Alvor
On the more western side of the Algarve coastline, Alvor was once a small fishing community, but in recent years this riverside, coastal village has developed into a bustling but still traditional resort, where you can mingle with the locals even during the busiest times of the year.
Alvor during Summer
Alvor boasts 5 kms of golden sandy beach, so where better to soak up the sun and take a dip in the cool Atlantic Ocean. Gently shelving, the beach is great for the kids but if you really want to get away from it all the western end of the beach is backed by rolling sand dunes where you can easily escape. Life guarded, the beach is bordered by numerous bars and restaurants for that cool drink or long and lazy lunch.
On the second Tuesday of each month the outskirts of town come alive with the regular Gypsy market where you can barter for a bargain in shoes, clothes, ceramics, leather goods and many other handicrafts. The village itself boasts a multitude of souvenir and handicraft shops for that special gift to take with you.
As the sun goes down the village lights up and really becomes a diners paradise with over forty different restaurants and bars. With predestinated cobbled streets you can take a leisurely stroll about town while you decide what you will eat and with all the restaurants being children friendly, there really is a great family atmosphere. For the night owl there are a number of bars offering live music and karaoke, which stay open until the early hours.
Alvor during Winter
With warm temperatures throughout the winter months, there is nothing better than an amble along the sands of Alvor beach to watch the fisherman hoping for a catch from the waters edge. Alvor Harbour has a number of bars where you can catch the winter rays and then watch the sun go down across the lagoon. Why not try some freshly grilled fish.
A great chance to meet the local people is at the daily fresh produce market and then move on to one of the coffee shops to sample one of the many ways the locals enjoy their coffee.