Alvor has existed for the past almost thousand years, and in all this time it was inevitable for the place to not gather a bunch of cultural attractions and history, so an Alvor cultural tour is something that can totally be a thing.
Alvor and its surroundings feature quite a few interesting museums and galleries one can visit in order to get a better sense of the local way of life as well as the local artistic traditions.
Alvor is home to several churches that are worthy a visit thanks to their fine Manueline facades, featuring intricate gilding as well as historical significance, most important amongst which is the Igreja Matriz Divini Salvador which overlooks over the town.
Igreja Matriz Divini Salvador
This is a great example of Manueline architecture in the region; make sure you take in the interior architecture, the altar and the 18th century chancel that was added after the 1755 earthquake destroyed much of everything along the length of the Algarve.
Traditional art
When it comes to art and handcrafted jewelry you can visit the Kraftwork craft studio in the centre of Alvor for a chance to actually see the artists in action making some modern accessories with traditional methods. The studio is also a great place for buying the pieces at some bargain level prices, as souvenirs, and in the process support local artists.
Nucleo Etnografico
Right near the railway station in Mexilhoeira Grande you’ll find this building where you can see a bunch of objects related to life in the greater Alvor estuary. It’s divided into several sections and you can get a great sense of how people have lived here long before modern days.
Portimao
Taking a quick dash to neighboring Portimao – maybe with some car hire services – you’ll gain access to one of the most important museums in the region, the Museum of Portimao, which is located in a former fish-canning factory on the banks of the Arade river. The museum is now something of a cultural centre that embraces the location and history of the town and region.
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