Aljezur is a delightful little town on the pleasant and beautiful Algarve's western coast that is sure to leave your head spinning with its lush views, majestic history and colourful vibe. It is in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park and has none of the built-up feeling of other parts of the Algarve, especially the south of the region.
A visit to Aljezur is a real treat due to the charming stoned paved streets and whitewashed houses, well known for being nestled around some of the best surfing beaches in the Algarve and excellent for travel and outdoor activities. This blog delves into the 'never bored' bit of Aljezur – the bits to do, and definitely not do. If you wonder about the apparent 'never bored' Aljezur, then this blog is for you, the ultimate list of the must-dos and must-don'ts.
Getting There
Flying into Faro Airport — which is the nearest International Airport — will drop you at most a 1.5 hours drive Northwest to Aljezur, the easiest option to reach. A rental car is best for flexibility, especially if you intend to visit places within the Costa Vicentina Natural Park as well as other neighboring beach areas.
Another option is getting a bus from Faro or Lisbon to Aljezur, which is not that far away but be mindful that the buses do not run that often, so check beforehand. Airport transfers to Aljezur can also be organized for extra convenience.
Top Beaches Near Aljezur
Praia da Arrifana
Ten to fifteen minutes’ drive from Aljezur, there is one stunning beach, Praia da Arrifana, guarded by black cliffs. This well-known surf break suits the youthful and physically energetic as well as beginners.
Praia de Monte Clérigo
The beach, located in the small village of Monte Clérigo, offers a wide expanse of sand, perfect for your kids to play and enjoy the shallow water. The beach's surroundings reveal that people frequented it for relaxation.
Praia da Bordeira
Praia da Bordeira: Standing among magnificent cliffs in the hills nearby, Bordeira beach is one of the biggest on the coast, and this means there are extraordinary possibilities for pleasant strolls for both admirers of rocky shores and surfers.
Praia do Amado
Praia do Amado is a natural beauty that is easily accessible for surfers and active individuals in general. It boasts a high sea energy, featuring raw waves that attract a multitude of people, including both residents and tourists.
Praia da Amoreira
One of the beaches where you can swim in the sea and river is near the mouth of the Aljezur. This beach is particularly popular among those seeking a variety of water activities.
Historical Places and Cultural Sites
There is a lot to see here in terms of historical sites, including beautiful local architecture to remind the visitor of the area’s history.
Castle of Aljezur
Despite being built for defense, the Castle of Aljezur was erected in the 10th century on an elevation of 88 meters. Table of Fortification Construction Castle of Aljezur, 10th Century It still stands today in ruins, and this may be all that is left of a path through the ruins of the 1755 earthquake, but even so, it was beautiful and gives a wonderful view of the town and the surrounding hills.
Misericórdia Church
After the earthquake, this 16th-century church underwent reconstruction. The church features a Renaissance entrance that dates back to the year 1577. Admittedly, the church has impressive religious art and statues. Many of them have undergone restoration today, preserving some of the city's original perspective.
Nossa Senhora da Alva Church
Popularly known as “New Church," this was built in the 18th century for the partially rebuilt Aljezur after an earthquake.
People visit the adjacent square at lunchtime, and the nearby restaurants and cafes are always full.
Fort of Arrifana
Fort of ArifanaIn the vicinity of the Arrifana beach is the Fort of Arrifana, which was constructed in 1635 as coastal defense. However, a portion of it still stands today, having undergone repairs, providing breathtaking views of the ocean.
Municipal Market
The municipal market in Aljezur, located near the bridge, offers a vibrant venue for experiencing the exotic Portuguese flavors.
The local population as well as tourists discover the food markets, fresh juices and fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and every other product to be attractive.The Museums in Alfov The Aljevur region may not have a large number of museums, but those that do exist provide a wealth of information about the region's archeological, artistic, and religious heritage.
Museums in Aljezur
Municipal Museum
Located in a blue and white building, previously a town hall of Aljezur, the museum presents the facilities and historical sites related to the Neolithic and Islamic times in the region.
Sacred Art Museum,This museum, located next to the Misericórdia Church, is filled with sculptures, paintings, and other treasures devoted to religious topics.
Museu Pintor José Cercas,Opened in honor of the eclectic Portuguese artist José Cercas, this house museum was his actual residence and hosts a collection of paintings, ceramics, and sculptures depicting his life and art.
St. Anthony’s Museum,Since its opening in 1998, this small museum has exposed visitors to paintings, statues, and other items associated with St. Anthony and other religious items from this region.
Costa Vicentina Natural Park: Nature and Adventure
Nature and AdventureThe Costa Vicentina Natural Park, which stretches along the western Algarve coastline, offers an extraordinary geographical environment for practicing tourism associated with nature and landscape variety, such as trekking, cycling, ornithological tourism, horseback riding, etc.
Pontal da Carrapateira
Pontal da Carrapateira There is a most preferred walking trail within the park of Praia da Bordeira and Praia do Amado. The hiking trail passes over the sides of some cliffs and through the coastal regions of the Atlantic Ocean.
Accommodation Options in Aljezur
In Aljezur, there are different types of appealing options with a discriminating range of prices at everyone’s disposal. Herdade Monte Do SolCountry resort in Portugal, Herdade Monte Do Sol, has villas with private terraces and panoramic views over the countryside. Having an outdoor pool and serving fresh local breakfast makes the resort even more attractive.
Vicentina HotelThis well-equipped four-star hotel located in the town's vicinity offers comfortable accommodations with balconies, a swimming pool, and a friendly team. Daguasoul HostelEs muy conocido entre los surfistas; este alojamiento proporciona asequible, cómodo camas de dormitorio, y ambiente animado.
Best Time To visit
We recommend visiting Aljezur in late spring through early autumn, specifically between May and October. It is warm and sunny during these months, making it suitable for beach adventures, surfing, or exploring Costa Vicentina Natural Park. July and August are most popular since it’s hotter, and during the weekends many people go to Bisaya, while late spring and early fall are also good since the weather is moderate and there aren’t many people visiting.