While enjoying a family vacation in Alvor, we highly recommend a visit to the renowned Slide and Splash water park, which stands as one of the region's premier attractions. This extensive water theme park, the largest in Portugal, is situated in the neighboring town of Lagos, and it's easily accessible by shuttle bus or car.
The children's zone within the water park is thoughtfully designed, offering interactive games and slide shows for kids. The park's spacious 16,000-acre area is meticulously monitored by a skilled team of lifeguards. For parents seeking an adrenaline rush, there are exhilarating high-speed slides like "Kamikaze," "Black Hole," and "Bonzai." "Black Hole" provides an adventurous descent into darkness, while "Kamikaze" includes a thrilling throw and a steep slide down.
The water park also features various relaxation areas, including a large pool, Jacuzzi, spaces for unwinding, dining, and lounging on the lush green lawns. Cafes, ice cream parlors, and bistros cater to the diverse tastes and budgets of the entire family. Plus, there's a convenient daily shuttle bus service from Alvor to the water park.
Canoe Trips in Alvor
Discover the enchanting wetlands of Alvor through captivating canoe trips. While paddling along, you'll have the opportunity to observe the rich plant and animal life, as well as gain insights into the traditional farming and fishing practices that have endured for centuries. Canoe trips in Alvor are suitable for tourists of all ages.
For those with previous canoeing experience, independent exploration is possible using modern, durable, and safe Canadian-made plastic canoes. However, in most cases, these trips are organized in groups led by experienced guides and often accompanied by a fishing boat. It's also an option to rent a motorboat.
The canoe trip typically commences near Alvor's harbor and proceeds to the heart of the lagoon, where you'll find a spacious sandbar in the middle. Here, the group takes a break, observing the local birdlife and the vibrant underwater world in the remarkably clear waters. The journey then continues back to the town. This enjoyable excursion lasts approximately three hours and is available daily in the mornings.
Maritime Boat Rides
Explore the stunning Alvor coast through maritime boat trips that depart from Alvor Beach and journey to Praia da Roja Beach in Portimao. Alvor Boat Trips is a family-owned company with Portuguese-Irish roots, offering a variety of boat trip options in the Alvor, Portimao, and Lagos areas. For instance, you can embark on a sea adventure and even try your hand at fishing along the Alvor River as part of a tourist cruise aboard the Novo Alvor boat.
The cost of these boat cruises in May starts at a minimum of 20 EUR, with a 4-hour coastal cruise that includes meals priced at 40 EUR. Discounts are available for children.
Scuba Diving
Alvor is home to one of the newest dive centers, Exclusive Divers, equipped with state-of-the-art diving gear. Situated on the premises of the Pestana Dom Joao II hotel near Alvoré Beach, this dive center offers diving lessons, including training in the hotel's 4-meter deep pool, making it ideal for beginners.
Exclusive Divers' experienced instructors lead dives to World War II shipwrecks within the remarkable Ocean Revival Underwater Park. Exclusive Divers is also a co-founder of SPEXS (Portuguese Association of Underwater Explorers and Archaeologists) and a member of APOM. For information on dive costs, please visit the dive center's website.
Kiting
Alvor offers excellent kiting opportunities, and you can find the Alvor Kiting Center to assist with your kiteboarding needs. The Alvor coastline provides ideal conditions for kiting, with options ranging from the calm waters of the lagoon to the gently curved sandy beach of Alvor, where you'll find the perfect wind conditions.
The peak season for kiting is during June, July, and August, with the ideal wind blowing from 1 pm to 5 pm.
