Costa Vicentina is one of the most stunning and unreconstructed areas of Portugal, situated in the Algar and Alente districts. Stretching along the coastline, this striking natural park, rich in cliffs, virgin sandy beaches, and numerous landscapes, proves to be the perfect combination of active and visiting opportunities.
Costa Vicentina does it all depending on what one wants, be it hiking through coastal trails, sunbathing on isolated sandy stretches, or learning about history.
Join us to learn about Costa Victoria's highlights and things you should not miss while visiting this amazing cape.
Costa Vicentina Tourist Guide
1. Praia do Amado: A Surfer's Paradise
Praia do Amado is a top-rated beach in Costa Vicentina, and its popularity is well-founded. Due to its combination of waves and towering cliffs, Praia do Amado has become a popular destination for surfers worldwide. Whether you can ride and want to grab a wave or you are a complete beginner who wants to take a lesson, Praia do Amado offers excellent conditions. It is also a great place to just sit back and watch, or even enjoy a meal on the sand in the surroundings.
2. Praia da Arrifana: Secluded Beauty
Praia da Arrifana has a half-moon-shaped coastline and has cliffs around the bay, making views of the Atlantic Ocean breathtaking. This is one of the most beautiful beaches, catering to those seeking a more serene experience compared to the highly commercialized ones. The water is pristine and wave-free, making it ideal for swimming, and the nearby cliffs offer excellent hiking opportunities.
3. Rota Vicentina: The Best Hiking Trails
The Rota Vicentina, a network of more than 400 km of walking trails, showcases the highlights of Costa Vicentina. Spectacular views abound along the coast, particularly along the Fishermen's Trail.
The Historical Way presents another view of the park’s varied topographical features and takes you from the coast through pretty villages into the country. The trails are clear, and the park is suitable for all experience levels of hikers.
4. Fortaleza de Sagres: A Historical Landmark
On the far south coast of Portugal, there is a castle called Fortaleza de Sagres, which flourished in the 15th century as an important launching pad for Portugal’s golden age of naval exploration.
It was home to Prince Henry the Navigator, who funded explorers and explorations that put the world map together as it is today. Today one can walk through the fort walls, visit over the sea, and find out more about the maritime history of Portugal in a museum on the territory.
5. Cabo de São Vicente: The Edge of the World
The area of Cabo de Sovicente is considered one of the most stunning areas in the Costa Vicentina due to its stunning cliff formations that lead to the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery from this striking vantage point is truly breathtaking, particularly during the evening hours when the sun slowly sets, painting the sky in a variety of shades of orange and pink.
There is a lighthouse located at the tip of the cliff, and there are several tracks to follow throughout this region. São Vicente is also the most southern and the most westerly point of Sagres Portugal and was once known as the end of the earth.
6. Aljezur: A Charming Village
Aljezur is a village that holds a significant place in the region's cultural and historical heritage. Aljezur boasts a small cluster of white buildings, concrete houses with colorful balconies, and narrow cobbled streets.
The village boasts a unique archeological monument—the fortress of a Moorish chieftain from the 10th century, offering a breathtaking view of the current landscape. Aljezur also offers high-quality seafood, wines, grilled fish, and other traditional Portuguese dishes.
7. Praia de Odeceixe: A Family-Friendly Beach
The river Seixe meets the ocean precisely at this stunning beach. Wed within a sheltered bay, this stunning beach is safe for children with clear blue water and golden sand. Pie's curves create a natural lagoon, making it ideal for swimming and praying. You should also take a walk in the nearby village of Odeceixe, known for its windmill and its charming cafes.
8. Cacela Velha: Historic Village
Cacela Velha is a picturesque hilltop village with a complex network of streets, whitewashed houses with beautiful reddish roofs, and a fort built in the 16th century. It is famous for the great panoramic vistas over the coast and the close-knit Cacela Velha beach, which is a wide strip of sand with crystal water. Compared to other beaches in Costa Vicentina, there are not many people around, so it is a perfect place for a rest.
Activities to Experience in Costa Vicentina
Surfing and Watersports
Because of the regular swell and great conditions, it is common to find surfers enjoying the waters of Costa Vicentina. Both novice surfers and advanced surfers can easily find numerous surf schools and rental shops along the coast. Other marine activities include surfing and operating paddle boats, kayaks, and body boards, among others.
Hiking and exploring nature.
Trails cover a significant portion of its territory, earning Costa Vicentina its reputation as one of the best hiking regions. The Rota Vicentina is the most renowned route, offering multiple options to explore both the coast line and the countryside. During the hike, you are able to only see beautiful forests, valleys, and beaches while exploring the flora and fauna of the area.
Birdwatching
Having cliffs, wetlands, and river estuaries, the coastline of Costa Vicentina is particularly suitable for bird watching. Avifauna includes peregrine falcons, eagles, storks, herons, and many more. Scholars have also identified several migratory birds, making the park a birders paradise throughout the four seasons.
Best Time to Visit Costa Victoria
The recommended time of the year is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is fairly warm. This refers to the periods of the year when the temperature is not excessively hot or cold, there is a significant amount of rainfall, and there are fewer tourists in the area.
July and August are also some of the busiest times, but they may be too hot, and many people may be on vacation. If surfing is your primary reason for visiting, you can still find good waves during the winter months, despite the cold weather.
Exploring Costa Vicentina has become a must-do for anyone who has a natural-born love for nature, adventure, and history. Besides swimming and sunbathing at Praia do Amado or cat-watching at Alentejo, there are plenty of things to do, such as cycling or even walking the major Rota Vicentina trails