.
There is also a bar where you can relax after the games or even play bowling.
Alvor Travel and Tour Packages
To help you plan out your visit to Alvor, we listed places to visit and other amazing Alvor, Portugal. We also listed some of the best travel deals, tour packages, hotel discounts, and excellent flight deals.
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Alvor hotels and resorts via Agoda, Booking, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Alvor Portugal? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
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