The 14th-century castle stands on the spot where a Castro once stood. This iron age defensive structure would have witnessed the coming of many cultures over the aeons. In the 10th century BC, the Phoenicians established a trading post. The Greeks later followed in the middle of the eighth century BC and attributed to the growing population. The Carthaginians entered the Algarve in the sixth century BC and, following the Punic wars, Alcoutim became part of the Roman world.

The Roman garrison here was called Alcoutinium and the town steadily grew in wealth and importance. However, following the invasion of the Alans in 415, the town fell into decline. When the Moors arrived, they built a new defensive structure and Alcoutim's wealth grew once more. The remnants of a Moorish castle are found inside the 14th-century structure, built on the orders of King Dinis I.

It has since played a crucial role in defending Portugal's border and has encountered many skirmishes with Castile and later Spain. During the Restoration War against Spain in 1640, the ramparts were modified to accommodate artillery. A small archaeological museum within the walls of the castle opened in 2000. The "Museu Arqueológico de Alcoutim" traces the town's long and chequered history and houses many interesting artefacts.

April - September: Daily 09h00 - 19h00, October - March: Daily 09h00 - 17h30
Adult: €2.50, Concessionary: FREE
Rua 1º de Maio, Largo do Castelo, 8970, Alcoutim, Portugal. | 37° 28' 13.7" N | 07° 28' 18.5" W
+351 281 540 509 | geral@cm-alcoutim.pt | Website

The church originates between 1538 and 1554 and is thought to be the first Renaissance building erected in the Algarve. During its lifetime, it has been rebuilt numerous times. Over the porch is the coat of arms of the Marquis of Vila Real and Counts of Alcoutim with the characteristic emblem of interwoven holm oak branches and the inscription "Aleo". This inscription commemorates the raising of the Moorish siege of the city of Ceuta by Pedro de Meneses. There are three naves inside, with pillars decorated with handsome capitals. It comprises the main chapel and side chapels with carved retables. There is also an interesting collection of sculpted figures. In the sacristy, there are three ogival fanlights. 1 Largo da Igreja, 8970-061 Alcoutim, Portugal. | 37° 28' 18.5" N | 07° 28' 17.4" W

The Menhirs of Larajo sit on a hilltop six kilometres (4 miles) from the village of Afonso Vicente, northwest of Alcoutim. A large menhir was unearthed in 1998 before discovering fragments of two smaller standing stones in the same cluster. The stones date from the Late Neolithic or Chalcolithic period (3500 - 2800 BC). It's believed these structures were territorial markers, or to delineate sacred areas, according to some beliefs. One stone was moved to the archaeological museum in Alcoutim. The carvings and circular designs that embellish the menhirs are a testament to the skill of the ancient artisans. Standing tall at a height of 3.14 metres (10.3 ft), Lavajo I is the tallest menhir, and its phallic shape and dark grey colour are notable characteristics. The approach to the standing stones is via a gravel path. The menhirs themselves are protected by a perimeter fence. The gate may or may not be open.
Alcoutim e Pereiro 8970, Portugal. | 37º 30" 05.9' N | 07º 32" 06.3' W

The current building dates back to the 18th century. The current building dates back to the 18th century. It replaces a 16th-century construction, remnants of which can be found in the Manueline portal. Completed in 1573, it was the last work of master architect João de Castilho who died before completion. It was commissioned to be a funerary pantheon by King John III. At the time of construction, the hermitage was considered innovative. An ornate baroque stairway allows access to a spacious atrium, which offers magnificent views over the town and the surrounding countryside. Its whitewashed walls and round cupola, along with the bell over the main portal, are typical Algarvian features. Inside is the Núcleo Museológico de Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art), a collection of Sacred Art dating from the 16th to the 19th century, acquired from various churches throughout the municipality of Alcoutim.

Tuesday – Sunday: 09h00 - 13h00/14h00 - 16h30, Monday: CLOSED
Adult: €2.50, Concessionary: FREE
8970 Alcoutim, Portugal.
37° 28' 11.9" N | 07° 28' 23.1" W | +351 281 540 509
dctd.cultura@cm-alcoutim.pt |  Website

Five miles out of Alcoutim is an archaeological site comprising an old roman villa and estate. There are also remains of a Byzantine church in a plan of the shape of the cross. The ruins were exposed following a great flood of the river Guadiana in 1876. Excavation soon followed by eminent archaeologist Estácio da Veiga, yet it wasn't fully archaeologically documented until 1990. The site has "monument of public interest" status and is open to the public all year round free of charge. | 37° 24' 15.9" N | 07° 27' 38.1" W

Nineteen kilometres (12 miles) west of Alcoutim in the parish of Vaqueiros are the Cova dos Mouros Mines, close to the Chalcolithic settlement of Santa Justa. The park takes you back in time, starting around 2500 BC when mining for copper at this site was essential for the bronze age economy. Local archaeological finds in the area include scoria and clinker remains, casting crucibles, moulds and copper artefacts such as axes, saws and chisels). From the Iron Age inscribed funerary gravestones have been found and tombs and two fortified "Villas" from the Roman occupation dating from the 1st century BC. As visitors walk the 750-metre trail, they'll encounter replica dwellings, tools, a forge and model figures designed to recreate and follow the evolution of metallurgical here millennia ago, through the Roman era to the 19th century.

Low Season: 10h30 - 16h30, High Season: 10h30 - 18h30, Monday: CLOSED
Adults: €6.50, Children 5 - 10 yrs €5.00, OAP: €6.00

Parque Mineiro da Cova dos Mouros, 8970 Vaqueiros, Alcoutim, Portugal.
37º 23' 04.3" N | 07º 43' 43.8" W | +351 212 188 398
guadiana.parque@mail.telepac.pt