The beach is probably one of the first things that comes to mind when you hear the word “Portugal”. It is also likely to be one of the last when you hear the word “Alentejo”.  For most, the place to go for a swim in Portugal is the Algarve, and for good reason since its beautiful beaches have attracted visitors for decades.

But if you’re going on a summer vacation, the last thing you want is to face crowds when you’re trying to relax, and that’s when the Alentejo comes into play.

Being the largest region in the country, the Alentejo stretches from the border with Spain to the Atlantic Ocean and boasts a number of incredible sunbathing spots, often much less crowded, more unique, and cheaper than those in the Algarve. And you don’t even need to be on the coast to enjoy a cool dip in the Alentejo!

1. São Torpes Beach

This beach has the particularity of having the warmest water in the whole area due to its proximity to the thermal power station’s cooling system. It is also the first beach from Sines with the least polluted water.

For surfers, this can be a perfect spot, with several options, next to the jetty and in the middle of the beach with slightly bigger waves. The bottom is sandy, so there are no dangers of rocks.

2. Samoqueira Beach

It is considered by visitors to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (due to the divine scenery that surrounds and caresses us). Intimate, it meanders between the cliffs, offering emerald waters in a paradisiacal setting.

Caves, islets, natural pools, and a freshwater waterfall complete a mystical setting that enchants and captivates. No words can describe it, no photo can dignify it – given the magnitude of the view and the sense of a day spent there.

3. Pessegueiro Island Beach

This never-ending beach is not located on Pessegueiro Island, but it’s directly in front of it. Legend has it that there is even an underground (and underwater) tunnel connecting the island to the mainland, although no evidence has ever been found.

This beach is perfect for crowded days since it’s a bit further from the village of Porto Covo. Here, you can have an ocean bath with the smell of the countryside. The road to get there from the village is also one of the most scenic in Southern Portugal.

4. Malhão Beach

Quiet and wild, you can find it between Porto Covo and Vila Nova de Milfontes. It has areas with and without rocks and allows you to walk almost to Pessegueiro Island. The swell of the water is ideal for surfing.

Given its length, it caters to all tastes: you can spread out your towel next to other bathers or in a more secluded area. White sands complete this idyllic setting in the heart of the Alentejo coastline.

5. Furnas Beach

Located near Vila Nova de Milfontes, on the left bank of the Mira River, this is a river beach with a strong maritime influence. At low tide, the beach extends beyond the mouth of the River Mira, forming small coves in the sand between the rocks.

Water sports enthusiasts can windsurf, sail, or canoe along the river, where the waters are much calmer.

6. Almograve Beach

The Almograve Beach, also known as Praia Grande, has a very long and wide stretch of sand. It is located near the village of Almograve. The waters are a bit choppy, the result of the rocks breaking off along the entire bathing area. The top of the cliff is topped by large dunes.

To the north, the beach is bordered by a cliff protrusion called Ponta dos Azulejos and to the south by a similar one called Ponta da Ilha. In the center is the iconic Rocha Furada. From this rock to the south, the beach is known as Meia Praia.

7. Zambujeira do Mar Beach

This beach is surrounded by high cliffs, from where you can see a stunning panorama of the ocean. It is bathed by a sea with a strong swell, which gives it good conditions for sports such as surfing and bodyboarding. This beach is very popular during the summer, especially during the Sudoeste Festival.

To get a breathtaking panoramic view of the beach climb up to the viewpoint at the top of the northern cliff – the best place to photograph the sunset, where there is also the Chapel of Our Lady of the Sea, which dates back to the 1960s.

8. Amália Beach

The Amália Beach owes its name to the fact that it was the retreat of Portugal’s greatest fado singer. Amália Rodrigues had a house at the top of the cliff which she used to visit to replenish her energy.

The beach is wild and very beautiful. To find it, you walk along a path lined with a stream and tunnels formed by the vegetation. The view from the top of the cliff is breathtaking. A steep staircase and some ropes give you access to the beach.

