Want to spend some time on the beaches in Alvor? Then you’re in the right place. Alvor has some spectacular beaches like the Praia da Tres Irmaos that mouths into two other mesmerizing and wild beaches within the magnificent rock formations and natural caves.
But you also have beaches with all the necessary amenities, beach bars, and sunbeds for a relaxing day in the sun.
On my recent trip to Alvor, I made sure to visit all my favorite beaches again so that I could bring you all the updated information about the best beaches in Alvor Portugal.
Read on to uncover Alvor’s beaches to make sure you don’t miss out on the best ones on your vacation. After all, going to the beach is one of the best things to do in Alvor!
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Beaches in Alvor to visit
Alvor’s coast isn’t really that long, so I will start with Alvor Beach in the west which is closest to the town and right below the Ria de Alvor and Alvor Boardwalk, and move east.
There are also some small secluded beaches in Ria de Alvor, but I’ve only been past on windy days and the only people there were windsurfers so not sure if they’re ok for going to the beach in summer. Therefore, I haven’t included them here, but feel free to investigate!
Alvor Beach
Facilities:
👉Blue Flag Beach
👉Parasols and beach loungers
👉Toilets
👉Beach bar
👉Lifeguards in season
👉Wheelchair accessible
👉Rubbish bins
👉Parking
Alvor Beach is the main beach in Alvor and lacks nothing when it comes to facilities. There is a nice beach bar with sunbeds and shade for rent. The water is clear and the beach is long, backed by Ria de Alvor’s dunes and boardwalks.
There is also ample parking space right next to the boardwalk that takes you to the beach and even if you travel by campervan, there is a large campervan parking area a couple of hundred meters from the beach.
Torralta Beach
Facilities:
👉Blue Flag Beach
👉Parasols and beach loungers
👉Toilets
👉Beach Bar
👉Lifeguards in season
👉Wheelchair accessible
👉Rubbish bins
👉Parking
Torralta Beach is an extension of Alvor Beach running all the way to Tres Irmaos Beach. It has the same facilities as Alvor Beach and is accessed by a wooden boardwalk from the parking area.
It is a great Blue Flag Beach where you have the safety of lifeguards patrolling the beach during the bathing season.
There are also jet skis, banana boats, kayaks, and other fun water activities available in the summer.
Tres Irmãos Beach
Facilities:
👉Blue Flag Beach
👉Parasols and beach loungers
👉Toilets
👉Beach Bar
👉Lifeguards in season
👉Wheelchair accessible
👉Rubbish bins
👉Parking
Tres Irmãos Beach (Praia do Tres Irmãos) is usually referred to as the best beach in Alvor. Set at the far eastern end of the long stretch of sand which starts with Alvor Beach on the opposite side, it’s famous for its epic rock formations.
The name of the beach translates into “the beach of the three brothers”, referring to the three large rock formations in the water (though I’m pretty sure there are more than 3 rocks tossed around)
The beach is a Blue Flag beach with all amenities like sunbeds, water sports, and restaurants. But the more you walk towards the rocky side of the beach, the more “wild” it becomes.
There are several coves beyond Tres Irmãos Beach which are often said to belong to the beach, but since they are actually small separate beaches with their own names, I’ve mentioned them separately below. Also because they are very different from Tres Irmãos Beach and surely cater to different people.
Prainha Beach
Facilities:
👉Restaurant
The first beach you reach after walking through the tunnels in the rocks past Tres Irmãos Beach is the mesmerizing Prainha Beach.
It’s filled with rocks in the water making it extremely picturesque and is “divided” into multiple sections so you can have more or less privacy.
But be careful near the rocks, as there might be rocks falling, especially on windy days. So I recommend staying clear of the edges and laying your towel down in the middle of the sand somewhere.
Despite being a bit harder to reach and feeling completely remote, there is a restaurant on Prainha Beach. And that’s the only facilities you’ll find there.
Besides walking from Tres Irmãos Beach, you can walk down a flight of steep stairs or take an elevator from the top of the cliff to the restaurant.
Ferta Beach
Facilities: None
Continuing through the tunnels in the rocks past Prainha Beach you’ll reach a small even more secluded beach, Ferta Beach.
There you’ll find no facilities at all and it’s best accessible at low tide as the high tide eats up most of the beach.
There are natural caves that create shade and shelter from the tides, though I wouldn’t be surprised if the water reaches in there too, especially in the winter when the ocean generally is more aggressive.
So make sure you watch the tides when you’re there and walk back if you think it might get too high so you don’t get stuck somewhere on the way.
Beaches near Alvor Portugal
Praia dos Três Castelos
Facilities:
👉Blue Flag Beach
👉Parasols and beach loungers
👉Toilets
👉Beach Bar
👉Lifeguards in season
👉Rubbish bins
👉Parking
Praia dos Três Castelos is one of the most stunning beaches near Alvor at only a 10-minute drive away in Portimão.
You reach it by descending a set of stairs and there is a beach bar once you reach the sand. The beauty of the beach is the stunning rock formations along the long beach with natural arches.
There are truly many beautiful photo opportunities along the beach. Again, as with all rocky beaches on the Algarve, make sure you stay clear of the cliffs as rocks might fall.
Meia Praia
Facilities:
👉Blue Flag Beach
👉Parasols and beach loungers
👉Toilets
👉Beach Bar
👉Lifeguards in season
👉Wheelchair accessible
👉Rubbish bins
👉Parking
Meia Praia is located on the western side of Alvor outside Lagos and is the longest beach in Algarve stretching 4,5 kilometers.
It’s a Blue Flag Beach and offers all the necessary amenities, but mainly on the western side of the beach.
I’ve always loved this beach as there’s plenty of space and you can choose whether you want to stay near facilities or if you want a more remote feel setting up your own parasol and lay down your towel straight on the sand.
Reflections on Alvor beaches
There is no doubt. When it comes to beaches, Alvor is seriously blessed. Having a bit of it all, you can enjoy wild western Algarve beaches or lounge at long, equipped beaches with a cold drink in your hand.
If you’re a little bit like me, there’s a time for everything, and having the opportunity to choose is luxury. I do love the beaches past Tres Irmãos, though as they are fantastic to explore even if you visit Algarve in winter.