Even if you are not a walker this is worth the effort, mostly flat so OK for most people & the views around are not to be had from any other location.

alvor is the best place I have visited in the algarve and I've been to quite a few. the centre of the village is pretty traditional and the beach is fantastic. If I was retiring to live abroad this is where I would be.

If you like rambling the Alvor is good. The boardwalk starts near the leisure centre and fishermans huts and takes you on a walk along the estuary and right out to the end of the beach. If you want to be a bit adventurous then you can walk inland down the estuary. Start at the town warerfront and then walk north up a lenght of promenade and then eventually at theend of the prom just keep walking over the top of the low cliffs. You can walk all the way down to a dam on the tidal flats if you want to. It's a walk that needs you to wear trainers not flipflops. Take a picnic as there are no cafe's, but the wildlife and views over the estuary are great. Finally a walk we did twice. Just follow your nose east along the beach, then up through a set of hotel bungalows called 'Praina' and then keeping inside the compound but towards the cliff edge pick up a costal path that takes you to Vau and Praia da Rocha. You can get busses back to alvor from there or from Vau. Be careful following the paths over the wooded headland, and there are deep holes at the cliff edge. again take trainers, and find your way carefully, but it's a beautiful wild walk, with cafes at Vau and Praia da Rocha. ENJOY!

The dunes are extensive and with the board walks are ideal for walkers, cyclists and those restricted to wheel chairs. Also good for bird watchers.