Aljezur: guide to the town, beaches and Costa Vicentina
When visiting Aljezur, organise the village and the beaches as separate stages. The choice of accommodation and transport should follow the route you intend to take on the Vicentina Coast.
Praia do Amado
Considered one of the best Portuguese beaches for surfing, Praia do Amado hosts national and international competitions and has several surf schools. In summer, it has full support facilities, making it accessible to less experienced bathers too.
Other sandy beaches to the north and south
- Between Odeceixe and Aljezur: Vale dos Homens, Carriagem, Amoreira and Monte Clérigo, with lesser-known accesses and Praia das Adegas designated for naturism.
- Further south, towards Vila do Bispo and Sagres: Barriga, Cordoama and Castelejo, whose sands connect at low tide; Beliche, Tonel, Mareta, Martinhal, Ingrina and Zavial, geared towards surfing, windsurfing, diving and exploring submerged caves.
- Salema and Burgau, already at the park boundaries, maintain the fishing tradition visible in daily life.
Sagres and Cape St Vincent: the southwestern tip
The road south leads to Vila do Bispo, with its parish church covered in tiles, and then to the Sagres Promontory and Cape St Vincent. In Sagres, the fortress, the Chapel and the 43-metre diameter Wind Rose evoke the maritime epic. At the Cape, the lighthouse, one of the most powerful in Europe, with a range of 95 km, succeeds a beacon maintained by Capuchin friars in the 16th century. The views over the ocean are vast and stunning. To learn more, see the Sagres guide and the wild Costa Vicentina itinerary.
Where to stay: comparing possible bases
| Planning option | When to consider | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| First visit | Want to know the destination without overloading the day | Choose one main visit and leave margin for meals and travel. |
| Stay with more time | Prefer to spread visits over several days | Separate the programme by interests and confirm transport for each day. |
| Trip with children | Needs breaks and flexibility | Confirm entry conditions, meals and return before booking. |
Natural Park rules and best practices
- Do not collect fauna, flora or minerals; do not light fires.
- Surf and schools: use designated zones and follow lifeguard instructions where they exist.
Booking and preparation checklist
- Define base according to the profile in the table above and book accommodation in advance (July-August sells out early).
- Confirm if accommodation has parking or if there is a public car park nearby.
- Check cancellation conditions and if there is a kitchen/laundry for long stays.
- If you want surf lessons, contact schools at Praia do Amado or Arrifana in advance.
- Download offline maps and tide app; confirm swell and wind forecast.
- Take sun cream, hat, windbreaker, walking shoes and reusable bottle.