After the 1755 earthquake, it was rebuilt according to the geometric concept of the Marquis of Pombal. It maintains the outline of popular Portuguese architecture. The low Alentejo houses with blue stripes and red shutters align themselves in a straight line up to the main Square (Praça Marquês de Pombal).

A square full of charm due to its urban simplicity where, among orange trees and garden benches, you will find the Church of Soledade and several commercial establishments. At the Marques coffee shop, try the regional sweet, the Marqueses, made with orange, squash and almond.

The island of Pessegueiro (Peachtree island) immortalised by Rui Veloso’s music has more to it than “The island with a peach tree planted by a Vizier of Odemira.”

The natural protection that this island, of only 340m x325m, confers was propitious for the Romans to establish during the second half of the century. A.D., a trading post. They received the salting amphorae, fish, oil, wines and ceramics from southern Gaul and the Iberian Peninsula itself and, in turn, traded mining products from Serra do Cercal.

In the 2nd century AD, the fish salting industry gained significant proportions, which led to the construction of houses, warehouses, workshops, a bread oven and later, Roman baths.

During the Filipina rule, plans were laid to expand the natural anchorage of Pessegueiro Island and create an artificial breakwater that would connect Pessegueiro Island to the coastline. If you look at the northern part of the island, you will notice it severed. Evidence of the work begun.

Thus, in 1590, the construction of the fishing port and the Fort of Santo Alberto began on Ilha do Pessegueiro, which would crossfires with Fort of Nossa Senhora da Queimada, on land, protecting the coast from frequent invasions by privateers. However, works on the island were interrupted in 1598 due to the transfer of its appointed chief engineer to Fort of Vila Nova de Milfontes and never completed.

Of the initial project, only the Fort Nossa Senhora da Queimada was completed in 1690, furnished by 30 men and equipped with five pieces.

After the damage suffered with the 1755 earthquake and with the evolution of the military means, the Fort Nossa Senhora da Queimada was unmanned. Today after a short stint as GNR Headquarters, it is abandoned.

Legend has it that pirates from North Africa sought refuge on Pessegueiro Island, where a hermit lived peacefully.

When faced with such misfortune, the hermit defended the chapel, until death, against the destructive fury of the pirates. After the damage done, the looters threw the image of Our Lady into the fire and left as quickly as they had arrived.

The inhabitants of Porto Covo, offended by such a dreadful incident, carried our Lady’s image from the island to an inland chapel, which would later become known as Nossa Senhora Queimada Chapel (Our Lady Charred Chapel), inside the Nossa Senhora da Queimada Fort.

The small cove, about 250m long and 40m wide, surrounded by schist cliffs, allowed for a small port that had an important role in the village’s economy by shipping goods such as coal, ore, reed and cork throughout the 18th century.

In 1900 the fishing was one of the activities that supported the population. In this small port, there were only a few small sailing or rowing boats. The fishing tackle was mainly lines or “covos” used for catching lobster. As the fish was abundant, Porto Covo’s population only dedicated themselves to farming during autumn/winter when the sea and winds from the south and southwest did not allow the boats to leave the port.

Today the outings for the mother have more of a playful and touristic character.

A succession of beaches that compete with each other in beauty and the best beach nominee. Small coves with fine sand and transparent waters separated by rocks and natural pools. Our choice falls on Praia da Samoqueira. However, others are not far behind, like Cerro da Águia, Salto (naturist), Small, Buzinhos, Espingardeiro and Grande, the latter with about 200m.

Beaches with car park and good access, despite some present challenging staircases.

The Pessegueiro (Peach) beach is located In front of the island with the same name. It forms a channel between them that once served as a shelter for Carthaginian and Roman vessels.

Easy access with a car park with a capacity for approximately 130 cars