Alvor Holidays 2024/2025

Getting to, from and around Alvor

You'll need to fly into Faro airport which has a numerous flights from the UK including Newcastle, Liverpool and Glasgow. It's worth noting that there are fewer flights during the low winter season.

Taxi / Car Hire

Flying into Faro, the journey by car from Faro Airport to Alvor takes about 50 minutes and will cost in the region of €70 each way in a taxi. Being one of the quieter resorts, if you wanted to do some exploring while on holiday in Alvor, booking a hire car before you arrive is a good option. This will then give you a lot more freedom to see some of the other areas. You'll also be able to hire a car in Alvor for a few days if you wanted to explore.

Public Transport

Getting to Alvor by public transport is possible although not straightforward. The airport bus (which only runs twice a day in winter between October and March, and 5 times a day in summer) takes you to Portimao. From there, you'll need to take a taxi or jump on another bus to Alvor. Walking will take around 90 minutes. Train is the other option which runs from Faro town centre to Portimao. You'll need to get a bus from Faro Airport to Faro town though.

Airport Transfers

By far one of the easiest ways to get to Alvor is by an organised airport coach transfer. These may be already included in the cost of your holiday if you're booking with the likes of Jet2holiday or TUI, or you may need to add this on when booking if you're going with someone like Love Holidays, easyJet Holidays or On The Beach. They will take you door to door and, especially if you are with the family, will make the journey far less stressful.

On Foot

Once you've arrived, one of the best ways to see Alvor is by foot. Along with the huge stretch of soft sandy beach, the Alvor Boardwalk is a great way to get in some exercise each day and enjoy the local countryside and views, while keeping an eye out for a bit of wildlife. If you love a good walk, head along the coastal beaches and cliff tops to Praia da Rocha, taking in sights like the Algar das Baratas which is a hole in the roof of a cave along the cliffs, or the incredible rock formations of Praia da Prainha and its golden sand.

Things to do in Alvor

Alvor is a smaller town but there are still a number of things you can do here. Originally a fishing village, a small marina offers a couple of boat trips and there's also a kitesurfing centre if you want to try out something a little more adventurous. The extent of the nightlife here are a few bars, including several Irish pubs and bars, so you won't expect to have too late a night here.

Alvor Beach

The sandy beaches are just one of many reasons why holidaymakers flock to the Algarve, but one of the biggest draws to this part of the Algarve in particular is Alvor Beach. With huge stretches of sand reminiscent of the great beaches of California, there's nothing quite like spending a day or two with your toes in the sand and sea while you bask in the glorious Portuguese sunshine on this Blue Flag Beach.

Alvor Boardwalk & Estuary Walk

The perfect way to start the day, the boardwalk and estuary walk takes you over the sand dunes, allowing you to get your step count up while enjoying the beautiful views of the estuary and beyond to Quinta da Rocha and Palmares.

Bars & Restaurants

While the Old Town and marina is home to a good selection of bars and restaurants, you'll find various dotted about the area. Head down to the Passeio Maritimo for wonderful fish restaurants with a relaxed seaside vibe, including the Yacht Club and A Ribeira Alvor restaurants.

Sports

There are a great range of sports on offer throughout the Algarve, and you can do plenty of them here in Alvor. From active sports like beach volleyball and kayaking, to more calm and tranquil activities like paddleboarding and yoga, you've got so much choice. Don't forget the adrenaline fuelled ones too like jet ski and kitesurfing, and holiday would be complete without a bit of crazy golf.

Day Trips

While there's plenty to do here, you might want to head out and explore other parts of the Algarve. Portimao is a short taxi ride away, along with Praia da Rocha, a popular beach area with plenty going on. Boat trips can be booked in advance or organised once you're in the Algarve, and other excursions include Alvor Castle ruins and the Slide & Splah Water Park. In fact with TUI, you can book the Alvor Baia Resort with water park tickets together. And if you fancy a bigger night of dancing and drinking, Albufeira is about 30 minutes away by car.

Where to stay in Alvor

There are a couple of resort style hotels in Alvor offering kids clubs, pools and lots of other facilities which might be your preferred option if you're enjoying a family holiday. Otherwise there are a number of more residential apartment blocks and villas you can enjoy on a self catering basis.

Praia da Torralta

If you prefer to be close to the beach, the hotels around Praia da Torralta, like Pestana Alvor South Beach, Pestana Dom Joao II and Pestana Alvor Beach Villas, can be a great option. Here, you're just a few steps from the beach, but that does mean you're a little further away from many of the town's restaurants.

Old Town

With its cobbled streets and smaller homes and cottages, you'll find that the Old Town has more of the self catering apartments and holiday homes, rather than bigger holiday resorts. If you prefer relaxed vibe, this might be a better option for you.

Ribeiro & Outskirts

Many of the larger hotels and resorts with pools, kids clubs and such are located in Ribeiro and on the outskirts of town. Places like Pestana Delfim, Vitor's Plaza, Alvor Baia Resort Hotel and Clube Alvorferias Apartamentos can be great options if you don't mind a little walk when you head out of the hotel.

Camping

Camping is actually another option here. Camping Alvor is located just north of town and has mobile caravan homes, space for campervans and space for tents too. Facilities onsite include a swimming pool, playground, bar, restaurant, toilet blocks, and barbeque areas.

Holiday Types

Whether you prefer to head to your hotel and stay there for the whole vacation, or get out and explore the area, there are plenty of holiday types in Alvor.

Self Catering Holidays

Many of the hotels here offer a self catering option, usually with an apartment with kitchen. Vitor's Plaza for example, although a little out the way offer huge apartments which are great for families. You'll also find villas and holiday homes dotted about too, which you might be able to rent privately or through the likes of Airbnb or Booking.com. It's worth bearing in mind that if you book privately, you may not have the same financial protection as if you booked through a reputable tour operator or travel provider. Booking with an ATOL protected provider like TUI or First Choice will help cover some of this protection.

All Inclusive Holidays

Sometimes it's nice to simply head to your hotel and relax, without the worry of spending any extra. All inclusive resorts here will usually offer local alcoholic beverages but check before you book to see what is and isn't included. Take a look at hotels like the Pestana Delfim Beach and Golf Hotel and the Alvor Baia Resort. All inclusive package holidays to Alvor can be booked through all the mainstream tour operators and travel agents.

Golf Holidays

The main golf course near Alvor is Alto Golf, which offers 18 holes and driving range, taking in views of the ALgarve. To the north of Alvor, you also have Penina Hotel & Golf Resort, a stunning, 5 star destination with outstanding views and impeccable food. In fact, this was the first 18 hole golf course to have been built in the Algarve.

Last Minute Holidays

Be flexible and you could grab yourself a late deal bargain. We've even had a 2 night stay in Alvor for just £79 per person, although this was in March during the low season. You should expect to pay more between June and September as the weather is better and many of the Algarve's attractions are open.