- NOMATIQ
- Oct 1, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 3
Discovering the Algarve: The Basics
The Algarve is a beautiful coastal region located in the southernmost part of Portugal. Known for its stunning beaches, picturesque towns, and sunny climate, the Algarve is a very popular tourist destination in Europe.
Its coastline stretches for approximately 200 km (124 miles), featuring grand cliffs, hidden coves, and long stretches of golden sand. The region is renowned for its pristine beaches, some of which have been awarded Blue Flag status for their cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
Alvor is a charming village located in the western part of the Algarve, approximately 5 km (3 miles) west of Portimão. Once a traditional fishing village, Alvor has preserved much of its authentic character while adapting to the needs of modern tourists.
In terms of population, Alvor is a relatively small village in the Algarve region of Portugal. It is estimated that Alvor has a resident population of around 5,000 to 6,000 people. However, during the peak tourist season, particularly in summer, the population significantly increases due to the influx of visitors.
The primary language spoken in the region is Portuguese, but many people in the service industry, supermarkets, and other shops also speak English. Just as everywhere, here it is also beneficial to learn some basic Portuguese phrases to enhance your interactions.
As previously stated, the Algarve enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, dry summers. During summer, temperatures can rise to 30°C (86°F) or even higher. Winters are mild, with temperatures around 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 60°F), and while rainfall can occur, it is generally not excessive. The transitional seasons are very pleasant, with moderate temperatures and fewer tourists. Overall, the region has over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an ideal destination for sun-seekers.
The sea temperatures in the Algarve range from 15°C (59°F) to 23°C (73°F) throughout the year. While the water may feel a bit chilly in winter, swimming and water activities can be enjoyed year-round.
Exploring the Best of The Algarve
Alvor is renowned for its stunning beaches. Whether you prefer hidden coves or long stretches of golden sand, Alvor offers a variety of options to suit every beach goer. Praia de Alvor is considered one of the finest in the Algarve. This beach features fine golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and ample space for relaxation, swimming, sunbathing, and engaging in water sports such as surfing and snorkeling. Additionally to surfing and snorkeling, the Algarve offers a wide range of outdoor activities and water sports to suit all preferences. From sailing and windsurfing to kayaking and fishing, there are numerous opportunities to enjoy this region's waters.
In addition to its captivating coastline, Alvor features a charming old town characterized by narrow cobbled streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and local shops. Exploring the town, visitors can discover historic landmarks such as the Church of Alvor and the 16th-century Alvor Castle, which offers panoramic views of the village and the surrounding area.
The Algarve is characterized by its diverse natural landscapes. It has some dramatic cliffs, many caves, and rock formations along the coast, and a picturesque countryside with rolling hills and vineyards on the other side.
Immersing yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage of the Algarve is a must. The region's Moorish history, Portuguese traditions, and maritime past all mix together into an interesting story. Towns like Faro, Lagos, and Silves are home to historic sites such as castles, churches, and museums that showcase the region's heritage. Additionally, festivals, traditional markets, and local crafts offer insights into the vibrant culture and traditions.
The Algarve is a great place for food lovers. Visitors can try fresh seafood, including grilled sardines, but also regional dishes like chicken piri-piri. Local wineries offer wine tasting experiences, and the region is known for its citrus fruits, honey, and fig-based products.
Another reason for visitors to come to the Algarve is the vibrant nightlife: The Algarve has a vibrant nightlife scene, particularly in towns like Albufeira. Visitors can enjoy a variety of bars, clubs, live music venues, and beach parties, providing entertainment and a lively atmosphere after the sun sets. Alvor offers some bars and live music venues too, however the nightlife here is definitely not as big.
Our Accommodation in Alvor
We found an apartment on VRBO, located slightly outside on the east side of Alvor, in the Marachique neighborhood. Although we weren't specifically looking for a place in Alvor, the information we read about the town, its proximity to other towns and cities, the nearby beaches, the reasonable price for the apartment, and the ability to use the pool led us to choose Alvor as our base.
Since we had a car, we needed a place with parking facilities, which is why we opted for an apartment that wasn't right in the town center. However, it was still conveniently within walking distance, taking us approximately 20 minutes to reach the city center. The apartment was provided with everything we needed, and as mentioned, we also had access to a shared pool and garden. The WiFi worked perfectly, which is always important to us.
We stayed in Alvor during May, experiencing minimal rainfall and pleasant temperatures every day. Although the evenings were slightly cooler, it never got cold. Our four-week stay allowed us enough time to explore the entire Algarve region on the weekends.
