This small agricultural town is situated within the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e da Costa Vicentina close to the border between the Alentejo and Algarve. Aljezur is bisected by a river in the old town surrounding a castle and the new town. After meandering around the old town the river Ribeira de Aljezur continues its way six miles through the nature park to the coast and the beaches of Praia de Arrifana and Praia de Monte Clérigo. Serene among the rolling hills of northwestern Algarve, Aljezur represents the authentic Algarve untouched by mass tourism.
| Igreja da Misericórdia church
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.
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
| Aljezur 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
José Cercas (1914-1992) was born in Aljezur. His house has been used as a museum since 1995. It contains a variety of Portuguese and international art, ceramics and sculptures. The is also a selection of Cercas' work on display as well as being an insight into his life. If the front door is closed, enquire at the municipal museum where the key is kept.
Tuesday - Saturday: 09h00 – 13h00/14h00 – 18h00, Monday & Sunday: CLOSED
€2.00 (4 museums)
Rua do Castelo, 8670-075 Aljezur, Portugal.
37° 19' 05.1" N | 08° 48' 14.4" W | +351 282 990 010
Built-in the 18th century this former chapel is now a museum dedicated to St. Anthony. Inside there's a plethora of paintings, statues, books, coins amongst other exhibits. This chapel became a museum in 1998 after a brief period of being a private residence.
Tuesday - Saturday: 09h00 – 13h00/14h00 – 18h00, Monday & Sunday: CLOSED
€2.00 (4 museums)
Rua do Gabão 9, 8670-086 Aljezur, Portugal.
37° 19' 06.1" | N 08° 48' 13.1" W
The town museum occupies the old town hall building and is divided into three separate areas of interest; an archaeological section, regional ethnography, and an art gallery. The museum showcases the regions rich history and culture. Within the archaeological section you'll find a vast array of prehistoric artefacts dug up locally including axeheads, polished stone & flint tools. The ethnographic section brings to life the development of culture experienced within Aljezur which incorporates an Islamic section consisting of locally produced ceramics.
Sunday, Monday: CLOSED, Tuesday - Saturday: 09h00 - 13h00/14h00 - 16h00
€2.00 (4 museums)
Rua João Dias Mendes 48, 8660-086 Aljezur, Portugal.
37º 19' 07.2" N | 08º 48' 11.5" 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.
| Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Alva
Aljezur is on the edge of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina national park. The park runs over 60 miles along the coast from as far north as Sines in the Alentejo south before rounding the Cape of Saint Vincent on the farthest South West of Portugal and past Sagres in the Algarve. The park contains some of the most beautiful unspoilt coastal landscapes in Europe. It is home to various unique species of animal and plant life. It is frequently visited by many zoologists and botanists from all parts of the world. The park receives far fewer tourists than other parts of the Algarve but attracts hikers, walkers, cyclists, bird watchers and other nature lovers.
The coastline around Aljezur is a treasure trove of rich marine life, numerous species of local and migrating birds and a beautiful mix of virgin beaches and peaceful river valleys.
| 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
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
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
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
| Praia do Monte Clérigo
Come and join Kate, Stimpy, Flynn and Jess the dog for a great escape located only ten minutes walk from the picturesque surfing beach of Praia de Arrifana. Set within the beautiful Costa Vicentina National Park the two storey modern villa offers a comfortable, friendly atmosphere where you can relax the minute you walk through the door – from cozy corners in the spacious living area to the hanging hammocks on the balcony.
Inconjection with Aldo's Surf School the Arrifana Retreat offers you a great surf package. From the absolute beginner to the experienced surfer, there is the right package for you!
Sector A Lote 64, PO Box 1797, Urb Vale da Telha, Aljezur, 8670-156. Portugal.
37º 17" 54.4' N | 08º 51" 07.9' W
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Set in Aljezur, a short distance from the Aljezur Castle, nine kilometres (5.6 miles) from Arrifana Beach Surf Spot and 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) from Canal Beach Surf Spot. Valley house Aljezur old town offers accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. This holiday home is fitted with two bedrooms, a kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and a bathroom fitted with a shower.
The holiday home offers a terrace. Water sports facilities are available on-site and both hiking and fishing can be enjoyed within close proximity of Valley house Aljezur old town.
Largo Rainha Dona Leonor 20, 8670-071 Aljezur, Portugal.
37° 19' 10.1" N | 08° 48' 13.8" W
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Surrounded by the green hills of Aljezur, this four-star hotel is a short distance from the Aljezur Castle. Featuring access to an outdoor swimming pool, the hotel is located within St Vincent's Coast Natural Park.
The property offers free WiFi and spacious apartments, studios and rooms overlooking Aljezur Castle or the outdoor pool. All of the modern accommodation comes with a private balcony, flat-screen TV and minibar. Each unit also includes a kitchen and a spacious living room. Guests are welcome to cook their own meals in the kitchen of their accommodation. The property's onsite Vicentina Restaurant features tasty Portuguese-style meals. Local restaurants are available at a five-minute walk.
Av General Humberto Delgado S/N Junto Aos Bombeiros Voluntarios, 8670 -001 Aljezur, Portugal.
37° 19' 03.6" N | 08° 47' 55.6" W
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A pleasant and tranquil location to enjoy a good pizza or pasta. Established in 1994 Pizzaria A Bica offers a quality Italian menu. It has private parking in secluded and peaceful place.
Weekdays: 10h30 - 02h00, Weekends: 18h30 - 02h00
Cruz Igreja Nova, 8670-999, Aljezur, Portugal.
37º 19" 13.3' N | 08º 48" 09.1' W
+351 282 998 693 | pizzaria_a_bica@sapo.pt
Popularity with local people is always the best recommendation, they know where the best food can be found and at good value. Although a small establishment there's ample seating when considering the outside tables. Primarily a fish restaurant but meat is also found on the grill. A worthy tip is to take notice of the "Catch of the Day"! A good selection or regional and national wines. A good honest and friendly place with an authentic Algarvian atmosphere.
Daily: 09h00 - 24h00, Sunday: CLOSED
Largo da Liberdade 12, 8670 Aljezur, Portugal.
37º 19" 00.8' N | 08º 48" 12.9' W | +351 282 998 104 | contact@pontape.pt | Website
Perched on the cliffs over looking Arrifana beach this is a popular place, busy at peak season and especially at sunset. The draw is the great seafood served here as well as the amazing views. Sometimes a little patience and sympathy is required for the staff as they struggle to satisfy demand. The choice of wines is good and well thought out and prices reasonable for the location.
Monday – Saturday: 09h00 - 24h00, Sunday: CLOSED
Ponte De Arrifana, Arrifana, Aljezur, Portugal.
37º 17" 46' N | 08º 52" 23' W | +351 282 995 184
contact@pontape.pt | Website
120 km (74.6 miles Northwest of Faro Airport
Website GET A GREAT DEAL ON FLIGHTS: |
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From Faro follow the signs to the A22 highway. Follow the signs for Portimao and Lagos and when on the A22, drive until the highway ends. From there just follow the signs towards Aljezur. GET A GREAT DEAL ON CAR HIRE: |
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The closest railway station is at Lagos where you can catch a Rede Expressos coach (see below): |
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• Eva Transportes run services across the Algarve linking the main resorts and towns, as well as a hostess service to Lisbon. Also worth considering are their tourist passes if you're planing to visit different places: Website |