Alvor Portugal: Where to Stay, Restaurant Recommendations & Top Tips
Looking a relaxing escape with stunning beaches, top-class restaurants and a wide range of accommodation options? Alvor in the Algarve is the perfect spot.
Alvor in Portugal has quietly become one of my favourite holiday destinations – not because it boasts iconic landmarks or a rich, bustling culture, but simply because it feels like a perfect fit. If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll already know that it’s my go-to getaway with my girlfriends, but I have also visited with my family.
I’ve actually lost count of how many times we’ve been, but that’s just the magic of Alvor – it’s the kind of place where I can truly unwind and soak up what I believe makes the perfect sun holiday: stunning beaches, amazing food, and just the right dose of nightlife.
About Alvor
Alvor is a seaside village in the west of the Algarve, located just over an hours drive from Faro airport. Despite being a popular tourist resort, it has a laid-back atmosphere and tends to attract couples, families and friends looking for a relaxing holiday.
Alvor’s coastline has dramatic cliffs and striking rock formations – especially at Praia dos Três Irmãos (Beach of the Three Brothers), one of the area’s most iconic spots. But there’s more to Alvor than its scenic beauty.
The Old Town’s cobbled streets are lined with local shops, bars, and some superb restaurants, which lead down to a picturesque little harbour that perfectly captures Alvor’s laid-back charm.
Before I started going to Alvor with my friends, I visited with my family. I was pregnant with Alex, and Luke was a toddler at the time, and we couldn’t have chosen a better location. There are dramatic rock formations all along the Alvor coastline which create rock pools – Luke spent hours searching for crabs and small fish. Alvor is one of those rare finds that suits family holidays as much as adult escapes.
Read: Where to stay in the Algarve, the ultimate guide to the top holiday resorts
Where to stay in Alvor – My top 10 hotels, apartments and villas
As someone who has visited Alvor on many occasions, I have compiled this Alvor guide with my favourite 4 star self catering apartments and hotels, as well as luxury villas and 5 star hotels in Alvor. There should be something here to suit all tastes and budgets.
1. Pestana Alvor Beach Villas
On my first family holiday in Alvor, we stayed in the Pestana Dom Joao Villas, now known as the Pestana Alvor Beach Villas, which have all the benefits of hotel facilities, and are situated right on the beach. The sand was literally at the end of the garden, a luxury that is hard to find on a typical package holiday – note the premium or superior villas tend to be located closer to the beach.
Having the garden was a massive advantage. I was able to sunbathe while Luke slept. My Mum came with us and she loved relaxing in the garden and walking along the beach. Families can also avail of the Pestana Kids Club in the hotel from June to September.
2. Prainha Village Apartments, Townhouses and Villas – 4 Star
I have also stayed in Prainha Village on many occasions. I love its cliffside location overlooking the famous Praia dos Três Irmãos beach and the superb on-site amenities. There are many accommodation options available: the 4-star Prainha Clube has one and two bedroom apartments, while Prainha Village has a huge choice of large houses and villas – most are privately owned.
While I usually stay here with my girlfriends, there is no shortage of amenities to keep families occupied too – with outdoor pools, kids pools, playgrounds, bars, restaurants and tennis courts. These are all surrounded by fabulous, landscaped gardens ensuring it never feels busy or crowded.
Although located a little further from the town centre, there are plenty of beach bars and restaurants nearby, and UBER’s are readily available – it costs just €5 to get to the Alvor’s town centre. If booking one of the villas, make sure to check reviews as they are mostly privately owned.
3. Wyndham Beach Residences – 4 Star
Located just 100 metres from the beach and just 5 minutes walk to the the town centre, the Wyndham Beach Residences are a super choice for a self catering stay for adults or families. Rooms are modern and spacious and there is a pool, bar and restaurant on site.
4. Alvormar Apartments – 4 Star
The Alvormar offer superb value for a central stay in Alvor. A much smaller complex to the three listed above, all 57 apartments have been recently renovated and most have sea view or partial seaview.
5. Pestana Alvor South Beach – 4 Star
The Pestana Alvor South Beach is one of the best hotels for an adults stay in Alvor. Located just behind the beach with a trio of swimming pools and VIP-style Bali beds, this hotel boasts chic Miami vibes. There is a choice of dining options including the Sunset Restaurant and à la carte and cocktail bar. Its no surprise that is all-suite hotel is rated as one of the best hotels in Alvor on TripAdvisor.
6. Pestana Alvor Park Hotel – 4 Star
The Pestana Alvor Park Hotel is another top-rated hotel in Alvor. Located a short walk from Alvor beach and with boasts indoor and outdoor pools, this is a great choice at any time of year. This apart-hotel suits families as well as adults, with apartments that sleep up to four, and a children’s pool, playground, games room and babysitting services.
