Hi
We have stayed at the Dom Joao and loved it. It is right on the beach with no roads to cross and we find the Pestana group of hotels excellent. Good standards of food, facilities and accommodation. You can also use the facilities of the Delfim Hotel. The hotel also run painting activities free of charge which I have found really relaxing.
Don't worry about your wife being hassled, Alvor is not like that and that is the reason we love it. To us it has kept its charm, unlike many places where overdevelopment has taken place. Just wandering round the streets and down the harbour is a lovely atmosphere.
We visit in the winter and there are many women who go for 3 months to this resort by themselves, because it feels so safe.
The walking in this area is excellent.
I have never seen paragliding etc. however I would have thought Pria de Roche would have that in the summer months. It is only a 40 minute walk from your hotel. There is a small private airport in Alvor. Whilst we were there last year there was skydiving competitions on. Events are not well publicised so if you are interested it may be worth a walk, drive up to the airport.
Hope you and your wife have a lovely time. We have spent about six months there in the past few years and can't wait to go again this summer.

Again thanks for all the info so far guys(and girls!) Here is the next question on my prep list. im wanting to try and get the missus to try out a trial dive. im a qualified diver and want her to go on one of these one day intro courses to see if she likes it and would like to get certified. Is there any dive centres in alvor and if not does anyone know where the nearest one is located? Thanks folks, have a good day

Can't help re. Alvor, but there is certainly a professional outfit based at Lagos Marina. Website HERE.