Alvor Holidays

With narrow cobbled streets leading to the harbour, and its own lagoon and river, Alvor radiates old-world charm. Not only that, it’s got some of the best restaurants in the western Algarve, as well as music bars to keep you entertained at night. And the beaches are pretty charming, too – all golden sand, warm waters and sheltered spots.

Rolling dunes, sheltering rocks and dramatic cliffs fill out the landscape on Alvor’s beaches. There’s the wide, spacious Praia de Alvor, or next door’s Torralta Beach, which waves the Blue Flag on its long, sandy stretch. You’ve also got rocky Praia de Tres Irmados to the east, and just 30 minutes’ drive away is Meia Praia – one of the longest beaches in the Algarve.

Alvor’s estuary is a real focal point. Here, the village’s fishermen net clams and oysters, while canoeists quietly paddle the waters to get up close to the local birdlife. Meanwhile, the wooden boardwalk that runs behind the beach and dunes is a popular hub for cyclists – you can rent bikes in Alvor – and is also great for a sunset stroll.

Half-an-hour away by car is Silves, a pretty town full of orange and lemon trees that’s set on the banks of the River Arade. Narrow, cobbled streets lead to what’s left of the red sandstone Moorish castle, and nearby the Gothic cathedral calls out for inspection. Cafés, boutiques and shoe shops round off the day nicely.