9. Monsaraz River Beach

This recently-built beach has to have one of the most beautiful backdrops in Portugal, with the dazzling village of Monsaraz on top of its hill. It was only made possible by the Alqueva Dam, which gave the whole region a lot of new possibilities for leisure and tourism.

The Monsaraz River Beach has excellent infrastructures that provide visitors with all the support they could need: grassy and sandy areas, a picnic area and a children’s playground, a floating pool with a bathing area for children and adults, and the possibility of practicing various water sports.

10. Amieira River Beach

In front of a breathtaking landscape, it offers 600m of sand, making it the largest beach in the Alqueva Dam region. But that’s not all! It also has a grassy area where you can relax and enjoy the shade provided by the parasols. For the little ones, crystal-clear, shallow waters are the perfect option.

This little paradise offers excellent support infrastructures and access conditions. It already has three large parking lots, another for motorhomes, and a picnic area. You should also be aware that there is a first aid station at your disposal should you need it.

Over and Out

The Alentejo is quickly becoming Portugal’s most famous not-so-secret hidden gem and the endless possibilities it offers to those who visit it is its greatest weapon. Who knew you could sunbathe and take a refreshing dive in Portugal’s hottest region?

Well, now that you do, make sure to explore as many beaches as you can. A lot of them are not easy to reach, making them nearly untouched by outsiders. So make sure to bring a map. And sunscreen. Lots and lots of sunscreen!

In northern Portugal lies Peneda-Gerês National Park – a land of serenity hidden within dense forests. Covered in rugged mountains, mesmerizing waterfalls, serpentine roads, and long-standing castles and villages, the region is a top destination for anyone who wants to take a break from the mundane and dive deep into a natural and historical haven. Let’s take a look at 6 reasons to visit Peneda-Gerês National Park.

1. The Region Holds Geological and Archaeological Value

If you’re looking for a unique experience that will allow you to reconnect with nature on a deeper level and, at the same time, transport you back in time, Peneda-Gerês National Park is an excellent choice. Not only is it of undeniable beauty in terms of natural landscapes, but it’s also a true geological and archaeological treasure – a sanctuary that makes time stand still.

Although the oldest human signs in the park date only from 6000–3000 BC, which is unsurprising, considering the area’s geography), the park is home to granite rocks deposited 380–275 million years ago!

The Meda Da Rocalva granite landscape is regularly visited by thousands of tourists – no wonder it’s among the park’s most famous places! It is situated in Vilar De Veiga in the municipality of Terras De Bouro. Together with Roca Negra and Cutelo de Pias, Meda Da Rocalva is part of the group authorities call As três magníficas (The Three Magnificent Ones).

Furthermore, it is believed that the park was shaped into the landscape we see today during the Variscan orogeny that occurred during the Late Paleozoic. In easier terms, the Variscan orogeny was a geologic event during which mountains were built. Additionally, some hill peaks show glacier traces in the form of U-shaped valleys and flakey rocks.

In short, geology enthusiasts will undoubtedly have an amazing time in the park while immersing themselves in natural elements that formed millions of years before our time!

2. The Park Is Rich in Historical and Religious Sites

The earliest signs of human establishments in Peneda-Gerês National Park date from 6000-3000 BC. As such, you may stumble upon dolmens and other types of megalithic tombs dating from roughly 3000 BC. The park is also historically enriched by the Roman Geira road and the multiple mile markers.

Of particular fascination for tourists interested in the historical background of northern Portugal is the village of Vilarinho das Furnas. The territory was intentionally flooded in the early 1970s. During the summer, the low water levels reveal remains of the lost village, including once-inhabited houses and pathways.

Another tourist attraction located very close to one of the park gates is the Castle of Lindoso. It’s a medieval castle that further adds value to the region’s historical heritage and enriches any visitor’s experience. The castle is thought to have been built in the 13th century and has gained its notoriety for playing a significant role during the Restoration of Independence thanks to its location close to the border.

