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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.

There are some tremendous Alvor golf courses to choose from once you’re there, and in fact many people will go on particularly targeted golfing holiday to Alvor in order to enjoy their great selection. We talk about the Alamos, Morgado, Alto Golf and Gramacho courses in a different article, in this one we’ll talk about the rest, because there are more to look at.

Palmares

This Alvor golf course is set on the side of a south-facing hill which overlooks the Bay of Lagos. This means that Palmares offers quite possibly the most beautiful sea views of all the golf courses, not only in Alvor, but in the Algarve in general.

Five of its holes are placed on the sand dunes, the firth – a par-5 of 550 metres – making reaching the hole quite the challenge. At the current time there are no villas lining the fairways so the feeling of openness offered here is quite refreshing.

Penina

The Penina golf course is one of the oldest courses in the entire region of the Algarve, being a permanent living symbol to its architect and active promoter, Sir Henry Cotton.

Initially, paddy fields meant for growing rice were converted into a flat and challenging course which was particularly designed for strong players. Somewhere around half a million shrubs and trees were planted during this massive conversion. Since the course is so flat, Sir henry introduced very strategically placed water hazards and bunkers to catch long hitters. The Penina golf course has played host to the annual Portuguese Open many times.

Pinta

The Vale da Pinta course is very well laid out and interesting. Set in a very characteristic Algarve landscape featuring almond, olive and carob trees, the course rolls through small valleys and hills. Two of its holes require special attention, the par-3 tenth and the par-5 thirteenth. The first one features a large bunker defending the green against your shots and the second one winds through a valley of 541 metres.

Vale de Milho – 9 holes

This par-3 nine-hole golf course is located just outside of the fishing village of Carvoeiro. It’s a great course for beginners and novices being a good place to practice one’s short have thanks to the water hazards, bunkers and variable greens.