Praia de Alvor is Alvor’s main beach. It’s the longest and the closest to the center of town, from which you can walk. It stretches for 2km (over 1 mile), from the Alvor River estuary to Praia dos Três Irmãos. This other beach shares the same stretch of sand, but is backed by a cliff and has a number or large rock formations. Praia de Alvor is backed by dunes and there are no rocks.
This is quite a popular beach and attracts large crowds in the summer. However, due to its size, there’s always plenty of space for everyone. The further west you go (to the right when facing the sea), the quieter it gets. The middle section is covered with parasols and loungers in the summer.
It’s a very clean beach with fine white sand, and the water quality is good. This is guaranteed by the Blue Flag, which it flies since 1987, when the certification was first introduced in Europe. The sea here is very dependent on the currents and the winds, and is quite calm on some days and very rough on others. It’s often perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing. You should never swim too far from the shore and should always supervise children in the water. There are lifeguards on duty in the bathing season.
All kinds of people come to this beach -- local families with children, tourists, young and old. There’s also wheelchair access for the disabled. The trio of restaurants over the dunes cater to different tastes, but as expected on this coast, focus mainly on fish.
Close to the beach, you find a boardwalk that goes over the dunes and through the beautiful Ria de Alvor nature reserve. It’s 3 kilometers (close to 2 miles) long, and allows you to get close to a variety of fauna and flora. Anyone will enjoy a walk here, but especially birdwatchers.
Location: Alvor
Beach for: Families, Couples
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia de Alvor
Praia de Alvor is a 15-minute walk from the center of Alvor or a 15-minute drive from Portimão. Buses 13 and 14 depart from Largo do Dique in Portimão to Alvor throughout the day (number 14 only on weekdays; its route is covered on weekends by bus 1P). If you’re driving, there’s plenty of parking right behind the beach.
Beaches by Praia de Alvor
In addition to Praia dos Três Irmãos, there’s a number of beaches that you can walk to from Praia de Alvor. From Praia dos Três Irmãos you can access the beautiful Prainha, and going over the cliffs takes you to the nude beaches of João de Arens and Submarino. It’s very much worth going all the way to the João de Arens promontory because the views are breathtaking.
Hotels by Praia de Alvor
Pestana Alvor South Beach
Due to its Miami-inspired atmosphere and sunset parties, this hotel attracts young guests. It faces Praia de Alvor, and features a bright, contemporary interior. There are 89 rooms and suites (many of them with sea views), a restaurant serving local cuisine, an outdoor fitness center, and a large terrace with palm trees and two swimming pools.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Pestana Alvor South Beach
Pestana D. João II
Just steps from the sand of Praia de Alvor, you find this resort with standard hotel rooms and villas. Each unit varies in size, style and view. Many face the sea, and others the garden. There are two seawater outdoor pools (a huge one for adults and a smaller one for children), and a heated indoor pool, plus a spa and a fitness center. The restaurant serves Portuguese and international cuisine.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Pestana D. João II
Pestana Alvor Park Hotel
Located 5 minutes by car or about a 20-minute walk from Praia de Alvor, this 4-star hotel can be a good value. It offers spacious apartments and studios with balconies, an indoor and an outdoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness center. There’s a restaurant, and guests may prepare meals in their fully-equipped kitchens, but it’s also a short walk from the many restaurants in the center of Alvor.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Pestana Alvor Park Hotel