Aljezur
Aljezur
Located in the Costa Vicentina where you can find beautiful natural landscapes, Aljezur is part of the untouched Algarve. Built on either side of the river running through the valley, it is a charming town featuring whitewashed houses and cobbled streets, very typical in the region. However, it is much quieter than some of the most popular towns, such as Albufeira or Portimão, so it makes a great choice for someone looking for a relaxing holiday destination in the South of Portugal. Here's everything you need to know if you're planning a trip to Aljezur.
How To Get Here
The nearest airport is located 120 km from Aljezur, in Faro. From there you can pop on a transfer or rent a car, which will be very helpful to make the most of the Algarve. Follow the A22 until the highway ends. As a point of reference, Aljezur is situated near the border between Alentejo and the Algarve, and only 30 km away from Lagos. The bus to Lagos does stop in Aljezur but if you're traveling by train, you'll have to go to Lagos and then you can pop on a bus to town.
What To Do
Aljezur is located 10 km from the nearest beach, Praia de Monte Clérido. Take the drive to appreciate the view of the Algarve countryside. Also, as Aljezur is part of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park - a strip of coastline protected from development - breathtaking views are guaranteed so make sure you stop to appreciate the beauty of Nature. If you're looking for an active holiday, there are plenty of fun activities you can do, such as cycling, horseriding, mountain biking tours. However, Aljezur is quite famous for being an amazing surf spot, so if you love surfing, making sure to visit Arrifana and Amado beaches.
What To See
One thing you cannot miss is seeing the ruins of a Moorish castle. Sitting at the top of a hill, it was built in the 10th century to protect the river port. Make sure to visit it as the entrance is free and the view is unbelievable! Then, head back down, cross the bridge to the new town and visit Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Alva church. Built in the eighteenth century, it is the oldest building in Aljezur. Located in the main square, it will be hard to miss. Here you'll find a variety of shops and cafes where you can sit with a drink and a good book to relax. To discover more about Aljezur's past, make sure to visit the Municipal Museum. Located in the former town council building, you'll be able to find art exhibitions, archaeological finds and a reconstruction of a traditional Aljezur house. It's fascinating.
Where To Eat
Located in a fertile valley, Aljezur is famous for its sweet potatoes and is actually the largest producer of sweet potatoes in Portugal. That said, they are present in a lot of dishes such as soups, stews, and pastries so make sure you don't leave Aljezur without trying them at Museu da Batata Doce. As for food in general, a few popular choices are Pont a Pé and III Geração.
Smart Tips
If you're staying in Aljezur, WarmRental recommends that you take a few day trips to discover nearby towns and get to know a bit more of the Algarve. Thanks to Aljezur's great location, you can either explore the countryside or coastline of the Algarve. In just 30 minutes you can get to Lagos, one of the most popular day trips from Aljezur. Here you can find some of the best beaches in the Algarve, as well as a historic center surrounded by medieval walls. A little bit further away, you can also find Sagres, the most southwestern point in Europe, featuring incredible landscapes.