Alvor - Algarve, Portugal

Tanabe

Hey all,

With the Irish weather as pleasant as ever this time of year :rolleyes: I've done some enquiring in my local travel agents for a week away the first week of june.

I was recommended a 4 star hotel in Alvor (the Algarve), Portugal. Looking at the brochure it says that it's only 2km from Praia da Rocha. Reviews of the hotel and pictures look sweet. The wife and I are late 20's/early 30's so we would be looking for our nice restaurants and disco bars a plenty.

My question is, would anybody recommend Alvor for our age group or would we be better off staying in Praia da Rocha? As I've said, the hotel is really nice and is situated directly across from the beach so if the buzz of the nightlife is only 2km's away it doesn't sound like a problem.

Alternatively, we had been in Lanzarote in the past & were considering a return as the restaurants are hard to beat. Have never been to Portugal so am just looking for comparisons/contrasts between the two.

Also, my Dad just got back from Tenerife where it was a €1 a pint! Maybe I'll just go there!!!:D:D

Any opinions greatly accepted.

Thanks.

tomcollins97

Hi,

I have spent 2 summer holidays in Alvor & absoultely loved it (I'm 28). Pria de Rocha is sh*t hole unless you like all night clubbing, vomiting on the street & generally 'having a good time'!

Alvor is a gorgeous fishing village with no 'strip'. It has a good selection of pubs, restaurant & clubs. All reasonabl prices. There are also some upmarket places if you fancy a splurg. We booked an apartment independently & it was great - stayed in it both times. For EUR 800 for the two weeks much better than any holiday hotel/apt we had stayed in.

The beach is nice but quite windy. Lots of sun longers & a few bars/cafe's. To be honest, we had a great pool so didn't use the beach much.

What hotel have you been reccomended? If you decide on Alvor PM me & I can send more info!

A few pics to tempt you!

Tom

Creachadóir

I second Tom's post. Alvor is far superior to the brashy neon light filled Praia da Rocha. Alvor has character. P da R is full of tourists.

Tanabe

That's it lads - you have me convinced anyway! Thanks for the good advice.

Tom those pics are awesome & you have been PM'ed!

Cheers.

Pythia

The boyf and I went to Lagos last year and plan to go back this year. It's quite lively, but not in a club way, there's a huge amount of restaurants too.
It's quite near I think, might be another option.

tomcollins97

Hi Tanabe,

Photos attached!

BTW any destination syou can reccomend - I still don't know what to do this year. Would like to take in some snorkelling but don;t have a clue where!

Cheers,
Tom

tomcollins97

and some more !

Tanabe

Hey Tom,

I booked it this afternoon! I'm going to Alvor, whahoo!

Thanks for the pictures, they look amazing. I can't wait to go now.

Popsicle

I see you have booked it already but just to add my tuppenceworth! I was in Alvor a few years back and am in the same age group. We loved it. The beach was fab and there are plently of lovely cheap restaurants.
We didn't go to any clubs but did frequent a cool bar regularly! Its more of a village feel with a real atmosphere as opposed to a "resort"

Stay away from Praia de Rocha - there's nothing there but high rise !!! If you plan to do sightseeing - head towards Lagos.

Enjoy!!!

ShindyB

Hi there,

I know the posts on here are a bit old but hopefully someone out there will see this. Going to alvor this summer, trying to decide between two hotels:

The Yellow Alvor Hotel
Alvormar Apartments

I know one is closer to the town centre and the other is 2kms out. Anyone any advice on which is better?

Thanks a mill in advance!

bamboozle

ShindyB wrote: »

Hi there,

I know the posts on here are a bit old but hopefully someone out there will see this. Going to alvor this summer, trying to decide between two hotels:

The Yellow Alvor Hotel
Alvormar Apartments

I know one is closer to the town centre and the other is 2kms out. Anyone any advice on which is better?

Thanks a mill in advance!

if it was me i'd stay closer to the town centre so i could walk into the village. dont know either hotel though. Booking.com will have genuine reviews on both though (i use the word genuine as you have to book a room through them before you can post a review, unlike tripadvisor where anyone can post a review)

I would suggest renting a car though, they're cheap to rent and its gives you the freedom to visit Sagres, Silves, Lagoa etc

bungaro79

stayed in the alvormar apartments a couple of years ago and they're basic but fine. walls can be a bit thin though, had a couple next to us who were a bit loud at night the location is brilliant though, 5 min walk to the beach but less than 1 min into the main street with all the bars and restaurants. theres even a little shop across the way which you can get all your breakfast and lunch stuff too! we stayed closer to the beach last year and it was a better place accommodation-wise but it was a 10/15 min walk into town or else it was a taxi ride in and out (still pretty cheap). keep an eye on www.travelrepublic.ie for good prices on both.
alvor is a lovely place though, so nice myself and the missus got married there! happy times

ShindyB

Thanks a mill for the advice! We've gone with the Alvomar purely for location. Never spend much time in the apartment so basic won't bother us,just somewhere to sleep really! Other half is on the phone booking it as we speak. Alvor looks fab, I can't wait!