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Alvor has been a fishing village long before it became something of a tourist attraction. In fact it still is a fishing village for all intents and purposes; its location in the western region of the Algarve and on the southern coast of Portugal making is a great place for visitors to explore the sea’s offerings.

Fishing boats still go do their trade each morning, but the overall Alvor boating scene has evolved in later years, with several tour operators establishing a series of Alvor boat tours to satisfy the curiosity of the many tourists that flock to their town.

Alvor boat trips

Regardless of the time of year in which you visit Alvor, there are several types of trips that you can choose from, ranging from deep-sea fishing and cruising around the bay to exploring the protected natural park that encompasses the region around the banks of the Alvor River.

The majority of organized boat trips will be departing from and returning to the same place – usually the first pier of the Marina which is right next to the fish market. But there are also trip available to neighboring Praia da Rocha, and depending on the arrangements, visitors can be taken to various places, disembark and explore those places, such as Lagos for instance.

This being a fishing village there just has to be boat fishing trips, and these are definitely meant for the more adventurous travelers, who don’t suffer from sea sickness and enjoy the sport of fishing ideally. Truth of the matter is that you don’t have to be a season pro in order to enjoy these trips, they will surely guarantee to please.

These trips will supply you with all sorts of modern fishing equipment and give you the chance to fight some sea bass, grouper, conger eel and many other weird and wonderful creatures of the deep and not-so-deep.

We constantly mention throughout the site that Alvor is a very family friendly destination, and that is very true of the relatively quiet and small fishing village, it’s great to visit if you have kids, so let’s take a look at what Alvor for children is like.

Let’s start with the easiest activities that you can involve your children in, namely the same ones that you’ll be undertaking such as visiting the beautiful beaches and caves, and of course the possibility of Alvor boat trips.

Head to the Lagos Zoo

This one again is not necessary limited to a children’s activity, but they will surely love it a ton. The nearby Lagos Zoo has around 120 animal species which include giant porcupines, monkeys, tortoises and a plethora of tropical birds. Lagos can easily be reached with the help of some Algarve car hire services.

Portimao Pedagogical Farm

While not in Alvor proper, the Pedagogical Farm in Portimao is a great place to visit with your kids. A two-hectare area that brings nature and farm animals closer to the city, to create a great opportunity for the children to learn about many farm animals such as goats, chickens and cows, and actually see them. The activities at the farm include them making their own bread, taking care of a vegetable garden and many others.

More importantly, the entrance is free and it’s open from Tuesday to Friday and on the weekends. Also if you happen to visit during Easter, the summer vacations or some other official holidays, the Farm will have special activities.

Water parks

Slide and Splash – Algarve wather park

The easily reachable Slide and Splash water park is by far one of the main attractions that Alvor has to offer to children, even though it isn’t technically in Alvor. Nearby Lagoa can be easily reached by rental car or by bus.

Also an other fun area will be Zoomarine Algarve – a park with ocean animals, where children can relax and have fun in the same time.

The children’s area is very well organized and is supervised at all times by a team of trained lifeguards. In the meanwhile, while they’re having fun splashing about, you can relax by one of the pools or in the Jacuzzi, sipping on your favorite cocktail.

The entire country of Portugal is well-known throughout Europe for its very rich traditional cuisine, and you can undertake an Alvor gastronomy tour in order to get a great introduction into the culinary culture of the region.

The rich Mediterranean flavors are blended with many influences from lands across the globe, which were collected and incorporated during the Portuguese explorations of the globe by sea.

Diversity of Alvor gastronomy

Whether you’re looking for a Michelin-starred meal, a bit of sushi or some very traditional seafood dish, Alvor, and the Algarve at large can and will satisfy any type of craving.

The best way to go on about a gastronomy Alvor tour is to have at least a week at disposal so that you can try a little bit of everything.

The harbor area of the small fishing village is, of course, populated with a bunch of lovely restaurants and is a perfect place for a light and leisurely fish or seafood lunch.

Located just up the hill from the harbor you’ll find the ‘A Lota Restaurant’ which features beautiful views down over the boats and out to the ocean beyond. Here you can select your meal from a live tank or straight from the kitchen and the chef will then prepare it for you on an open grill barbecue. Grilled sardines are a huge lunchtime specialty here, and for those who are not used with their smoky flavor, they will surely create a very lasting memory of your Alvro trip. Obviously you can also try the lobster, clams or giant tiger prawns which are also specialties.

On the other hand if you’re self-catering while on your holiday to Alvor – which a lot of people tend to do – then you surely must not miss the Alvor Market.

The Alvor Market is as much a feast for the eyes as it is one for your sense of smell, every stall pilled high with all sorts of fragrant and colorful fruit and veggies. Local figs and olives are in abundance, and if you’re in the mood for a snack you can find a whole new world of baked pastries and breads.