Hotels in Carvoeiro

Located on the banks of the Odiáxere River, Alvor is a bustling seaside resort that still keeps all the character of its fishing village past. From traditional whitewashed houses to narrow cobbled streets and a beautiful harbour filled with colourful fishing boats, holidays to Alvor Portugal have plenty of old-school charm.

Wander around historic sites like the 16th century church and ruins of the medieval castle, or visit the nearby Ria da Alvor Nature Reserve for some wildlife spotting. Your holiday wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the vast and pristine beach of Praia do Alvor. Popular for kite-surfing, you can soak up the sun or rent pedalos and kayaks at this sandy beach.

When it comes to nightlife, the cobbled streets lacing the old village centre are dotted with bars where you can sip a cocktail or two. Alternatively, jump in a taxi to Portimão, the livelier resort town next door.

Things to do

Quieter and more reserved than the nearby resort town of Praia da Rocha, this destination might not have a long list of adrenaline-pumping activities, but there’s still plenty of things to do. Alvor holidays are perfect for leisurely strolls along the beach, souvenir shopping in the town’s boutique shops and plenty of kid-friendly activities like mini-golf and fairground rides.

Pull up a chair at one of the great seafood restaurants lining the harbour and tuck into some freshly grilled fish as you take in the sea view. Wander along the elevated walkways of the Ria da Alvor Nature Reserve or tee off at the 18-hole golf course on the edge of the village. 

Excellent beaches

Alvor’s golden sandy beach is a regular hotspot for holidaymakers as the shores provide a delightful chance to relish in the warm weather reclining on sunloungers and under parasols. It’s easy to spend a whole day at this Blue Flag beach as there are lots of top notch amenities, including cafes, where you can get a bite to eat, a refreshing drink or delicious ice cream. Have fun paddling in the shallow waves or if you’re feeling more adventurous have a go at windsurfing, sailing or any of the other water sports available.

History and culture

The resort is on the Rio Alvor in the western part of the Algarve. Now a popular holiday destination, Alvor was once a small Moorish fishing village. It’s well known in the region because it was the place where the great King João II died in 1495. You can still find tradition flowing through the cobbled streets of Alvor and in nearby historical landmarks like the stunningly Manueline-decorated church, Igreja Matriz, less than a 20-minute drive away.

Vibrant nightlife

Alvor is not just a relaxing holiday destination; it’s also home to a great range of nightlife suiting varied tastes, so tailoring your night out couldn’t be simpler. If you’re in need of an evening with a touch of sophistication, have an early dinner and cocktails whilst watching the sun set by the harbour.

For something a little more upbeat, head over to the Irish bars for sports and live music before dancing in one of the lively clubs in the area. Or maybe hop into a taxi to the livelier Portimão, which is just next door. It’s said that Alvor is home to some of the best cuisine in the Algarve with lots of restaurants filling the streets with delicious cuisine from around the world.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Algarve | Albufeira | Carvoeiro | Lagos | Lisbon | Madeira | Praia da Rocha | Vilamoura

It may be one of most historic and prettiest towns in the Algarve, but there’s plenty more to Lagos than its narrow cobbled streets, 16th century walls and ornate churches. With some of the region’s best beaches nearby and an impressive coastline to explore, holidays to Lagos Portugal have something for everyone.

Head to the long sweep of sand in Meia Praia, or visit Praia de Dona Ana and Porto de Mós for its secluded coves and caves. Holidays here are jam-packed with things to do; from boat trips along the coast and water sports on the beach to teeing off on a golf course’s rolling fairway. The fun doesn’t stop when the sun sets either, as it pumping nightlife has some serious appeal for all-night party lovers.

Things to do

Lagos holidays have every activity under the sun on offer. Relax on the soft golden sands of Meia Praia beach with a good book, before tucking into some great Portuguese food at one of the seafood restaurants lining the modern, yacht-filled marina. See the iconic Ponta da Piedade by boat; its dramatic sandstone cliffs, lighthouse and orchid-filled surroundings are not to be missed. Spend some time at Lagos Zoo. This is the perfect family day trip and the kids will love seeing all the animals.

