To visit Alvor you only have to follow the highway A22 or EN 125 from Faro, with your car hire Alvor, to the east until the road signposted to Alvor. Nestling on a hillside between Portimão and Lagos, the flat-roofed houses face a protected harbour on the estuary of the river Alvor. All roads from the peak of the hill lead down to the riverfront or the sea. The picturesque town of Alvor is one of the less commercialized resorts in the Algarve. Alvor is a small fishing village about 5 km to the west of Portimão/Praia da Rocha. The narrow streets have meant that development has been restricted thus retaining its original charm, however it is still a very popular holiday location. Traditionally a fishing village, Alvor has grown over the last 40 years but, instead of shooting upwards like many other resorts, it has spread outwards. The main thoroughfare is pedestrianised and town centre parking can be a problem, so Alvor is best explored on foot. You can park your car hire Alvor on the skirt of the village. There is enough parking area where you can safely leave the car.
The narrow streets in the center offer a surplus of nice shops. There is, of course, the usual abundance of colorful souvenir shops selling the usual array of T-shirts, mugs and postcards. There are also, however, a few unique retail outlets specializing in, for example, items made from cork (one of the country´s major exports), unusual handicrafts from all over Portugal, South America and Asia, household linens at prices that are easy on the pocket. Live music features at many of the cosy bars and there are a wide variety of restaurants, however just a step away are the features of the old fishing village. But with around 200 restaurants and bars the village probably has the highest concentration of catering facilities in the Algarve. All tastes are covered, from good quality charcoal-grilled fish (especially around the harbor) and other traditional Portuguese fare to a selection of restaurants offering international, Indian or Chinese menus. Tourists enjoy visiting Alvor from the surrunding holiday resorts. A wonderful promenade has been constructed on the riverfront and, from its western- end, a paved footpath leads to the marshland, saltpans and mudflats that make the estuary a paradise for nature lovers, especially birdwatchers. With small coves and a long sandy beach to choose from, there are many different options. The main beach is wide, golden and endless. It is almost 3 miles from the mouth of the river to the rock formations surrounding Três Irmãos. The beach is never crowded, even in high season. Facilities include deck chairs, water sports and restaurants in the parts closer to the car park, where you can park your car hire Alvor.
During the Moorish occupation it even had a castle which unfortunately, like almost the rest of the village, was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. The originally 16th Century Parish Church, which dominates the town, was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755 and still shows the great architecture of the Manueline era in the main doorway. It was the only building which more or less survived from the earthquake. The interior is cool and peaceful and there are many interesting carvings and panels.
Alvor has it all!!! Alvor is highly recommended for a visit by car hire Alvor.