Low-rise white fishermen's houses line the narrow cobbled streets of the old town. Here you'll find several restaurants, cafés, minimarkets and souvenir shops. The street leads down the attractive riverfront (ribeirinha), where many traditional fishing boats moored up. Here you'll find the old fish market, a source of a vast array of different species. The market has become a focal point and hosts different events in the evenings. Here too, along the palm-lined riverside, are more eateries tempting you with the aromas of chargrilled fish with idyllic views over the estuary.

Parque Infantil do Castelo

This tranquil park in the centre of town disguises a turbulent history. There has been a defensive structure on this spot since the iron age. It has seen conflicts that have involved the ancient Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians. Hannibal conquered the site in 436 AD and named the fort Portus Annibalis. Following subsequent invasions, the Castle was rebuilt many times; by the Romans, Moors and the first Kings of Portugal. However, it was the earthquake of 1755 that finally destroyed the structure. Today only one turret and two lengths of the wall remain intact.

Going Out

The resort of Alvor is generally considered family-friendly, and it offers a more tempered experience than the larger resorts found in the Algarve. With that being said, there is an abundance of choices for bars, restaurants, and clubs that will certainly keep you entertained. The nightlife is located on the harbourside and in the offshoot narrow roads. Many restaurants here have terraces that encroach onto the pavements and make great places to spend sunset. As everywhere in Portugal, children are most welcome and catered for in restaurants. Some bars have happy hours or special offers to entice returning custom. There's also the obligatory Irish Bars, (Paddy's Bar being the most popular) and sports bars too.

For Neolithic people, the Algarve afforded abundant game, fish, and shellfish. The numerous inlets and river systems provided various raw materials such as sandstone, limestone, schist, and wood for buildings, copper and minerals and plentiful water-based resources.

The Alcalar Necropolis is the most significant Neolithic site in the Algarve region and is a collection of 17 monuments. The many dolmens and passage tombs at Alcalar indicates a conscious relationship with the dead. There is also evidence of rituals during the solstices and equinoxes.

The size and sophistication of Monument seven, the massive cairn in the centre of the site, suggests that elite members of the tribe received special funerary rites and honours, a practice parallel with that of the early Egyptian dynasties during the same period. The site became a National Monument on the 16th of June 1910. The site complex enjoys an excellent information and study centre that provides an in-depth insight into the human occupation of the area, art and architecture, funeral rites and religious practices, daily life, and technology.

High Season: 09h30 – 12h30/14h00h - 18h00, Low Season: 14h00h - 17h00, Mondays: CLOSED
Adult: €2.00, Concessionary: FREE
Sítio de Alcalar, 8500-120, Mexilhoeira Grande, Portugal. | 37° 11' 56.9" N | 08° 35' 17.1" W

Praia de Alvor

Praia de Alvor lies at the western end of the long stretch of open sand. Rolling dunes divide the beach from the salt marshes and lagoon formed by the Alvor river. The wide expanse of sand is ideal for beach games such as volleyball, kite-flying or frisbee or just to pitch your beach towel and soak up the rays. Sun loungers and sunshades are available for rent although in front of some hotels are reserved for residents only. There are also lots of water sports available such as pedaloes, sailing and windsurfing. Two restaurants are at hand for lunches and refreshments whilst ample shaded car parking is at your disposal. Lifeguards and safety flags are used during the high season. | 37° 07' 21.5" N | 08° 35' 59.9" W

Praia dos Três Irmãos

Praia dos Três Irmãos lies on the eastern side of Praia de Alvor so named after the three outcrops of rock known as the three brothers. Other than their rugged beauty the cliffs here offer more shelter from off sea breezes than the open sands of the Praia de Alvor. As with Praia de Alvor, the Praia dos Três Irmãos has ample parking with easy access and patrolled by lifeguards during the summer. | 37° 07' 04.3" N | 08° 34' 45.6" W