Excellent beaches

Lagos can be found in the Barlavento region of the Algarve. The laid back costal resort has pristine beaches and remote bays to relax on. The most popular is Meia Praia, which is said to be one of the best in the Algarve. Walk along the soft, golden sand and recline on a sun lounger taking in the stunning views of the cliffs and coast. The beach is where you’ll find plenty of water sport opportunities including the chance to paraglide, surf and jet ski. Or take a boat trip out to sea to explore the dramatic rocky cliff face and hidden coves.

Interesting History

Lagos has an interesting history; the Romans settled in the 2nd century BC because of the links to the harbour and local fishing trading route. The Great Earthquake tragically destroyed Lisbon and resulted in a tsunami destroying Lagos and the Algarve in the 18th century, and what little was left was later rebuilt after several battles. You’ll be able to learn more about the detailed past of Lagos in the local museum or visit the towns ancient monuments like the Lançarote Gate and the restored section of the 16th century town walls that used to surround Lagos.

Vibrant nightlife

Lagos nightlife tends to be a bit quieter than other resorts in the Algarve but still has enough going on to entertain no matter what your tastes. Start your evening in a restaurant by the harbour. Dine on delicious seafood whilst watching the yachts as they sail up and down the waterway. Next move on to the main strip, Rua 25 de Abril, where you can choose to sip on a cocktail in one of the bars, enjoy the Irish pubs and dance the night away in one of the clubs.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Albufeira | Algarve | Alvor | Carvoeiro | Lisbon | Madeira | Praia da Rocha | Vilamoura

With its broad, cliff-backed swathe of sand, picturesque old sea fort and bustling town overlooking the sea, it’s easy to see why Praia da Rocha has been a popular place for holidays since the late 19th century. Climb the steps of the 16th-century Fortaleza da Santa Caterina and take in the views of the modern yacht-filled Marina de Portimão and ocean from the fort’s terrace.

Only a short stroll up the elevated main street of Avenida Tomás Cabreira is Praia da Rocha town. It’s full of luxury hotels, bars, restaurants, and even a casino, which look down over the beach from the edge of ochre-red clifftop. The port town of Portimão and the lively nightlife resort of Alvor, are both just under 15 minutes away too.

Things to do

With beaches this good, holidays Praia da Rocha could easily just consist of sunbathing, swimming in the sea and enjoying the open-air cafés lining the promenade. But there’s plenty of things to do in Praia da Rocha away from the impressive sandy shoreline too. Explore the history of the area with a trip to the 15th century fortress of Santa Catalina and Portimão’s old town. Take the kids on a family-friendly day out to Ocean Revival Underwater Park. Sail along the River Arade to Silves on a boat trip, or unwind in the nearby village of Alvor.

Excellent beaches

Praia da Rocha is renowned for its fantastic beaches that are sheltered by dramatic sandstone cliffs which are said to be some of the best in the Algarve. Follow the steps down to the long and wide stretch of golden sand, where you can soak up the glorious sunshine by reclining on sun loungers and under parasols. There are other smaller beaches in coves along the coast, which are accessible via a connecting tunnel. If you’re in need of something a little more uplifting, why not try your hand at the variety of water sports available to you; speed along the waves on a jet ski, take to windsurfing or gently bob through the water on a pedalo.

History and culture

Praia da Rocha is right next door to Portimao; it’s often considered connected to the bustling city and was the Algarve’s first ever tourist destination. Praia da Rocha translates to ‘rock beach’ in English. This may be because of its favourable cliff-top location giving spectacular views of the glistening waters and the River Arade. It’s the second biggest resort in the area next to Albufeira and has fantastic beaches and a great nightlife.

Fantastic nightlife

Praia da Rocha transforms from being a place to relax under the sun by the beach, into an upbeat, colourfully lit resort where dancing and entertainment is high on the agenda. With a great number of restaurants lining the streets, eating out couldn’t be more enjoyable as delicious food is served in the feel-good vibe that this resort is famous for.

There are a lot of great bars to choose from including sports bars, Irish pubs, karaoke bars and discos. Cocktails can easily be found with fruity flavours being served in the upbeat bars across the resort, including the popular Manhattan Café found just outside the main strip. Dance the night away in one of the nightclubs or visit the bars and hotel venues that host live music. Praia da Rocha is a modern resort with lively nightlife, which makes it easy to find something to do in the evening to suit your tastes.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Albufeira | Algarve | Alvor | Carvoeiro | Lisbon | Madeira | Lagos | Vilamoura