The Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina is the coastal area of Portugal that covers three districts Sines, Beja and Faro.
It runs through a series of villages on the Alentejo coast from Sines to Odeceixe, enters the Algarve coast in Aljezur and ends in Burgau.
So, in its true essence, the Costa Vicentina is only the area covered by the Algarve’s Southwest Coast, that is, from Burgau it passes Cabo de S. Vicente (which gives it its name) all the way to Aljezur. However, the term associated with the implementation area of the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina has become commonly known as Costa Vicentina.
The Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina is a protected landscape area—known for its unique fauna and flora such as Biscutella Vicentina or Plantago Almogravensis among many other fascinating species. It is also one of the few places in Europe where it is possible to find otters in marine habitat.
The Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina is, indisputably, a place of rare natural beauty, with monumental cliffs that shelter wild and paradisiacal beaches.
We split the Alentejo and Vicentine Coast itinerary, not in days because the time you want to spend in each place depends on your motivation, but in districts and locations with all their attractions. This way, you can quickly determine which site captivates you the most and where you want to stay the longest.
If you want to do the entire Costa Vicentina, we suggest choosing one location, or two, more central and making that your starting point for exploring the various regions.
We emphasise that only a few beaches are within walking distance of the main towns. The ones that are there, and undoubtedly beautiful, are usually more popular, so it is worth looking for wilder, further away beaches, which makes the use of a car practically a given.
So, consider staying in Guest Houses in more rural villages like Cercal, S. Luis, S Teotónio and making every day an adventure, a search for the best spot of the Costa Vicentina. In the end, let’s compare the results.
Sines is 150 km south of Lisbon. It can be easily visited in about 4-6 hours if you aren’t tempted to lounge the afternoon on the beach
Sines Castle
Vasco da Gama statue
São Salvador Church
Penedo da India Elevator
Church of N. Sra das Salas
Revelim Fort
Port
Beaches
Charismatic Village
Marques de Pombal Square
N. Sra da Soledade Church
Fishing Port
Ilha do Pessegueiro
N. Sra da Queimada Fort
Beaches
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The Municipality of Odemira has a coastal area of 55km with sandy coves lodged between marine cliffs that integrate the Natural Park of Sudoeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina. We highlight here the parishes of Vila Nova de Milfontes, Almograve and Zambujeira do Mar
Inland you can also enjoy the village of Odemira and the Santa Clara Dam. An excellent alternative to spending the day when the coastal fog settles in
Historic centre
Church of N. Sra da Graça
Fort of S Clemente
1st air travel Portugal – Macau
River pier
Archangel Statue
Lighthouse
Beaches
Almograve beach
Trail
Fishing Port
Cavaleiro Beach
Cape Sardão
Wildlife
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Chapel of N. Sra do Mar
Fishing Port
Fishing
Surf
Gastronomy
Beaches
Trails
Festivals
Historic centre
Churches
Gardens
Riverside
Miranda Factory
Marcos da Barca
Farmland
Pego das Pias
The Costa Vicentina has a laid back atmosphere where surfing and contact with nature are often the main reason why visitors head here
Travelling the Costa Vicentina is a road trip to be done at least once in a lifetime.
Whether in search of summer concerts or camping with friends; in search of the best wave, the beach in its pure state or the surf lifestyle in perfect harmony with nature.
Whatever your motivation, the Costa Vicentina, between the countryside and the beach, will probably have what you’re looking for.
The Rota Vicentina is a long-distance path along the Southwest Coast of Portugal. It begins in Santiago do Cacém and goes all the way down to Cabo de S Vicente along with one of the most beautiful and well-preserved coastlines of Southern Europe.
The 750km route is divided into fully marked sections, between 15 and 25km that can be travelled in both directions, independently and in total security. Each section corresponds to a days walk, linking up accommodation, meals and other useful services.
There are two main trails: The Historical Route and the Fisherman’s Route. Between them, it is also possible to do smaller circular routes.
The Historic Route (263 km) runs through the main towns and villages amid a rural itinerary with several centuries of history. Of mainly rural trails, this is a classic Grand Route (GR) fully accessible to hikers and mountain bikers with stretches of cork tree plantations, mountain, valleys, rivers and creeks. A journey through local history and culture.
The historic route is distinguished with the Leading Quality Trails certification by the European Ramblers Association.
The Fisherman’s Route (226,5 km) runs along the coast, following the fishermen’s paths or local beachgoers. It is a single trail along the cliffs and more physically demanding as the harsh coastal scenery is unprotected from the ocean winds, mostly without shade and with some areas of sand. It is a wild and powerful natural landscape that takes you to breathtaking cliffs and stunning beaches.
To know more about the Rota Vicentina, contact the Rota Vicentina Association.
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