Amidst the vibrant nature of the park lies the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peneda (Santuario de Nossa Senhora da Peneda), dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows (Nossa Senhora das Neves). It is thought that she had appeared at the site during the Middle Ages, and consequently, the sanctuary was built in her honor.

In the first week of September, the sanctuary brings together thousands of people from both Portugal and the surrounding countries who, besides delighting in the natural beauty of the park, seize the opportunity to immerse themselves in a spiritual journey and seek solace within sacred spaces.

3. Peneda-Gerês Is a Botanical Gem

Do you always look forward to hikes and walks in the woods just to spot a plant in bloom? Are you usually on the lookout for particular trees or shrubs? If so, Peneda-Gerês National Park is going to be a haven for you!

The region is truly a national treasure in terms of vegetation. The park is situated between the Atlantic and Mediterranean environments, so it covers three climatic systems, which, in turn, are also affected by topography (mountainous, hilly areas). Consequently, the ecosystems it shelters allow for a highly diverse flora!

Depending on what park parts you visit, you’ll see European oak trees, butcher’s broom shrubs, maple trees, Portuguese laurel flowering plants, and even strawberry trees, which, despite their common name, produce gorgeous, round arbutus berries in autumn.

Almost 80% of the park’s territory is covered in bush and shrublands, which include European gorse, common heather, common juniper, pale butterwort, and marsh violet. Those who want to spot rare plant species should be on the lookout for the rare chain fern species growing along the river courses.

4. A Land of Wild Animals

A trip to Peneda-Gerês National Park is incomplete without spotting at least some of the animals residing in the area. In fact, it’s almost impossible to leave the park without seeing them! It’s not uncommon for visitors to be accompanied by feral cows or horses while walking or hiking through the park! A truly unique experience indeed!

Studies have shown that Peneda-Gerês National Park is home to 235 vertebrate species. Almost all are either threatened or legally protected, which means that the park is a top destination for people looking to observe rare animals in their natural habitats.

The gold-striped salamander, for example, is among the threatened species. It’s native to the park and can be seen in mountainous areas close to well-oxygenated streams. Another species listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List is the lovely European otter, which lives close to water sources.

The adorable European pine martens and the cute red squirrels are quite common but not nearly as abundant as roe deer, which are the symbol of the park.

Peneda-Gerês is home to roughly 100 Spanish ibex, which replaced the extinct Portuguese ibex. Garrano horses are highly common as well. They are not fearful of humans, so you’ll likely stumble upon some during your trip. As mentioned, wild cows play a significant role in shaping the park’s biome.

Bird-watching enthusiasts should undoubtedly add Peneda-Gerês National Park to their must-visit list! It shelters 147 avian species, most of them gathered in the Mourela region. You’ll likely spot yellowhammers, hen harriers, European honey buzzards, garden warblers, and others. Some protected birds include the red-billed chough and the snipe, which relies on Peneda-Gerês National Park as its only breeding place in the country.

5. Connecting with the Land and the Community

Visiting Peneda-Gerês National Park doesn’t only make for a pleasant trip to the heart of nature, it’s also a fulfilling voyage into Portugal’s soul.

The villages and settlements within the area provide tourists with an authentic, first-hand perspective on the country’s rural areas that transcends any language barrier. Just a quick glimpse into the day-to-day life of people living in those long-standing villages can unravel Portugal’s beauty from a different point of view.

In Soajo, for example, you’ll spot the famous espigueiros, the traditional granaries used to store animal feed. The oldest espiguerios date from the 1780s and some of them are still used by locals. Don’t miss out on Lindoso, as well, which, besides the castle and its espigueiros, has some awe-inspiring viewpoints and is close to Poço Negro Waterfall.

Another truly serene region that should be a must-visit destination for anyone looking to get rid of the urban busyness, reconnect with nature and their true self, and feel the sense of Portuguese community is Várzea in Arcos de Valdevez. It’s a very small settlement at the border with Spain. The village doesn’t even have roads for cars, so you have to park somewhere outside the village. 

