Coastal Alentejo

 About Coastal Alentejo

"We gave away the Algarve and kept the best for ourselves”

            
João Mendes - 2003

 Climate

Sheltered from Atlantic winds by the Serra da Arrábida mountains the Coastal Alentejo has a fabulous climate - as sunny as the Algarve but with more comfortable temperatures at the height of the summer (they average just a few degrees cooler than those inland or to the south of Portugal).

Think of Southern Europe’s traditional coastal resorts and picture the sun, the sea, the sand ….. and the hoards of holiday makers, the traffic jams, impossible parking conditions and packed beaches, bars and restaurants.

   Where then at the height of the summer season can you find a beautiful seaside destination offering the same facilities but without the crowds, the cars and sunbathers packed on the beaches like sardines in a tin?

 Welcome to the Coastal Alentejo region, one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets.

Traditionally a holiday destination for the Portuguese, this region has escaped the clutches of the international package holiday market and ruthless property developers. It has retained much of its national character and its people delight in colourful festivals, fairs, feasts, cultural events and traditional crafts. Naturally there has been some development but this has tended to be on a small scale. Planners have learnt from the mistakes that others have made by exploiting, and in some cases ruining, their coastal resorts. There are now strict limits on the density of future building and enforced height-restrictions to prevent soaring tower blocks.  At the same time, large swathes of virgin land have been protected to guarantee that they remain untouched.

With perhaps the best-preserved coastline in Europe, the beaches in this region are stunning - and generally remain unspoiled. About an hour's drive south of Lisbon Airport, the Coastal Alentejo begins in the Costa Azul (literally translated as the “Blue Coast”). Here the white sandy beach stretches for 100 kilometres beside translucent blue-green waters.  Further south, the two lagoon beaches at Lagoa de Santo André and Lagoa de Melides, together with the River beaches on the Sado offer safe environments for young children to play in the water. 

South of Sines, the coastline changes - it becomes more rugged with cliffs, coves, and lovely beaches that are usually situated off minor roads - some of which are terrific surf beaches. The wonderful Praia da Samouqueira is named after the extraordinary rock formations, and well worth a visit are the Praia da Ilha and Praia da Oliveirinha. The beaches near Vila Nova de Milfontes, on the quiet estuary where the river Mira meets the sea, have calm conditions suitable for children and others with excellent surf conditions. To the south, the unspoilt beach of Almograve sits beneath towering cliffs.

Inland, there are a number of rivers and barragems - many where water-sports are permitted:

Barragem de Santa Clara - the beautiful Santa Clara Lake is perfect for swimming, boating or fishing.

 Stretching south from the Tróia Peninsula to meet the Algarve, this area is the perfect venue for long summer holidays and short winter sun breaks.  Whether you enjoy:

• Golf
• Tennis
• Natural History 
• Swimming with Dolphins
• Architectural and Cultural History
• Wine and Food
• Canoing
• Cycling
• Diving
• Fishing
• Horse riding
• Jet skiing
• Mountain biking
• Sailing
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Water-skiing
• Walking
• Wind-surfing
• ... or just relaxing

Natural Historians will delight in the variety of wildlife here and enthusiasts mustn’t miss the boat trips to see (and perhaps even snorkel with) the bottle-nosed dolphins in the Sado Estuary, where the river meets the ocean creating channels, creeks and mudflats. The Dolphin has been adopted as the symbol of Costa Azul.

Otters together with more than one hundred species of birds, including the white stork, marsh harrier, flamingo and heron, feed on the molluscs, crustaceans and fish. For those who search for peace and quiet, exploring the natural reserves of the Tagus and Sado river estuaries is another excellent option. 

For those preferring more cerebral pastimes, the Coastal Alentejo has a rich historical and cultural heritage, which can be traced back to Roman times and the Moorish occupation. The region is peppered with mediaeval castles, renaissance palaces, imposing manor houses, churches, chapels and convents.

And what of the region’s food and drink?

Scattered down the coastline are many beach bars serving mouth-watering Portuguese cuisine including excellent fresh fish. Romantics will definitely enjoy sundowners before tucking into delicious fresh food accompanied by some of fine local wine!  Many of the local vineyards offer tours which culminate in wine tasting sessions – something not to be missed!

On the Southern Lisbon Coast, the town of Setúbal (situated in the foothills of the Serra da Arrábida and on the north bank of the wide Sado estuary) is a thriving port where the small car ferries shuttle back and forth from the Tróia Peninsula. 

There is a broad cross section of properties in this region which range from traditional Alentejano farmhouses and fishermen’s cottages, through to modern villas and apartments. Alternatively, if you have always dreamt of building a coastal property to your own design, there is generally a good selection of building plots available and the locations are as various – from remote seaside hamlets, vibrant fishing and/or market towns, to purpose-built closed condominiums.

Towns and Villages in the Coastal Alentejo

 ALCÁCER DO SAL

 This is one of Portugal's oldest ports. It has a waterfront promenade and a medieval quarter. 

