For a beach holiday with plenty of sun, hotels in Alvor are never far from the shore. Alvor Boardwalk is a good place to start – a wander along the beach and the harbour through sand dunes, salt pans and freshwater marshes. This takes you to Praia de Alvor, with its fine, white sand and rocky outcrops. It’s a half-hour wander to Praia dos Três Irmãos, which is similarly rocky with good water for swimming.On an Algarve family holiday? Hotels in Alvor are perfect for close proximity to attractions. Take them to the Castle of Alvor to get an insight into the area’s military history (plus, there’s a playpark outside for the kids). Take the 30-minute drive to the Lagos Ciência Viva Science Centre for interactive exhibits in history, science and technology.Take some time out to wander the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve. Hotels in Alvor are a 20-minute drive away. The reserve offers the chance to see flamingos, kestrels and terns, plus the occasional fox, lizard or hedgehog. It’s a 25-minute drive to Church of Divino Salvador to admire its stunning interior and striking artwork and altar.Couples’ holidays in the Algarve should make a base in hotels in Alvor to be surrounded by day trips and tours. Portimão, 15 minutes by car, is the starting point for many, including a fun wine and tapas tour in a sidecar motorcycle, or an Algarve coastline boat tour. There are also kayaking trips and tours of the Benagil Caves.