Menu

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.

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.