Alvor's walkways follow the tide - the largest in the Algarve

The Alvor walkways, created in 2016, have encouraged the discovery of the natural beauty of the dunes and the Ria de Alvor. The golden sandy beaches and clear waters of the municipality of Portimão stretch between the Ria de Alvor and the estuary of the River Arade.

The dunes, salt marshes and estuary attract thousands of birds in a balanced but fragile ecosystem. The action of the wind gave rise to the dune lines of Alvor and Meia-Praia, and this action also led to the birth of the salt marsh and the arrival of various species of animals.

With its enviable location, Alvor benefits from the freshness of the Atlantic and the natural beauty and richness of the estuary. The Passadiços de Alvor trail rivals Ponta da Piedade, but is far from surpassing the stupendous 7 Suspended Valleys trail.

Alvor Walkways - brief description

The Alvor Walkways are the largest in the Algarve, linking Praia dos Três Irmãos to the Ria de Alvor. The path starts next to the car park at Praia dos Três Irmãos and from there to the pier at Praia do Alvor it follows the sea.

From Praia de Alvor, the route becomes more beautiful and diverse, with dunes, small beaches and marshes. Near the Ria de Alvor, next to the jetty, there is a small viewpoint where you can enjoy the natural landscape.

Practical information about the Alvor Walkways

A walk along the Alvor Walkways is a great way to discover some of Portimão's most beautiful beaches and the fantastic natural beauty of the Ria de Alvor. The walkways are about 4.5 kilometres long. 

Located in the municipality of Portimão, they are characterised by walkways along the coastline and the Ria de Alvor.

• Name - Alvor Walkways
• Location - Portimão, Algarve
• Start of the trail - Three Brothers Beach
• End of the trail - Ria de Alvor
• Distance - 6 kilometres
• Duration: 1h30
• Type of trail: linear
• Difficulty: low
• Signalling: Signposted and with information panels along the route

What to take on the Alvor Walkways hike

• Reusable water bottle - I bought this water bottle and I recommend it
• Normal footwear (the terrain is not rough)
• Sun hat
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Swimsuit - for a dip on the beaches of Alvor
• Money (see below)
• Bag for rubbish - there are rubbish bins along the way

Frequently asked questions about the Alvor Walkways

How much does it cost to use the walkways?

It's free. But as there are several restaurants and beach bars along the route, you might be in the mood for a cold drink, an ice cream or even a Berliner. So take some cash with you.

When is the best time to go hiking?

In general, any time is good to walk the Alvor Boardwalks. In summer, you should consider the cooler hours of the day. If possible, try to hike this trail in the municipality of Portimão during the week, as it can be too busy on weekends.

On the day I visited the Alvor Walkways, the wind was more of an obstacle than the heat. However, don't forget that in the summer months the temperature easily reaches 30 degrees. This temperature is not ideal for walking. 

I recommend walking during the cooler hours, i.e. in the morning or at the end of the day. If you walk in the morning, you can then spend the day on the beach and even enjoy the sunset. Combining a walk along this footpath with a swim seems to me to be the most sensible option. In fact, it really is, because that's what I did too...

The Ria de Alvor area is ideal for birdwatching and the best period is between September and May. Whatever time of year you go walking, don't forget to take water with you (see other important tips below).

Where to start?

The official walk starts at Praia dos Três Irmãos and continues to the Ria de Alvor. However, the part between Praia dos Três Irmãos and the start of Praia de Alvor is uninteresting and even boring. 

Although I've done the whole route, when I do it next time I think I'll skip the initial part. One of the reasons for my lack of interest is that the natural landscape has been invaded by hotels right up to the edge of the walkways.

How long do I need to do the walk?

If you want to walk all the walkways you shouldn't need more than 1.5 hours, but I'm sure you'll stop a few times to take pictures of the landscape, perhaps to relax by the Ria de Alvor and to go for a swim. A day between walking the Alvor Walkways and going to the beach is the perfect combination. Afterwards, you can head to the Ponta da Piedade walkways and, perhaps the next day, walk the fantastic Seven Hanging Valleys trail.

