Beaches in Alvor, Algarve

Many Algarve beaches are now classified as 'Accessible Beaches' meaning that not only do they provide ramps, footpaths and walkways directly to the sand but also meet certain criteria for restaurant tables, bar and counter heights. They also have first aid posts and disabled toilets and should be equipped with wheelchairs, walking aids and other equipment capable of being used in the sea as well as on the beach. We include which beaches have been awarded the 'Accessible Beach' flag , although depending on individual abilities you may just want to know that you can park nearby or that there are no steps involved.

We also indicate which beaches have lifeguards during the season (normally April to the end of September) and as a reminder for you: a green flag - swimming permitted; yellow flag - swimming forbidden; red flag - swimming and entering the water forbidden; blue and white chequered flag - beach temporarily unattended.

Praia de Alvor

 

Praia de Alvor is the western end of the long sandy beach in Alvor; the eastern end is called Praia de Três Irmãos. It is a lovely long open sandy beach, with rolling sand dunes that back onto the lagoon formed by the Alvor river . There is plenty of space to play games and sports, such as volleyball and Frisbee, or for anyone who simply wants to relax in the sun and enjoy the beach life there is plenty of choice for where to pitch your towel. There are also lots of watersports at the beach (pedalos, sailing, windsurfing) for anyone who likes 'playing about' on the water! 

There are two restaurants on Praia de Alvor, one at the entrance and another further along the beach in case you want to have some lunch or drink while you are the beach. There are also lots of sunloungers and sunshades to rent if you want a more comfortable stay at the beach. If you are not a resident at the Penina hotel though, you will have to opt for the sunloungers a bit further away from the entrance to the beach, as the first ones are reserved for residents of the hotel!

If you are driving to the beach you will be pleased to know that there is plenty of shaded car parking directly behind the beach; which offers excellent disabled access because the car park and beach are at the same level so there are no steps to navigate. Access into the first restaurant is also easy, because it is right next to the entrance. If you are not going by car, it is just as easy to get a bus, because buses run regularly from Portimão and Lagos to Alvor.

Praia de Alvor is supervised during the 'beach season' and is also classed as an 'Accessible Beach'.

Praia de Três Irmãos

 

Praia de Três Irmãos is the eastern end of the sand in Alvor. There is a restaurant at the start of the beach that signifies the ‘divide’ between Praia de Três Irmãos and Praia de Alvor (although it hardly matters when you are faced with gorgeous stretch of golden sand!). Praia de Três Irmãos is a lot more sheltered than Praia de Alvor because of the cliffs and rocks that embrace the beach. As well as offering shelter on a blowy day, they provide a truly picturesque setting in which to relax.  

Similarly to Praia de Alvor, there is plenty of parking behind Praia de Três Irmãos and again disabled access is easy because the beach and car park are at the same level.

The beach is supervised during the season and is also classed as an 'Accessible Beach'.