The beaches

Our local beaches are no more than 5-10 minutes drive from the house.

Alvor beach: this is the closest and is a long expanse of beach, perfect for a brisk early morning walk or run

Tres Irmaos beach: is our favourite beach, located at the foot of some large cliffs and has interesting rocks and caves for the children to explore.  There is also a good restaurant (O Canico) in the rocks for lunch and dinner

Praia do Vau: is a perfect for small children as the sea is very calm. It is also a great beach for snorkelers with miles of rugged rocks and caves to explore along the shoreline.

Alvor village

Alvor is a charming fishing village overlooking the river estuary.  It is a 5 minute drive from the house or a 15-20 minute walk. 

Visit the local market in the mornings for fresh fish, meat and vegetables. Explore the narrow cobbled streets and drop into the local shops filled with local artefacts and souvenirs.

Visit the ancient Moorish castle in the centre of the village, dating back to 716 and the 16th century church with its beautiful Manueline arches and pillars. 

There is a wide selection of restaurants and bars. Eat grilled fish on the quayside in the early evening sunset and then venture into the bars dotted around the village. 

Golf

Penina Golf Course: the nearest golf course is the renowned Penina golf club that is 5 minutes drive away.  This is the oldest and best regarded courses in the Algarve and was designed by the famous Henry Cotton.  Eleven times host of the Portuguese Open, it is a typical English parkland course. 

Palmares Golf Course: located 20 minutes drive away, Palmares golf club is notable for its spectacular views of sea and parkland, and challenging golf  It was designed by Roberts Trent Jones II  and is composed of three returning nine-hole loops that can be played in any sequence, making each Palmares golf experience is different depending on the sequence of play.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

There is great windsurfing and kitesurfing in the lagoon at the mouth of the Alvor river.  Just 10 minutes drive from the house, the lagoon offers superb conditions for flat water sailing.  Open sea conditions are available from Alvor beach on the other side of the lagoon break water.  Equipment can be rented in from Algarve Watersport.