May is still considered low season; however, due to Europeans having their holidays during this time, we noticed the crowd was starting to build up. It was evident that we were approaching the high season. Nevertheless, some of our favorite places managed to stay relatively free from crowds.
Overall, our choice of staying in Alvor provided us with the convenience of proximity to amenities, privacy in our apartment, enjoyable weather, and the opportunity to explore the Algarve at our own pace.
Living in Alvor: Our Practical Tips
Our neighborhood was suitable for our stay, but if you're seeking a livelier atmosphere, it may be worth considering a more central location. However, if you don't mind walking, there are plenty of options in and also around Alvor that would provide a pleasant stay.
We had a convenient big supermarket, the Intermarché, within a 5-minute walk. It offered a wide range of options, although not the most budget-friendly. In the city center, there was another smaller Intermarché supermarket. Since we had a car, we often took a short drive to Portimão, where we would visit Aldi or Lidl for products with better prices. Additionally, every Saturday, a large Farmers Market takes place in the neighboring town of Lagos, offering a variety of fruits, vegetables, and local products at fair prices. We did not always go there, but if we would pass while driving to Lagos or another destination, we would make a stop and buy fresh produce there.
One of the most popular beaches in town, Praia de Três Irmãos, was conveniently close to us. It provided a great place for swimming and sunbathing with its golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It took us only a four-minute drive to get there. However, we often opted for the smaller neighboring beaches, Praia da Prainha and Praia do Ferta. To access these beaches, you need to walk down the cliffs or make your way from the larger neighboring beach. From the top of these cliffs, you can sit down and enjoy one of the best spots to witness a beautiful sunset. We visited a few times a week to admire the surroundings and the colorful sunsets. Another lovely sunset activity is walking around the Passadicos de Alvor in the center. You can start at the parking lot and follow the elevated pathway towards the beach.
As we had a car and preferred independent exploration, we did not partake in any guided tours in the Algarve. Therefore, we cannot provide information on guided tours in the area.
Alvor is abundant in its dining and drinking establishments. Simply walk into town, and you will be surrounded by bars and restaurants.
Local bars & restaurants for food and drinks;
Mourisco Cocktail Bar - for cocktails and beers
Indian Hut Alvor - for Indian food
La Fiesta Cantina Mexicana - for Mexican food and drinks
Café Na Ria - for coffee with a view on the bay
Algarve Experiences
We had not been to Portugal before, but we were very happy we went. We had a great month in Alvor. The Algarve has a lot to offer, in general and in its diversity too. We have visited many beaches, we did some hikes and we visited the towns around.
One of the most renowned hikes is the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, which takes you along cliff tops, showcasing rock arches and various viewpoints overlooking the sea. The trail leads to the famous Benagil Cave, known for its beauty and exclusive access by water. Although we did not opt for a boat or canoe excursion, we were able to see the cave from above during our hike. We started the trail from the Praia da Marinha parking lot. It was a beautiful hike, but due to its popularity it got quite busy on the trail.
On the way, we drove through Carvoeiro, where we stopped to explore the town and enjoyed a coffee. The town has a beautiful beach right in the city center, providing a scenic view.
We also did a hike along the coastline in Sagres. We were ready for a sunny hike, and despite it being May, we were surprised with very foggy weather. Regardless of the weather, we were still able to enjoy the walk. We began at the parking lot of Fortaleza do Beliche and followed a path along the coast to Farol do Cabo de São Vicente. We had a coffee at one of the foodstands there, and made our way back to the car.
We made a quick stop in Sagres, but it was quiet in the town. Sagres is particularly popular among surfers, but spring marks the end of the season, resulting in a more laid-back atmosphere in the months leading up to and during summer.
Another scenic walk along cliffs and beaches can be experienced at Praia do Castelejo and Praia da Coroama, near Vila do Bispo. We parked at the Praia do Castelejo parking lot and walked down to the beach. From there, we continued along to the neighboring beach. About halfway down the beach, we made our way back up, reaching the Cordoama viewpoint, to then get back down to the parking lot.
There are several charming coastal towns along the coastline, two of which we visited: Portimão and Lagos. Both towns are perfect for half-day visits. We strolled around the streets, enjoyed coffee, and had lunch or dinner. Praia da Rocha is Portimão's most famous beach, attracting many tourists each year. It was a nice place to visit, although the focus on crowds was noticeable and prices were a bit higher. Lagos, on the other hand, is a bit smaller but extremely charming. The town center offers plenty of dining and drinking options, and there are numerous beautiful beaches just outside the center.
If you are looking for a few weeks or months of sun, this is definitely a good spot to base yourself. We really loved the atmosphere, the people, and the pace of life. A month in Alvor provides the opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of the Algarve and embrace the local culture.
