The old part of Aljezur clings to the side of a hill. Cobbled streets wind their way up to the castle at the top. Until the 16th century, the river was navigable for ships and Aljezur was an important trading post. The main street runs parallel to the river from the bridge before corkscrewing up the hill. The old streets are lined by whitewashed houses with colourful trimming around the doorways and windows. Here amongst the picturesque cobbled streets, you'll find ancient churches and several small museums.

Igreja da Misericórdia church

The 16th-century church that once stood here was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755 and subsequently rebuilt. One remnant of the original remains near the Renaissance style entrance where a plaque attributes the date 1577. Within its somewhat stark single nave interior can be found some statues and religious art. One wing of the building houses the Sacred Art Museum (Museu de Arte Sacra).The Sacred Art Museum of Aljezur exhibits a collection of religious art, including sculptures and paintings. Formerly this part of the church was a home for the elderly. The Museu de Arte Sacra is one of the four museums in Aljezur that can be visited on a combined ticket. The others are: the Aljezur Municipal Museum, Casa Museu Pintor José Cercas and the Museu Antoniano Aljezur (St. Anthony's Museum).
June – September: Tuesday – Saturday: 09h00 – 13h00/14h00 – 18h00
October – May: Tuesday – Saturday: 09h00 – 13h00/14h00 – 17h30, Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
€2.00 (4 museums)
Rua S. João de Deus, 8670-079 Aljezur, Portugal. | 37°19'09.0"N 8°48'14.7"W

The Moorish Castle

Atop of the old town are the ruins of a 10th Century Moorish castle. During its long history, it has experienced many battles and rebuilding. In 1249 the Castle was taken from the Moors by the Christian commander Dom Paio Peres Correia, who subsequently gave it to the Order of Santiago Christian military-religious knights. It was finally abandoned in the 15th Century after any military importance of the sight became irrelevant. Its strategic position overlooking a great meander in the Ribeira de Aljezur rewards the visitor with amazing panoramic views of cork oaks, pine forests, fields dotted with wildflowers and the Atlantic on the horizon. It's a steep walk to the top, a consideration for those with aching knees or ankles.
24hr/7 | FREE
Castelo de Aljezur, 8670-156 Aljezur, Portugal. | 37° 18' 58.3" N | 08° 48' 17.2" W

Following the earthquake of 1755, there was a subsequent rise of disease in the old town, notably malaria. The Bishop of the Faro, Francisco Gomes de Avelar, commissioned a new settlement on the opposite bank of the river. Although the old town was never completely abandoned the town's commerce moved to the east bank.

Right on the riverside, you'll find the indoor Municipal market where each morning fresh fish, meat and vegetables are available. Close by also is the town's tourist information. The central hub of the new town is the Largo Promeiro de Maio square where in one corner is the 18th century church, Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Alva. Around the perimeter, you'll find a nice selection of shops and cafes.

Praia de Odeceixe

Only four kilometres (3 miles) from the village of Odeceixe, the beach lies on the mouth of the river Seixe which forms the border between the Algarve and Alentejo. The blue flag Praia de Odeceixe is a broad expanse of sand with plenty of facilities including beachside shops and cafes. At the northern end, there are steep, sheer cliffs. The small cove at the far southern end is designated as a nudist area. Where the beach is exposed to the Atlantic, the swell is enjoyed by surfers and the river offers calmer waters for bathers, although caution is needed when the tide is going out due to strong currents. During high season a road train takes people between the village and beach, albeit at a walking speed. | 37º 26' 31.9" N | 08º 47' 54.8" W

Praia da Amoreira

The Rio Aljezur meets the Atlantic at the southern end of this wide expanse of fine golden sand. The dunes that line the beach are a habitat for rare flora and are traversed by a series of wooden boardwalks. At low tide, a shallow lagoon is left on the beach that offers safe bathing for youngsters. Care should be taken at high tide by the mouth of the river as undercurrents here can be strong. However, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer season. When wind conditions are correct the surf here is lively enough to attract surfing enthusiasts. Facilities are found at both ends of the beach by accompanying car parks, such as beach bars, restaurants and toilets. | 37º 21' 07.7" N | 08º 50' 39.5" W

Praia do Monte Clérigo

Just south of the Rio Aljezur is the Blue Flagged Praia do Monte Clérigo beach, easily accessible off the main road just outside the village of the same name. Access to the fine golden sands is via wooden pathways and stairways. At the southern end of the beach are curious rock formations. The rock pools are a habitat for marine life. As with other beaches in the area when the conditions are right the waves attract surfers. There is ample parking and well thought out disabled access to the beach. | 37º 20' 26.9" N | 08º 51' 11.1" W

Praia da Arrifana

Eight kilometres (6 miles) southwest of Aljezur is the fishing village of Arrifana and the beach that shares its name. 500 metres of pale gold sands are backed by tall cliffs and the road down is steep. On these cliffs are the remains of a 12th-century Muslim fortress or "Ribat" that was home to Abu Alcacime Ben Alhocerne Ibn Caci, the independent prince of the first kingdom of the Algarve. Nearby there is also the remains of a 17th-century Christian fort. The pinnacle of rock that can be seen jutting out of the sea is the Pedra da Agulha islet.
At the bottom of the village wooden boardwalks guide you onto the beach. Popular with surfers and sun-worshippers alike, during the summer months, it is patrolled by lifeguards. There are toilets and showers close to the car park and in the village Arrifana there are several good restaurants and bars.
37º 17' 39.9" N | 08º 51' 57.8" W