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Portugal is known all over the continent for its very rich traditional cuisine thanks to its blend of rich Mediterranean flavors as well as embracing various other influences from around the globe, especially Moorish influences in the Algarve, and in Alvor of course.

Going on something of an Alvor gastronomy tour is actually suggested as it is by far one of the best ways of experiencing full-on the place’s culture, as well as interacting with its inhabitants and getting a better feel for the overall atmosphere.

The best way to experience the local gastronomy is to have at least two weeks at your disposal to get to see, taste and experience a wide variety of places in Alvor as well as the surroundings. However, if that is not the case then here are some quick tips on where and what to seek out.

Those of you staying at a hotel will most likely have a vast buffet breakfast at your disposal, make sure to try out the various cold meats, cheeses and home-made jams and baked breads that will surely start your day off properly.

Now the rest of the day will depend heavily on the type of visitor you are, whether you’re the self-catering type, or you’re interested in experiencing the local cuisine through the various eateries in Alvor.

For the first type of visitors, you’ll want to stock up on supplies so you’ll just have to go to the Alvor Market where you’ll find all manner of fresh fruit, vegetables, pastries and breads, it’s a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the belly.

For the second type of visitors, we would suggest you visit the Alvor harbor area which is filled with lovely restaurants which offer some of the best seafood you’ll ever have, all whilst offering some great views of the bay.

As we mention in other places on this site, Alvor is located at the mouth of the estuary formed by the River Alvor and River Arade, which makes for a wonderful location for nature enthusiasts to explore a wide plethora of biosphere.

This is one of the most important wetland areas in the entire region of the Algarve and is home to dozens of migratory bird species as well as a large variety of other animal life.

The region is protected by law so that all the species that thrive in the diverse habitats can continue their lives without intervention from human development.

Alvor nature trip

The Alvor Estuary is separated from the sea by two sand dunes and this gives birth to a unique type of coastal lagoon, and alongside the surrounding wetlands and the peninsulas of Quinta da Rocha and Abicada, make up an area of over 1454 hectares. We should note that in this protected area it is not just the animal and plant species that thrive, but there are also communities of fishermen and shellfish gatherers who rely on this rick ecosystem for their livelihood.

The wetland area can be seen to a certain degree on foot, but for most of it, the marshland is only accessible by either bicycle or rental car. Also the best way of exploring is by water, and in this respect canoeists will have a great time here since that’s the ideal means of exploring the place. Experienced individuals can go on their own, but for those who aren’t as experienced there are plenty of guided groups organized to take part in.

The lagoon and its immediate surroundings can easily occupy one’s time, but there are also options for those who are a bit more adventurous. They can go on trips up the river which are longer and more demanding of the traveler, but similarly they offer more sights.