Day 7.  Visiting Alvor from Lagos

On By Little Miss TravellerIn Algarve October 2016, Europe, Portugal

Our plan on this warm, sunny morning was to visit Alvor by bus.  It’s less than 30 minutes away from Lagos but buses are infrequent so we decided to enjoy a morning sauna before heading to the bus station for the 12.00 noon service.  Buses to Alvor are on comfortable express coaches run by Eva and tickets need to be purchased from the station kiosk before departing.   Eva fares are considerably more expensive than the local bus company we used along the scenic coast earlier in the week with an adult return costing €8.20.

Alvor, Algarve
Alvor, Algarve

Our coach was heading for Albufeira and Alvor was its first stop, dropping passengers at a roundabout on the edge of the village.  A narrow cobbled lane lined with small shops and cafes leads along to the village centre ending with a steep downhill section towards the harbour. Views across the sheltered harbour were beautiful, the harbour appearing to be emerald green in the bright autumn sunlight.  The small town is located on the banks of the Odiaxere river with traditional small white washed cottages clinging to the hillside above.

Alvor, Algarve
Alvor, Algarve

Strolling along the attractive seafront in an easterly direction we came across numerous stylish seafood restaurants and beach bars.  Alvor, as well as being a tourist town is still an active fishing village with many small colourful fishing boats bobbing about in the harbour.  Piles of nets, oyster and clam baskets were drying out in the sunshine ready to be used again to bring in some freshly caught seafood for the nearby restaurants.

Nature Reserve boardwalk, Alvor, Algarve
Nature Reserve boardwalk, Alvor, Algarve

Just beyond the fishermen’s huts is the start of the 3.2 mile Alvor Boardwalk and estuary loop trail.  The boardwalk is well maintained and suitable for wheelchairs, prams and cyclists.  Following its winding course alongside the fishing boats in the small harbour, the path follows the coast, meandering through wetlands and shallow lagoons.  It’s a haven for wildlife especially in Spring and Autumn with migratory birds and we spotted some waders and terns.

Nature Reserve boardwalk, Alvor, Algarve
Nature Reserve boardwalk, Alvor

Reaching the far end of the boardwalk where the lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean there is a large sandy beach which was very quiet today except for a couple of kite surfers.  Continuing along the loop, the elevated boardwalk crossed sand dunes and mud flats of the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve before re-joining the path back to the charming small harbour.

Alvor, Algarve
Alvor, Algarve

Having enjoyed our walk, we were ready for some lunch and here in Alvor we were spoilt for choice with so many attractive cafes to choose from.  Settling on one, we sat out on the sunny terrace to eat our lunch and spend a short time reading the newspapers.

Alvor, Algarve
Alvor, Algarve

Continuing our seafront walk, we strolled along the western bay towards the Roche Delicado, an ochre promontory of weather worn cliffs.   This side of the bay, away from the beach bars and cafes, was deserted and we had this part of the promenade to ourselves.    Walking back up the steep hill on our way back, we caught the bus from the same bay as the one where we arrived and less than 30 minutes later we were back in Lagos.   I’d definitely recommend a visit to Alvor, it’s a charming, prosperous small town and one that hasn’t overly suffered from tourism.  It’s probably crowded in July and August with the narrow streets thronged with people, but off season it’s just perfect.

Dining out in a Lagos Pizzeria, Algarve
Dining out in a Lagos Pizzeria, Algarve

A rest followed and then a walk along the marina in Lagos followed by an evening meal in a local pizzeria.

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44 thoughts on “Day 7.  Visiting Alvor from Lagos”

  1. Pingback: Day 8.  A walk in Lagos  – Love Travelling Blog

  2. Pingback: Day 6.  A day in Faro, The Algarve – Love Travelling Blog

  3. Pingback: Day 8. Sao Tiago Fort, Funchal – Love Travelling Blog

  4. Pingback: Follow the Leader (in travel planning) | simpletravelourway

  5. We are in Lagos now, just finishing up our month’s stay. We chanced upon your writeup about Alvor and next morning (following in your footsteps!) headed for the bus station and made our way to Alvor to seek out the boardwalk and see what we could see. Lovely!! We’d taken our binoculars and enjoyed seeing a number of birds. Had lunch at the pizzeria which was quite good. A great day. Thanks for your good advice!

    Liked by 1 person

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  11. Kristin

    Can you swim? I’m in Buenos Aires and it’s hot. There’s no swimming! I’m from California so if i feel great i start looking for water to jump into immediately hahaha

    Liked by 1 person

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  13. Looks like a gorgeous little place – never heard of it before but I love the sound of it. The picture with the oyster baskets is fantastic – a place where you can still see fishermen always appeals to me. The boardwalk too looks great and then those lovely cafes – so much going for it!

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  15. Pingback: Day 7.  The fishing village of Alvor — Love Travelling – NATASHA DUNN

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