What is the terrain like along the trail?

The trail is mostly made of wood, but if you want to go as far as the lighthouse on the ria breakwater, there are areas of dirt track. But don't worry, the terrain is flat and it's easy to walk. Near the Ria de Alvor there's more sand, but it's still an easy walk.

In terms of physical preparation, you don't need any training to do it. There are no climbs or descents. There are some areas to rest or relax along the route.

Bicycles are also allowed on Alvor's walkways and the infrastructure has facilitated access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Can you do the Alvor Walkways with children?

Absolutely. Whether you have small children or older ones, you won't have any problems. In fact, it's even easy to take a pushchair if you want to walk the Alvor Walkways as a family. 

As much of the route is on footbridges, there are no obstacles. Even in the dirt sections, the terrain is flat. These walkways allow access for anyone - young or old.

Do I need a map?

No, because the trail is simple and you won't even get lost in Alvor. If you want a little help keeping track of how many kilometres you have left or have already covered, I recommend the free app Maps.me.

Points of interest in the Alvor Walkways

Ria de Alvor

The highlight for me was when I reached the Ria de Alvor and saw the clear waters of the estuary, the small tongues of sand and the Serra de Monchique in the distance. It's a setting of stupendous natural beauty, of great tranquillity where you feel like staying and staying...

Fauna

Many visitors come to Alvor for the beaches, the estuary or even to see the Walkways. But there are more reasons to visit this region of the Algarve. 

The ecosystem, with its dunes and the Ria de Alvor, attracts a variety of birds such as the right-billed curlew, black-crowned night-heron, black-winged stilt, horned lark and grey heron. 

As well as birds, you can also find lizards such as the sardar or the toothed-fingered lizard and even snakes, such as the ratsnake - I had the opportunity to see one of these crossing my path.

This snake can be found in France, Portugal and Spain and is considered harmless.

Beaches

As this walk is tidal, the beaches are one of the main attractions of the Alvor Walkways. On the day I visited, in June, there weren't many people on the beach (a Monday).

I had to make the "effort" and go and test the waters of the Alvor beaches: the temperature was perfect for the hot day. You can also try the salty waters at Praia dos Três Irmãos, Praia da Torralta and Praia de Alvor. Or the beaches of Vila Real de Santo António.

The closer you walk to the Ria de Alvor, the more the beaches empty out, so if you want tranquillity and physical distance from flooding, this is a good place to be.

Important warnings before starting the walk

• Drink small sips of water frequently to avoid dehydration. If you feel nauseous or dizzy, find a cool place to cool your body temperature. 
• Although the terrain isn't rough, the distance doesn't invite you to wear beach flip-flops. Choose comfortable trainers instead
• Avoid stepping on the dunes, as the walkways were also built to protect the dune system
• Don't throw rubbish on the ground. There are rubbish bins all along the circuit
• Don't take plants or geological material
• Don't disturb the wildlife and walk in silence

The good and the bad of walking the Alvor Walkways

Positive

Despite the popularity of the Alvor Walkways, when I walked I had a large part of the route almost exclusively to myself. It helped that I did the route on a Monday, to avoid the holidaymakers and those who can only go at the weekend. 

The way the walkways have been carefully laid out and the care taken to ensure sanitary hygiene. Along the way I came across some mechanisms (activated with the foot) for disinfecting hands with alcohol-gel.

Negative

It's not a negative fact about the walkways, but where they cross. It's unbelievable how many hotels have been allowed to be built right up to the edge of the walkways. The urbanisation pressure is suffocating.

This unbridled and unregulated construction takes away much of the beauty of the area and that's why I reiterate that I prefer to start walking from Praia de Alvor - rather than from Praia dos Três Irmãos. Either that, or just focus on the sea to the left.

Photos of the Alvor Walkways

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