7. Pelican Hotel – 4 Star
Formerly known as the Luna Alvor Village, the Pelican Alvor is a great value 4 star hotel in Alvor. The beach is a 25 minute walk away, but an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as massage treatments, bar and snack bar, make it a popular choice for adults or families looking for a reasonably priced hotel in Alvor. There is also a children’s pool, outdoor play area, entertainment programme and babysitting services for families.
8. Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel – 5 Star
For adults looking for a health and wellness hotel on the Algarve, look no further! This top-rated hotel boasts a dedicated wellness spa over two floors offering an array of treatments including medical and nonmedical therapies. The Spa has dedicated detox and hammam treatment rooms, a detox sensation indoor pool, relax heated dynamic indoor pool and rooftop infinity pool, as well as two restaurants serving a choice of healthy meals and snacks.
9. Pestana Blue Alvor Beach – 5 Star All Inclusive Alvor Hotel
The 5 Star Pestana Blue Alvor Beach is one of the best all inclusive hotels in Alvor and boasts an infinity pool, three restaurants and two bars, as well as family friendly facilities including a kids club, children’s pool with splash zone, and sports activities including padel, tennis, football and games room.
Located just five minutes’ walk from the famous Três Irmãos beach and 15-minutes walk to the centre of Alvor, this is a superb choice if you are looking for a luxury hotel in Alvor with all meals and drinks included in the cost.
10. Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort – 5 Star All Inclusive Hotel
The Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort is another top choice for adult or family all inclusive holidays in Alvor. With a choice of four restaurants, including a Steakhouse and Italian, a kids club, and dedicated children’s pool with tipping buckets and slides – there is something here to suit everyone.
Restaurant Recommendations and Top Things to do in Alvor
Aside from its stunning beaches and pretty town, one of the things I love about Alvor is its variety of dining options. Most restaurants offer great value too, when compared with other resorts on the Algarve, such as Vilamoura or Quinta do Lago. I have listed some of the best restaurants in Alvor below, as well as some hidden gems you need to visit.
Ruccula has been regarded as one of Alvor’s best restaurants for many years, so much so that the same owners opened a sister restaurant, Thyme by Ruccula, in a larger and more modern setting in Alto Resort. Both offer exceptional food, so make sure you visit at least one on your Alvor trip.
Gastro Bar 13 offers tasty tapas-style dining at unbeatable value in Alvor. Top Tip: Make sure to book the Secret Garden outdoors – inside dining doesn’t have the same appeal.
Pôr do Sol is located outside the town centre but a must visit if you like great food. The Cataplana and lamb chops are great for sharing, and don’t leave without having the Crepes for dessert!
Sereia is a great seafood restaurant in the harbour, a great choice if you want to dine in the heart of the Old Town.
Omakase is the best Japanese restaurant in Alvor. If you like sushi, tempura, ramen etc – don’t miss it.
La Fiesta Cantina is a Mexican restaurant that offers tasty tacos and extravagant cocktails. If you like a bit of theatre when you dine, or are travelling with teens, this is a fun choice.
Best bars in Alvor
Caniço is a restaurant that is famous for its stunning cliffside setting – it is literally built into the side of a cliff! It is located in Prainha Village – you can access it by lift from the resort, or along the beach when the tide is out. It is a restaurant, but the food is expensive and average, so I think its a better choice for cocktails.
Mourisco’s serves up delicious cocktails on the Alvor’s main street.
Beer & Co is the place to go after dark. It has live music and a DJ until the small hours.
Alvor Yacht Club is a good choice for sundowners. Located right at the harbour, it is not fancy as the name suggests, but more like a cafe with outdoor seating.
Top Alvor Tips
Spend a day at Praia dos Três Irmãos (Beach of the Three Brothers). Enjoy lunch or drinks at Sol e Sombra Beach Bar and walk as far as Caniço when the tide is out. Top Tip: Make sure to wear something on your feet as you will be navigating over uneven rocks if walking the whole way along the coast.
Pre-book restaurants, especially in peak season.
Download UBER and BOLT if you haven’t already – they tend to be cheaper than regular taxis.
Book a pedicure in Swan Day Spa. It is hands down the best pedicure I have ever had, I never leave without visiting, and its only €30!
Visit Benagil Caves. There are boat trips available from €40 from nearby Portimao, it is one of the best things to do in Alvor.
On a cloudy day, take an UBER to nearby Aqua Shopping Centre. There are loads of high-street stores, as well as local boutiques.
If travelling outside of peak season, the nightlife can be very low-key. Saturday night is by far the liveliest so keep that in mind if planning a big night out.
The Algarve is a great holiday destination with countless resorts to choose from, but Alvor will always be my favourite. I look forward to my next time visiting and hope you get the chance to visit too.
