For a little history lesson and incredible views, head to the Aljezur Castle on top of the hill in Aljezur. The Castle dates back to the 10th century and offers stunning views of the whitewashed houses below and the Monchique Mountain in the distance. Aljezur is also home to sandy coves, dunes, fields, and valleys, making it the perfect place to enjoy all of the natural beauty Costa Vicentia has to offer.
From Aljezur, head to Sagres where you'll find a medieval fortress, a beautiful chapel, and a 140 foot Rosa dos Ventos, or compass rose. Head to the cape to view the beautiful, and powerful, lighthouse and revel in the sight that was once considered to be the world's end in medieval times.
Cities
Costa Vicentina is divided into many small villages, although with so much agriculture in the area, some villages are more tourist friendly than others. These villages and towns offer some of the best experiences for visitors, and also some of the best of
Portugal's beaches.
Odeceixe: A small beach town which marks the northernmost point of the Costa Vicentina coastline.
Burgau: A small fishing village situated on top of a hill, with a lovely beach located at the bottom of the hill. The village marks the southernmost point of the coastline.
Vila do Bispo: A village best known for their tiled covered parish church
Sagres: A popular town on the cape which was once thought to be the world's end in medieval times.
Aljezur: A beautiful small village with classic Portuguese architecture and stunning natural scenery, making it a fantastic place for walking and hiking.
The main activities in Costa Vicentina involve hiking or spending the day in the sea. For hiking, there's the Rota Vicentina, which is a network of hiking and walking trails along the incredible coastline of the area. All of the trails are very well marked and venture through both small villages on the coast and the wild coastline itself.
When it comes to spending time in the sea, you have countless beach options running up and down the coast. If you want something more secluded, head to the Praia das Adegas which is hidden behind cliffs. Vale dos Homens, Amoreira and Monte Clerigo are more popular beaches set along the cliffs and offer great views of the coastline. Then there is Praia do Amando who has hosted many international surfing competitions, making this the prime beach for those looking to learn how to surf. Throughout many of the beaches you'll find companies offering activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, and explorations through the underwater caves.