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 Alvor History
It is believed the Carthaginians founded Alvor and its
history is interesting. It is said by some that it was really the site
of "Portus Hannibalis". The Romans gave it the name
Ipses and it was considered an important port and was allowed
to issue its own money. Its importance is confirmed by the ruins of a
wealthy Roman villa located slightly inland from the present village.
In the time of the Moors, who first occupied the area in 716, they
gave it 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. King Dom João
II, who is regarded in history as an outstanding Portuguese king,
is recorded as dying in within the town walls from a prolonged illness
in 1495. Most of the original village and its castle was destroyed in
the earthquakes of 1532 and 1755.
Alvor - Description
Although this ancient coastal village is now a very popular holiday
location the enclosed narrow streets have kept development to a minimum.
Many of these streets now boast bars with live music and different types
of restaurants, however leading off from these there are still memories
of the older fishing village. In the area are a number of holiday resorts
from which the tourists enjoy visiting it and its attractions. The
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. The originally 16th Century Parish Church 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.
Alvor- Nearby Locations
Places near to Alvor are the commercial town of Portimão,
the famous popular beaches of Praia da Rocha and Praia da Vau,
and the semi-nature reserve of Quinta da Rocha
Alvor
(Area Map)
Alvor Events
17th March - Festival de Alvor
May - International Festival of Cinema
Alvor Restaurants
Selected list for Alvor Area
 Useful Alvor Telephone Numbers
Town Hall (Portimão) - 282 416 416
Fire Brigade (Portimão) - 282 422 122
Police (Portimão) - 282 417 217
Transit Police - 282 416 656
Hospital - 282 420 420
Emergency Treatment - 282 419 269
Ambulance - 282 422 122
Tourist Office - 282 457 523
Useful Alvor Facts
Distance from Faro Airport - 73 Kms
Town Holidays - 11th December
Postal Code - 8500
Algarve Towns
Albufeira
· Almancil
· Armação de Pera
· Carvoeiro
· Faro
· Lagoa
· Lagos
· Loulé
· Monchique
· Olhão
· Portimão
· Quarteira
· Sagres
· Silves
· Tavira
· Vilamoura
· Vila Real de Santo António |