At the beginning of October it hosts a regional fair which lasts for 3 days and is considered one of the most enjoyable in the South of Portugal.

  Recently benefiting from Government investment, renovation works have been carried out on the waterfront buildings and retain much of the original character especially back from the main street in the tiny cobbled streets of the old town.

A market is held on the first Saturday of every month and a flea market and car boot sale is held on the third Saturday of each month in the Praça Luis de Camões.

 Approximate Driving Time To Portuguese Airports:

• Lisbon – 1 hour
• Faro – 1 hours 55 minutes
• Porto – 3 hours 30 minutes 
  

 ALMOGRAVE

 This village has an unspoiled beach which lies beneath impressive cliffs.  It is surrounded by a landscape of great natural beauty with water fountains springing up along the shoreline.

Approximate Driving Times To Portuguese Airports:

• Faro - 2 hours
• Lisbon - 2 hours 25 minutes
• Porto - 5 hours

 CERCAL

This is a typical, quiet Alentejano village with most of its cafés set on the roundabout.

It is surrounded by interesting quintas (farms) and herdades (country estates).

Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:

• Faro - 1 hour 45 minutes
• Lisbon - 1 hour 55 minutes
• Porto - 4 hours 30 minutes

 COLOS

Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:

• Faro - 1 hour 30 minutes
• Lisbon - 2 hours
• Porto - 4 hours 30 minutes

 COMPORTA

 Comporta is a self-sufficient town. The nearest large towns are Setúbal and Alcácer do Sal.

Setúbal has extensive shopping with a choice of Supermarkets, a daily market, a good selection of restaurants and railway station (Lisbon 50 minutes).

 Approximate Driving Time To Portuguese Airports:

• Lisbon – 1 hour 20 minutes
• Faro – 2 hours 5 minutes
• Porto – 3 hours 50 minutes

 LUZIANES-GARE

 Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:

• Faro - 1 hour, 25 minutes
• Lisbon - 2 hours 15 minutes
• Porto - 4 hours 50 minutes

 MELIDES

 This is a typical small town on the Costa Azul. Close to the sea, it is a quiet place renowned for its tranquillity.

 Facilities include:

• Sandy Beaches – a short drive – with a child-safe lagoon
• Beach cafés

 Approximate Driving Time To Portuguese Airports:

• Lisbon – 1 hour 20 minutes
• Faro – 1 hour 55 minutes
• Porto – 3 hours 50 minutes

 ODEMIRA

 With a mild climate, an extensive coastline and a landscape full of contrasts - Odemira has become a popular holiday destination.

This is an attractive town with whitewashed houses and the river Mira contributes to the green parks and gardens.

Specialities of the local cuisine include: grilled sea bream; fish stew, "percebes" (barnacles), shellfish, conger’s stew and seafood rice.

 Approximate Driving Times to Airports:

• Faro - 1 hour 40 minutes
• Lisbon - 2 hours 20 minutes 
• Porto - 4 hours 55 minutes

 PORTO COVO 

This is a picturesque village featuring typical whitewashed houses trimmed with blue and an old fort that sits above the coved beach.

It has some of the most beautiful and well-preserved beaches in Portugal, protected by the natural park of Sudoeste Alentejano & Costa Vicentina.

A short boat ride away is the Ilha do Pessegueiro (Peach Tree Island) which has the ruins of a 17^th century fort.

• Lisbon -  1 hour 55 minutes
• Faro - 2 hours 10 minutes
• Porto - 4 hours 30 minutes

 RELIQUIAS

 A typical Alentejano village.

 Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:

• Faro - 1 hour 30 minutes
• Lisbon - 2 hours
• Porto - 4 hours 35 minutes

SABOIA

A typical Alentejano village.

 Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:

• Faro - 1 hour 15 minutes
• Lisbon - 2 hours 26 minutes
• Porto - 5 hours

 SANTA CLARA A VELHA

 This is a small, rural village which nestles amongst hills covered with holm oak groves.

The dam of Santa Clara forms a barragem and the tree-lined banks are a great venue for enjoyable summer afternoons.

 Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:

• Faro - 1 hour 15 minutes
• Lisbon - 2 hours 25 minutes
• Porto - 5 hours

SANTIAGO DO CACÉM

 The historic centre of the city has steep, narrow streets and a lovely main square formed by 18^th century mansions (originally built by rich landowners as summer retreats). It is dominated by a Moorish castle - this was rebuilt by the Templars in 1157 and from its walls there are wonderful views of the Serra de Grândola. Beneath the castle lies the city's park with  swimming pool, tennis courts, volleyball, badminton, children’s playground, and jogging and exercise tracks set in the pine-woods.

 Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:

• Lisbon - 1 hour 30 minutes
• Faro - 2 hours
• Porto - 4 hours

 SÃO TEOTÓNIO

Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:

• Faro - 1 hour 15 minutes
• Lisbon - 2 hours 26 minutes
• Porto - 5 hours

 SOLTRÓIA

 Soltróia is situated on the Tróia Peninsula and is a closed condominium originally founded in 1980.

It offers an extremely safe environment with unobtrusive and efficient 24-hour security.

All residents have use of the impressive Beach Club, which overlooks the Atlantic and has two large swimming pools.

Property owners enjoy golfing privileges at the Tróia Championship Golf Course.

It is situated on the Tróia Peninsula and regular ferries connect the Peninsula to the Costa de Lisboa.

 Facilities include:

• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Bars
  
• Beach Club with 2 Swimming Pools
• Tennis Courts
• Delivery service provided by Supermarkets
  
• Shops
• Shopping Mall
• Supermarket

 Leisure:

• Excellent Ocean and River Beaches
• Water-sports
• Boat trips to see the Dolphins in the estuary
• Golf – several courses within a 40-minute drive – Tróia Championship Golf Course - a 5 minute drive
• Sailing
• Tennis

 Approximate Driving Time from Portuguese Airports:

• Lisbon – 1 hour 30 minutes
• Faro – 2 hours 15 minutes
• Porto – 4 hours

 TRÓIA

 Situated at the northern most point of the Tróia Peninsula, the resort of Tróia is currently undergoing redevelopment works and plans include a Marina and Casino. 

Regular passenger and vehicle ferries run to the thriving port of Setúbal.

 Facilities include:

• Shops
• Restaurants

 Leisure

• Sandy Beaches – both on the Atlantic and the Sado River
• Boat trips to see the Dolphins in the estuary
• Golf – several courses within a 40-minute drive – Tróia Championship Golf Course a 5 minute drive
• Sailing

 Approximate Driving Time from Portuguese Airports:

• Lisbon – 1 hour 35 minutes
• Faro – 2 hours 20 minutes
• Porto – 4 hours 5 minutes

VALE DE SANTIAGO

 A typical Southern Alentejo village, about 20 minutes from the Barragem Monte da Rocha.

 Approximate Driving Times from Portuguese Airports:

• Faro - 1 hour, 30 minutes
• Lisbon - 1 hour, 50 minutes
• Porto - 4 hours, 30 minutes

VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES

 The town is in a lovely setting on the estuary of the river Mira and has a small castle. 

It is a popular holiday destination with the Portuguese and has a good selection of beaches that includes excellent surf beaches and others which are ideal for small children.

 Facilities include:

• cafés
• bars
• restaurants
• good selection of shops
• supermarkets
• Hotels
  

 Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:

• Faro - 2 hours
• Lisbon - 2 hours 15 minutes
• Porto - 4 hours 45 minutes

 VILA NOVA DE SANTO ANDRÉ

 This small town is situated close to the coast and the beautiful Lagoa de Santo André (lagoon).

Nearby is the Badoca Safari Park. Covering 90 hectares and set in a wonderful location, a mix of forest and Alentejo plain, the Park has 350 animals of 45 different species. This makes for an enjoyable day out for all the family...don´t miss the Safari Adventure...it's great fun!   

 Facilities include:

• Shops
• Mini-markets
• Restaurants
• Bars
• Cafés
• Banks
• Post Office

Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:

• Lisbon - 1 hour 45 minutes
• Faro - 2 hours 15 minutes
• Porto - 4 hours 15 minutes

 ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR

 This is a quiet and peaceful small fishing village. 

It is set in the protected area of the Natural Park of the South-west Alentejo and the Costa Vicentina – where there are beautiful and spectacular beaches of white sand set below basalt cliffs. 

 Facilities include:

• Local shops
• Bars
• Restaurants
• Banks
• Post Office
• Hotels
  

 Leisure facilities include:

• Cycling
• Fishing
• Horse riding
• Mountain biking
• Sailing
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Walking
• Wind-surfing

 Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:

• Faro - 1 hour 45 minutes
• Lisbon - 2 hours 40 minutes
• Porto - 5 hours 15 minutes

Golf on the Coastal Alentejo 

 TRÓIA GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE

TRÓIA GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE

This course is set in the north of the region, on the Tróia Peninsula, set in a stunning location.  Opened in 1980 and was designed by the famous golf architect Robert Trent Jones Snr who achieved a real masterpiece of golf course design providing a genuine test of skill for the lower handicapped golfer together with an enjoyable round for the more modest player. The front nine holes overlook the Atlantic, and some of the greens are small with naturally shaped defensive bunkers. The fairways are narrow and hemmed in by sandy dunes and pine trees. Situated on the Peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sado Estuary, Tróia Golf provides a genuine test of skill for the lower handicap golfer and yet provides plenty of enjoyment for the more modest of players. The Clubhouse has a first class restaurant with a large balcony overlooking the 18th green. Nearby the course is an excellent driving range, two putting greens and one chipping and bunker practice area.

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