Várzea overlooks the Lima River, which separates Portugal and Spain. Although the village probably doesn’t have properties for rent (that’s how small and local it is!), you can rent something in the vicinity and easily arrive there by car to spend a few hours exploring the surroundings! The tranquility and peacefulness you’ll experience are indescribable – a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

6. An Abundance of Natural Landscapes

Besides the land’s historical and wildlife richness, Peneda-Gerês National Park is (obviously!) a breathing proof of nature’s grandeur. The views you’ll enjoy are truly breathtaking! The Vale da Peneda viewpoint, the Pedra Bela viewpoint, and the iconic viewpoints from the village of Pitões das Júnias offer spectacular views of the beauties of Portugal that will charm you at once!

The region is also abundant in waterfalls and hidden gems where you can swim, bask in the sun, and enjoy the silence of nature. Don’t forget to check out the Fecha de Barjas, Arado, and Portela Do Homem waterfalls!

If you are a hiking enthusiast, you can embark on a lifetime journey by choosing one of the available hiking trails. They’ll unravel the beauty of the park from a completely different angle.

“There’s no sense in going further – it’s the edge of cultivation.” Crossing the Tagus River and leaving Lisbon behind may feel strange to most. After all, what is even there? All the videos you watched and all the books you read about Portugal only highlight Lisbon and the Algarve as if nothing else existed between the two. And, with limited time left on your holiday, you start to wonder if it might be just a waste of time.

But that is exactly how the Alentejo will dazzle you. That forgotten region stuck between the bustling capital and the wonderful beaches down South is a land where time stands still, stretching as far as the eye can see.

Once you first reach the south bank of the river, you’ll immediately start having second thoughts about your decision. Granted, it’s not the most scenic piece of real estate since, with time, it effectively became a suburb of Lisbon. But let Kipling’s words guide you: “Something hidden. Go and find it. Go and look behind the Ranges.”

Passing the hilltop town of Palmela – itself worth a quick stop – you’ll start seeing that the concrete gives way to golden plains and the vertical, uninspired construction is replaced by picturesque white houses, scattered around the countryside.

Our first stop is Évora, the largest and arguably the most important city in the Alentejo since time immemorial. It dates back more than five thousand years, first as a Celtic settlement and then as a Roman stronghold in the Iberian Peninsula.

Much of its history lays bare for us to see, such as the Roman Temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus, the macabre Chapel of Bones with walls covered in skeletons, or the Gothic Cathedral. It won’t be hard for you to understand why Évora’s old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.

But we push further East, to find a cluster of towns often referred to as the marble belt, each with a charm of its own. Estremoz is a great spot to stop for lunch. You can choose to have it downtown in the main square, decorated with well-preserved buildings; or uphill in the castle, where you’ll be able to get a 360-degree view of the region.

Next up is Borba, famous for its wine and marble quarries that have been explored since the Roman occupation of the peninsula. Remember the Roman Temple in Évora? Well, guess where its marble came from.

And finally, Vila Viçosa. You might be surprised once you see the gigantic palace that made this town famous. You see, during the 17th century, it became the holiday spot for the Braganza Dynasty who ruled Portugal up until 1910.

If you look at the map, you’ll probably think that we can’t possibly go further East without crossing the border, but there’s one last surprise along the way. Elvas is another UNESCO site in the Alentejo, and well worth a visit. You can see the Spanish city of Badajoz with the naked eye as you stand on the impenetrable, star-shaped Nossa Senhora da Graça Fort. This fortification was particularly important in the past as a defense against Spain and later as a prison. It was recently restored and turned into a very interesting museum.

Most of the Eastern part of the Alentejo is particularly interesting because it played a big role in Portugal’s independence. You’ll find castles and fortifications on every other mountain or hilltop here, and some of them are incredibly picturesque, like Marvão and Castelo de Vide. Each of these, crested on top of rocky formations, provides us with some of the best views the region has to offer. They are also not really on the way anywhere, so they’re also spots where you can enjoy the silence that characterizes the region.

