Excursion Alvor boardwalk & estuary trail (easy trek) tour at Portimao
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
Depart the ship by minibus for a 20-minute drive to Alvor. Alvor is one of the finest resort towns of the Algarve. Historically, Alvor was a fortified town and fishing port, which today has developed responsibly into a charming and mature holiday destination.
The town lies on the banks of the Alvor Estuary, overlooking the protected marshlands of Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve, while to the south is the Praia do Alvor, one of the largest sandy beaches of the Algarve. Alvor is a delightful town, with distinctively Portuguese appearance; there are traditional white-washed houses, narrow cobbled streets and small fishing boats pulled up along the banks of the river.
Alvor estuary is such a treasured stretch of the Algarvian coastline. This protected natural haven contains a wide array of habitants, including vast sand dunes, ancient salt pans, traditional farmland, and thriving salt and freshwater marshes. The best way to take in the blissful scenery, its abundant birdlife, and the pristine local beaches is to experience the Alvor boardwalk. It connects Praia dos Três Irmãos and Ria de Alvor and is one of the largest walkways in the Algarve being 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) long. With the sea as background and the sound of the birds and seagulls as soundtrack, a stroll around Alvor Boardwalk will always be a moment of tranquility. In touch with Nature, this walk path is made mainly in a wooden structure, perfect for a simple walk in harmony with nature. Along the way, the rest points invite us to take a break to enjoy the view and the eight beach accesses challenge us to walk through the sand or to dive into the sea of the Algarve.
About one hour of free time will be allowed for swimming, beach time or self-exploration, before driving back to the ship.
Note
Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. This tour involves 6 km (3.7 miles) of easy trek on a boardwalk. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat, bring a towel and wear a swimsuit if wishing to swim (weather depending).