Alvor Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
civil parish in Portimão
About Alvor
Alvor was founded in 436 BC by the Carthaginians as a commercial port named Portus Hannibalis. Taken by the Moors in 716, the settlement began to be referred to as Albur, and gained an impressive castle, with only vestiges remaining. This bastion was conquered in 1189, by the forces of King Sancho I of Portugal, with help from Crusader forces. It was retaken two years, and definitively reconquered in 1250. Rebuilt by King Denis in 1300, it served for 500 years the coastal defences against attacks by pirates and privateers until it was destroyed in 1755 by the tsunami and earthquake that devastated Lisbon. Although the 1755 earthquake resulted in the death of only one person, it was responsible for the destruction of homes, the fort, the Facho tower, and the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Ajud
Top Attractions in Alvor
Explore the best things to see and do in Alvor:
- ★Castle of Alvor
- ★Church of the Divino Salvador de Alvor
- ★Church of the Misericórdia
- ★Ria de Alvor
Where to Eat in Alvor
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Mediterraneamente
- 🍴Restaurante Animus
Where to Stay in Alvor
- 🏨Penina Hotel
- 🏨Pestana Alvor Praia
Alvor Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: