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 Alvor History
Probably the Carthaginians founded Alvor and its
history is interesting. It is said by some that it was really
the site of "Portus Hannibalis" and slightly
inland are the ruins of a rich Roman villa. In the time of the
Moors they named it "Albur" and the town 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 as an outstanding Portuguese
king, is recorded as dying in 1495 within the town walls from a
prolonged illness. Most of the original town has been destroyed
in the earthquakes of 1532 and 1755.
Alvor Description
Although this ancient coastal village is now a very popular
holiday location the one-ended narrow streets have restrained
the developers from changing too much. Many of these streets now
boast bars with live music and different types of restaurants
but leading off from these there are still memories of the older
fishing village. In the area are a number of holiday resorts
that feed these streets with tourists. 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 attractive 16th century Parish
Church that seems the only building that survived the earthquake
of 1755 and has a prime example in its main doorway of the great
craftsmanship of the "Manueline" era of architecture.
Alvor Nearby Locations
Places near to Alvor are the commercial town of Portimão,
the famous popular beaches of Praia da Rocha and Praia
do Vau, and the semi-nature reserve of Quinta da Rocha.
Alvor Events
17th March - Festival de Alvor
 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 - 282 420 400
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 |
