A river divides Aljezur into the old town surrounding a castle and the new town. The old town 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, making Aljezur an important trading post. The main street runs parallel to the river from the bridge before corkscrewing up the hill. Whitewashed houses line the old streets with colourful trimming around the doorways and windows. Amongst the picturesque cobbled streets, you'll find ancient churches and several small museums.

Igreja da Misericórdia church

The great earthquake of 1755 destroyed the 16th-century church that once stood here. It was subsequently rebuilt, retaining few original features such as the Renaissance-style entrance where a plaque attributes the date 1577. Its somewhat stark interior has a single nave and houses some statues and religious art. One wing of the building contains the Sacred Art Museum (Museu de Arte Sacra). The Sacred Art Museum of Aljezur exhibits a collection of religious art, including sculptures and paintings. This part of the church is a former home for the elderly. The Museu de Arte Sacra is one of four museums in Aljezur you can visit using a single 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 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 abandoned in the 15th century after any military importance of the sight became nonessential. 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.

On the riverside, you'll find the indoor Municipal market selling fresh fish, meat and vegetables each morning. Close by is the town's tourist information centre. The beating heart of the new town is the Largo Promeiro de Maio square. In one corner is the 18th century church, Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Alva. Around the perimeter, you'll find a fine selection of shops and cafés.

Praia de Odeceixe

Only four kilometres (3 mi) 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 because of strong currents. During high season, a road train takes people between the village and the 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. A series of wooden boardwalks traverse the dunes. When the tide retreats, a shallow lagoon remains on the beach offering safe bathing for youngsters. Care is needed during high tide by the mouth of the river as undercurrents here can be strong. Praia da Amoreira is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer. When wind conditions are favourable, the surf here is lively enough to attract surfing enthusiasts. You can find facilities at both ends of the beach, such as car parks, 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. There are curious rock formations at the southern end of the beach. 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 mi) 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 with steep access roads. 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 are also the remains of a 17th-century Christian fort. The pinnacle of rock 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, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards. There are toilets and showers close to the car park and in the village of Arrifana there are several good restaurants and bars.
37º 17' 39.9" N | 08º 51' 57.8" W