Alvor

Located 8 km west of Portimão, Alvor became an important port during the time of the Moorish occupation. It once had its own castle, which was destroyed by the earthquake on 1 November, 1755. Originally built by the Carthaginians in 436 AD, it was attacked and plundered by the Christian Crusaders in 1189, at the same time as the larger settlements of Silves and Portimão were taken. King João II died here in 1495, after taking the waters at the spa of Monchique in an attempt to cure his dropsy. Although this ancient coastal village is now a very popular holiday location the enclosed narrow streets have kept development to a minimum. Many of these streets now boast bars with live music and different types of restaurants, however leading off from these there are still memories of the older fishing village. In the area are a number of holiday resorts from which the tourists enjoy visiting it and its attractions. The village is well located facing a natural lagoon opening onto the sea. There is a choice of a long open sandy beach or a number of small coves tucked under the cliffs. The originally 16th Century Parish Church was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755 and still has a prime example in its main doorway of the great craftsmanship of the Manueline era of architecture. It was the only building that more or less survived from the earthquake. Places near to Alvor are the commercial town of Portimгo, the famous popular beaches of Praia da Rocha and Praia da Vau, and the semi-nature reserve of Quinta da Rocha.

What to see. The village itself is a maze of cobbled streets and a 16th-century parish church with a fine Manueline portal featuring a round arch and abstract floral motifs. As well as Alvor beach itself, there are some lovely golden stretches of sand towards Portimão, most notably the small cove of Praia dos Três Irmãos with its magnificent red cliffs. Further east are the deserted caves and grottoes at João de Areus and the quiet, secluded beach of Praia do Vau nearby. Nearby. The small village of Abidaca, situated on a slope to the east of Alvor, has traces of a Roman settlement. Further east, the bustling fishing port of Portimão has many good restaurants and plenty of night-life.