THE ALENTEJO COAST

Alentejo is not simply a vast golden-coloured plain. In the west coast, where the Atlantic ocean meets Continental Europe, There are dozens of beaches, secret to the tourists, but well-known by the local inhabitants. This protected area, mostly within the Natural Park of Sudoeste Alentejano, has a wild and rare beauty, and the delightful beaches are the centre of all attentions in this region.


Cabo Sardão

Hidden within cliffs, or long white-sanded, the Alentejo coast beaches will be irresistible for long strolls along the coast, and ideal for the perfect break. On your way to the beaches, you will find small villages with restaurants looking to the sea, that will provide you with the freshest and tastiest grilled fish. For example, you should not miss the possibility of going to Porto Covo, a pictoresque fishing vilage that welcomes you with a beautiful square surrounded by small houses. The beach is extremely welcoming and charming, and in its small port, where colourful boats are relaxing, you will be able to ask to a fisherman to take you to the tiny Isle of Pessegueiro.


Milfontes

If you'd rather be in a more lively atmosphere, then you should drop by Vila Nova de Milfontes, where the river Mira meets the sea. You can choose between the ocean or river beach, and you will find some very nice bars and restaurants.



Zambujeira do Mar

Also different is the village of Zambujeira do Mar, with its beach located between to steep cliffs, and where you can walk around the paths used by the fishermen to get to the Fonte dos Amores, or Fountain of Love. With a strong ocean stream, and with good conditions for surfing or bodyboarding, this village gets extremely crowded during the first weekend of August, as it hosts the largest Summer music festival in Portugal, Festival do Sudoeste.