Aljezur is the ideal destination for a few days of rest. A natural paradise, full of dreamy beaches, excellent food and lots to see.
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Aljezur remains a very well kept secret when it comes to the Alentejo coast.
A substantial part of this statute is obviously due to the fact that the council is, almost in its entirety, integrated into the Costa Vicentina Natural Parkwhich prevents many of the urban attacks that are emerging in other areas of the country.
But the truth is that the whole landscape is breathtaking. If you can’t escape the whitewashed houses and towering castle in the city center (built before the nationality, but badly damaged by the brutal 1755 earthquake), are the monumental beaches, guarded by stunning cliffs, which are a substantial part of its fame.
To get a more accurate idea of everything there is to discover and do in this enchanted place, check out the 7 good reasons we leave you to go to Aljezur and enjoy all the charms of the Vicentine coast.
7 good reasons to go to Aljezur
This village was founded by the Arabs in the 10th century. Its urbanization has a Moorish-medieval layout.
A substantial part of its houses still show Arab influence, in buildings made of rammed earth and whitewashed.
During the Islamic presence, the village was known for its fish and shellfish, salt marshes and fertile land, which explain the existence of a village of peasants and fishermen. Much of this past is still evident in the village and its characteristics.
Other places to visit:
- Bordalete pine forest
- Bordeira village
- Carrapateira village
- Portinho do Forno
- village of Odeceixe
- Portinho da Zimbreirinha
The Municipal Museum of Aljezur is located in the former building of the Aljezur City Hall and has a vast collection, divided into three spaces: the Archaeological Nucleus, the Ethnographic Nucleus and the Islamic Room of the “Andalusian Legacy”.
Other museums and centers to visit:
- Museum of the Sea and Land of Carrapateira
- Sacred Art Museum Mons. Manuel Francisco Pardal
- House-Museum Painter José Cercas
- Cellar – Museum of Odeceixe
- Antonian Museum
- Odeceixe mill
The Igreja da Misericórdia has a Renaissance portal dating from 1577. Its interior only has a nave, a pulpit, tributes with wooden stalls, a small triumphal arch and a main altarpiece made of wood, enriched with decorations in baroque carving from the transition to the rococo.
After the 1755 earthquake, this church was rebuilt, undergoing interventions during the 18th and 19th centuries.
In addition to the venerated rock images – Nossa Senhora da Soledade, Santa Isabel and Santa Maria Madalena –, there are cult implements such as a silver chalice with paten and two damask chasuble vestments, from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Other churches to visit:
- Parish Church of Carrapateira
- Parish Church of Bordeira
- Parish Church of Odeceixe
- Mother Church of Our Lady of Alva
This is an interesting site to visit, not only for its archaeological and historical value, but also for the various legends associated with this place.
One of these tales says that there is an underground passage that connects the fountain to the castle and there, when the town was conquered, a beautiful Moorish girl in love with a Christian was hidden.
Other monuments to know:
- Fortress and Church of Carrapateira
- Arrifana Fortress
- Aljezur Castle
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archaeological heritage
The Vale da Telha Necropolis corresponds to a funerary space from the Bronze Age (c. 1500-1300/1200 BC).
It consists of 18 tombs, in funerary chambers lined with slabs, of the cist type, covered by tumuli, with varying dimensions, of stones and earth. Plants exhibit rectangular, oval or circular shapes.
Other archaeological finds:
- Islamic village of fishermen
- Silos da Barrada – Aljezur
- Rîbat da Arrifana
It is true that the weather is not inviting for diving, but the beaches of Aljezur are worth it for the scenery.
Praia de Odeceixe, for example, was classified as one of the 7 Wonders – Beaches of Portugal and is located in the extreme north of the municipality of Aljezur. Thanks to its river beach, it is possible to bathe in the sea and in the river.
Another feature is its towering shale and graywacke cliffs, typical of this region.
In addition to the beautiful landscape, its biodiversity and conditions for observing birds, such as the white stork, the peregrine falcon or the red-billed crow, are magnificent.
Here is the only Natural Park in the world where it is possible to observe the storks that nest on the sea cliffs.
Other beaches to visit:
- Canal Beach
- Carriagem beach
- Praia da Samoqueira and Barradinha
- Praia das Adegas
- Bordeira beach
- Men’s Valley Beach
- Amado Beach
- Vale Figueiras beach
- Amoreira beach
- Monte Clerigo beach
- Arrifana beach
Aljezur’s gastronomy is rich and diverse. In these lands, be sure to try fish (bream, bream, sea bass) and shellfish (sea urchins, limpets, mussels and barnacles), game (rabbit and wild boar), local products (sweet potatoes and beans) and death foods -of pork.
In the field of confectionery, you must try the pastries, the cake, the sweet potato pudding and the fritters, covered with sugar syrup or honey.
