This morning Marc and I headed off for Alvor (about an hours drive west of where we are) to spend the day with Marc’s cousin, Line, and her other half, Benoît.
Alvord is considered one of the best resort towns in the Algarve. It’s a former fishing village turned resort town not too far from the larger city of Portimão. I’ve read that it’s kept its distinctively Portuguese feel however we didn’t really see enough of it today to confirm or dispute that.
I forgot to take a photo of our fabulous lunch. Line and Benoît had prepared the table to allow us to make our own “poke bowls”! A poke bowl is a colorful and fully customizable meal that can be made with different ingredients. It usually starts with marinated raw fish on a base such as rice or greens, and then a variety of tasty toppings. We had an array of fabulous choices: shrimp, chicken, quinoa, shredded beet, edamame beans, red peppers, watercress, and a wonderful sauce. What a fabulous taste experience and perfect meal for a hot sunny day. Followed by a huge fresh fruit salad, as well as a plate of strawberries and a bowl of chocolate “sauce”, we stuffed ourselves.
After lunch we headed off for a walk along the Passadiços de Alvor, which is a 5km long boardwalk connecting Alvor and Praia de Alvor. Beginning a couple of meters from the harbour, the first part of the path goes alongside the lagoon through the wetland before reaching Pérgola do Alvor. From there you can either keep following along or take a left which will take you straight to the beach. The circular path is quite customizable, and it offers stunning views to the lagoon, the village, and the coast.
Marc and I thoroughly enjoyed our day trip and spending the time with Line and Benoît. It warms my heart to see Marc enjoying himself with family. Merci Line et Benoît.
Wonderful beach! You both had a grand day.
We sure did have a great day. Between the drive, the food, and the sun, I’m ready for a snooze!
What a gorgeous beach and views! Looks like a very different area than the Tavira region. Poke Bowls are superb! Can be lot of different ingredients! Time is flying by fast, enjoy every minute!
It certainly is a very different feel from Tavira, mostly tourists and many many restaurants only open in the “season”, which is not now. The beaches are gorgeous.
Wowzers, the views from their balcony are astounding! My goodness I would be out there all the time except for what I was down walking on that Beach. It sounds like a lovely day was had by all. The weather and the Sun sparkling off the water is beautiful to see. I really looks like such a lovely area even if it is a bit touristy. Keep living the dream. Love to you both.
Yes,, it sure is lovely there with all that sand, sparkling water, and sunshine. You could sit in their apartment and hear the sea…..that too would be lovely, especially at night.
You put the ‘specialness’ of family into your blog; clearly Line and Benoit were very happy to host Marc and yourself! Another perfect day in the Algarve with the sea, sun and sand beckoning you all for a walk and….that beautiful blue Portuguese sky always makes me smile! Lovely photos!
I too love the Portuguese blue and this morning, we have it in spades!! Not a cloud in sight. You’d be like the Cheshire cat!