The community (about 6,400 inhabitants) and the small town of Alvor are situated at a lagoon by the mouth of the Rio Alvor between the towns of Portimão and Lagos. The town is well signposted from the N125.
Coordinates: 37° 8′ N, 8° 36′ W
It is supposed that already the Phoenicians have had a harbour here. It is for sure that the Romans founded a settlment named Ipses holding even an own minting privilege. In 716 the Moors conquered the town and called it Albur. In the year 1250 the Moors have been chased away and Alvor has obtained its up-to-date name. The earthquake of 1755 destroyed nearly all the buildings of the town.
In 1975 the Alvor treaty has been passed meaning the independence of the colony Angola from Portugal.
Today Alvor is a holiday spot that has kept its charm. The town center is composed of winding alleys and partly is a pedestrian zone with many shops and gastronomic facilities. On the promenade of the harbour boat trips for deep-sea fishing, cave tours and dolphin watching are offered.
The big apartment resorts and hotels are situated south of the small town, near the Atlantic.
Many restaurants have tables on the former pavements in today’s pedestrian zone.
In the alleys one finds everything that heart desires: Banks, the post office, shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, pubs, cafés, bistros, etc. The range is international.
In spite of the many visitors it is a town that offers recreation as well as diversion for kids and adults.
View onto the lagoon and the harbour. On the horizon you can see the Atlantic and the bay of Lagos.
You can watch the fishermen at their daily work in the harbour. In spite of modern technology, physical work is still a big part of it.
Market in Alvor
The market being open daily from 8 h is located at the eastern edge of the pedestrian zone.
Coordinates: 37°07’46.3″N 8°35’35.5″W
The range includes freshly caught fish, meat, sausages, bread, cheese, honey, fruit, vegetable, etc.
Igreja Matriz de Alvor
The Igreja Matriz de Alvor was built in the 16th century. After it had been damaged severely during the earthquake of 1755 it has been reconstructed afterwards.
The church, which is dedicated to San Salvador, can be visited daily from 10 h.