Alvor, Fishing village in Portimão, Portugal.
Alvor is a fishing village on the Algarve built around a river harbor with narrow cobbled streets and tile-fronted houses. The settlement sits on a peninsula where river and sea meet, with a wetland area extending eastward.
The area was settled by Moors in the 8th century and retained Arabic influences in its architecture and names. It came under Christian control in the Middle Ages, then developed as a fishing port and served as a major export hub for local fish products.
The name comes from an Arabic word meaning river, reflecting its deep maritime roots. Today you can see this heritage woven throughout the narrow streets and harbor, where fishing traditions coexist with tourism.
The best way to explore is on foot through the narrow streets and down to the harbor, where you can watch the boats and local markets. Spring and autumn are ideal for avoiding crowds, while summer becomes busier.
The river harbor is protected by a sandbank that is constantly reshaped by ocean currents, changing the harbor's access points. This makes Alvor one of the few Algarve ports whose entrance shifts regularly.
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