A bit further South you’ll find Monsaraz, another village on top of a hill. But this one is different because it stands facing what appears to be an oasis. The Alentejo is characterized by its golden plains, but the Alqueva Dam brought new life to this stretch of land by creating one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe. If you choose to visit during summer, you’ll quickly realize how handy having a body of water nearby is. The cool water is the perfect reinvigorating contrast against the scorching heat that often goes above 40 °C.

And while you’re around, I would like to invite you to visit my hometown of Moura, just a few miles downstream of the Alqueva Dam. This quaint little town has a lot to offer to the few who make the trip there. The medieval castle is built on top of human settlements that date back to the Iron Age and it witnessed Roman and Moir occupations before being conquered by the Christians in the 13th century.

In the Mouraria, you’ll find one of the most charming and unique traditions in the Alentejo where the residents put pots of flowers outside their homes, creating a colorful explosion against the white walls of the houses.

Now it’s time to feast. You can choose any of the nearby villages of Amareleja, Safara or Pias to try some of the most delicious dishes typical of the Alentejo. My suggestion? You can’t really go wrong with Migas de Entrecosto or an Açorda. Both dishes have bread, water, garlic, and herbs as key ingredients and are testimony of the tenacity and ingenuity of the people in the region, who were able to create mouth-watering meals with the little they had available.

In fact, the personality of the Alentejo people is often mocked by the rest of the country. “They have a funny accent,” they say, not realizing that our accent is a testimony of the Arabic and Spanish heritage in the region. “They are lazy,” they declare, unable to distinguish stoicism from sloth.

In fact, just a few days in the Alentejo will make you see how unique its people are. If you spend a few hours in a bar or a tavern, you’re bound to get an impromptu Cante concert and understand how deep this music genre goes and how it perfectly encapsulates centuries of history and shared experiences.

And history is something Mértola knows a thing or two about. Now a UNESCO candidate site, it perfectly encapsulates the whole history of the Alentejo, with Neolithic, Roman, Visigoth, and Muslim archeologic sites. Once one of the most important inland ports of the region, it took full advantage of the navigable Guadiana River to become a strategic commercial town.

Nearby, the São Domingos Mine is worth a visit. This now-deactivated mine employed so many people that it even had its own village built. Now, it reinvented itself as a popular river beach that locals flock to as soon as summer arrives.

We’re down to the last leg of our journey as we head back West. The dry air starts to pick up some moisture and the cereal and earth smell fade as the salty breeze starts to take its place. After our tour, you’d probably never guess that we could see the ocean, right? But the truth is that the Alentejo actually boasts some of the best beaches in Portugal. And the city of Sines, the hometown of navigator Vasco da Gama, is a great base to explore the Southwest Coast. It is now one of the most important ports in the country, so it’s very well-connected and a booming place with music festivals and cultural events.

A few miles further south, you’ll find my two favorite beach towns in the Alentejo. Porto Covo is a small fishing village that has become a very popular summer spot. And even though it often becomes crowded nowadays, its church square is still one of the most picturesque places in the Alentejo, and the beaches nearby are breathtaking. There is even an island you can visit and explore. Vila Nova de Milfontes has grown to become one of the most popular towns in Southwest Alentejo given its charming houses, large beach, and affordable seafood.

And there, sitting on the beach with a salty, warm breeze passing by as you watch the sunset on the horizon, Kipling reverberates: “Something lost behind the Ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go!” By going off the beaten path and walking the least traveled road, you realize that your time was not lost but multiplied.

The choice is now yours to make. A thirty-minute drive down South will take you to the Algarve, whose fame precedes it. But the Alentejo is the largest region in Portugal and it has so much more to offer besides what was highlighted here, from its beaches to its quiet countryside or its white villages, there is something for everyone.

More than a destination, the region is a sensorial experience. The pure earthy air, the local gastronomy, the warm sun, the beautiful twilights, and the sound of birds chirping throughout the day are yours to enjoy.

So what will you do? Time is no issue in the Alentejo, so why not stretch it for a few more days?