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In Alvor there are a number of holiday complexes from which the tourists enjoy visiting the area and its attractions. Alvor village is well located facing a natural lagoon opening onto the sea. There is a choice of a long open sandy beach or a number of small coves tucked under the cliffs.

Alvor is an ancient coastal village that is now a very popular holiday location, the enclosed narrow streets ensure development is kept to a minimum. Most streets now boast bars with live music and different types of restaurants, however leading off from these there are still traces of the older fishing village. Alvor retains much of the charm of a picturesque fishing village, with streets of white houses and colorful boats making it one of the most picturesque places on the Algarve.

The original 16th Century Parish Church in Alvor was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755 and still has a prime example in its main doorway of the great craftsmanship of the Manueline era of architecture. It was the only building that more or less survived from the earthquake.

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A Family Friendly Resort, Alvor is situated in Algarve Portugal.
Need help when eating out in Alvor? see our Algarve help.

It is believed the Carthaginians founded Alvor, its history is very interesting. The Romans gave it the name Ipses and it was considered an important port and was allowed to issue its own money. The long history of Alvor is clear from the discovery on Vila Velha hill (overlooking the Ria de Alvor) of a Neolithic village retaining traces of subsequent Roman occupation.

The Portuguese army led by King Sancho 1 conquered Alvor in 1189, with the help of Crusades en route to the Holy Land. Retaken by the Moors (During the period of Moorish rule, Alvor was a thriving port) in 1191,it was only returned to Christian dominion in 1250, at the time of the campaigns that resulted in the conquest of Alvor and the whole of the Algarve.

In the time of the Moors (who first occupied the Alvor area in 716) they gave Alvor the named of "Albur" and the village passed through both the Portuguese and Moors hands several times until 1250 when the Christians conquered it for the final time. The town walls of Alvor were rebuilt in 1300 and Alvor was made a town by King João II, who died there in 1495. It shared in the prosperity of the 15th and 16th centuries but most of the original village and its castle was destroyed in the earthquakes of 1532 and 1755.

• Alvor - One of the best beaches in Europe!
• Alvor - Averages only 17 days a year of rainfall!
• Alvor - Something for everyone; quiet life or nightlife!

Learn about beautiful Alvor situated in the famed Algarve region of Portugal today!