Alvor is a delightful Portuguese town sitting on the edge of the Odiáxere estuary and close to one of the finest beaches of the western Algarve. Many visitors choose Alvor due to its peaceful setting and glorious beaches, but the region also offers a wide variety of activities, sights and fascinating places to visit.

These range from the exhilarating water parks of Slide & Splash, boat tours along the picturesque coastline through to visiting historic towns such as Silves or Lagos.

This guide will detail the best attractions and activities throughout the Alvor region, helping you plan an unforgettable Portuguese holiday.
Related articles: Introduction to Alvor

Below is a brief overview of the top sights and activities in Alvor – detailed descriptions of each attraction are provided later in the guide.

Praia de Alvor – The glorious sandy beach that extends for over 3.5km, offering pristine golden sands and crystal-clear waters.

Passadiços de Alvor - A wooden boardwalk that winds through the Alvor estuary and wetlands, offering scenic walks and birdwatching opportunities.

Slide & Splash - Portugal's largest and most popular water park, featuring thrilling water slides, wave pools, and relaxing areas.

Ponta João de Arens headland – Unspoilt headland with cove beaches, dramatic cliffs and cooling forest. The headland is crossed by many footpaths and is the setting for the picturesque Praia João de Arens beach.

Kayaking or SUP through the calm waterways of the Ria de Alvor, where the Odiáxere and Arão rivers meet the Atlantic Ocean.

Day trip to Silves - The ancient Moorish capital of the Algarve with its impressive castle, fortified walls and charming Portuguese atmosphere (guide to Silves).

Day trip to Lagos - A historic maritime city featuring a charming centre and dramatic rock formations at Ponta da Piedade (guide Lagos)

Praia dos Três Irmãos - One of the Algarve's most beautiful beaches, named after the three distinctive rock formations ("Three Brothers") that emerge from its golden sands.

Zoomarine - A wonderful marine-themed park that features dolphin and sea lion shows, an aquarium, swimming pools and water slides. A fantastic family activity and highly recommended.

Wine tasting – Within the region are many beautiful vineyards offering wine tasting and tours of their estates, including Quinta dos Vales and Morgado do Quintão, where visitors can sample local wines and learn about traditional wine-making methods.

Day trip to Portimão – A bustling port city with an attractive waterfront and excellent seafood restaurants - guide to Portimão

Alto Golf Course - A challenging 18-hole championship course offering stunning ocean views and excellent facilities for golfers of all skill levels.

Golfland - A family entertainment center featuring an imaginatively designed 18-hole mini-golf course set within tropical gardens.

Snorkelling Tours - Experience the underwater wonders of the Algarve with Zip and Trip who provide eco-conscious snorkelling tours led by marine biologists. These small-group adventures take you beyond the typical tourist routes to discover hidden caves and secluded beaches while exploring the rich marine life beneath the waves - www.zipandtripalgarve.com

Fishing Trip - Set sail on memorable fishing adventures with Donzela Fishing, where tradition meets expertise. Whether you're a family seeking fun or an experienced angler chasing the next big catch, Donzela Fishing offers the perfect fishing trip - www.alvorfishingdonzela.pt

Coastal horse rides with GM Equestrian - Experience the stunning João de Arens cliffs on horseback with guided trails suitable for complete beginners. These gentle rides follow scenic paths through pine forests and along dramatic cliff tops, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline and hidden coves - www.gmequestrian.com

Algarve Balloons – Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Algarve coastline from a unique perspective as you float gently above the landscape in a hot air balloon - www.algarveballoons.com

Bird watching tours - Discover the rich birdlife of the Ria de Alvor wetlands on a fascinating 3-hour guided tour covering 5km, with A Rocha Life. Expert guides lead small groups through ancient orchards and grazing fields to the marshlands, and provides perfect opportunities to observe both resident birds and seasonal visitors while learning about the unique ecosystem of the Algarve's wetlands. - arochalife.com/birdwatching

Skydiving - Experience an unforgettable tandem skydive from 4,600 meters above the stunning Algarve coastline. Operating from nearby Portimão airport, both Skydive Algarve and Skydive Seven provide professional instructors guide you through the ultimate adrenaline rush:
www.skydivealgarve.com
skydiveseven.pt

If you want the aerial views but without the skydiving, Air Emotions offer plan rides over the western Algarve - www.airemotions.com

Guided walks and longer hikes - Discover the majestic Monchique Mountains on this guided 9km hike through the Algarve's highest range, with Seed Tours. Starting from the region's summit, experienced guides lead you through ancient forests and along peaceful rivers, sharing insights about local culture and ecosystems - www.seed-tours.com

Escape rooms - "Escape One Algarve" offer challenging and exciting escape rooms based in Praia da Rocha. Great for a group activity or an inclement day www.escapeonealgarve.com

Golf Simulator - Experience cutting-edge virtual golf in Portugal's most advanced indoor simulator facility at Golfland. Play 18 holes at over 200 world-famous courses with incredible realism and precision ball-tracking technology. Perfect for a rainy-day activity or escaping the midday sun - golfland.pt

The interactive map below shows the location of all these sights and attractions. (Note: Zoom in or out to see all of these points)

Legend: 1) Praia de Alvor 2) Passadiços de Alvor 3) Slide & Splash 4) Ponta João de Arens 5) Praia João de Arens beach 6) Silves 7) Lagos 8) Praia dos Três Irmãos 9) Zoomarine 10) Portimão 11) Alto Golf Course 12) Golfland 13) Escape One Algarve 14) Portimão Airport (for skydiving)
Wine tasting:15) Quinta dos Vales 16) Morgado do Quintão