Albeit the industrialisation that took place in Sines during the 1970s the Old Town (Centro Histórico) retains much of its original charm. Hiding within the narrow cobbled streets behind the castle, one can find a quaint small square and interesting eateries.

Vasco da Gama Monument

Sines' most famous celebrity was born in the castle in the 1460s although the actual date remains open to conjecture. Vasco da Gama became famous following his voyage to India between 1497 and 1499. His voyages expanded Portugal's global trading empire. The monument in his likeness faces the sea next to the west tower of the castle. It was created in 1970 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of his epic journey.
37° 57' 17.0" N | 08° 52' 01.6" W

Sines Castle

The deep waters around Sines made the town an ideal location for a harbour since the middle ages. The castle was built in the 15th-Century to protect Sines from Viking raiders and pirates. It occupies the spot where an iron age settlement once stood. The walls of the castle had to squeeze into an area defined by existing buildings giving it an irregular shape and small size. The walls are strengthened by three turrets, the tallest has three floors and great views out to sea through a mullioned window at the top. The castle was home to Estêvão da Gama, father of Vasco da Gama. Restoration work was completed in 2008 and the castle has been a Public Interest Monument since 1933. Inside the keep is the small Museu de Sines outlining the history of Sines and the Age of Discovery. Tuesday – Sunday: 10h00 – 13h00/14h00 – 17h00, Monday: CLOSED | FREE
Largo Poeta Bocage, 7520 Sines, Portugal. | 37° 57' 19.3" N | 08° 52' 01.4" W
+351 269 860 095 | museu@mun-sines.pt

Capela de Nossa Senhora das Salvas

This 16th-century whitewashed large chapel is classified as a national monument that overlooks the ocean. The architectural style is typical of Southern Portugal and is similar to Igreja de São Bartolomeu, also found in Sines. The main portal is Manueline in style and has inscriptions inlaid in its stone.
Wednesday – Sunday: 10h00 – 12h30/14h30 – 18h00, Monday – Tuesday: CLOSED

Praia Vasco da Gama Beach

The castle of Sines looms over the stretch of sand that is the Praia Vasco da Gama Beach. Located within the marina resulting in calm, if not a little oily, waters. The promenade is popular with strolling lovers and anglers alike. Nocturnal activities such as concerts happen here frequently. | 37º 57' 10.7" N | 08º 51' 54.5" W

The coast south of Sines has an undeniably rugged beauty, which albeit a few coastal villages, is mostly undeveloped. One hundred-kilometre stretch of this coastline is sometimes marketed as the Costa Dourada. Running south of Sines all the way down to the Cabo de São Vicente in the western Algarve. Much of this area falls within the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano & Costa Vicentina nature reserve and is protected by law. The remainder of our guide to the Alentejo Coast falls within the Costa Dourada.

From Sines, there is a minor road that hugs the coves and high dunes as far as Porto Corvo. The coastal road meanders past quaint coves and secluded beaches. Each beach is serviced by good parking there isn't very much else and amenities are non-existent for the most part. At Praia de Morgavel and Praia da Navalheira there are a few eateries thanks mainly to the nearby campsite.
37º 54' 26.3" N | 08º 47' 57.9" W

The beach widens at the Praia de Vale Figueiros and Praia da Oliveirinha beaches which have their own access roads. Surfers here take advantage of the wilder swell here. There's a beach café and surf school at Praia de Vale Figueiros. 37º 53' 42.4" N | 08º 47' 49.8" W

The coastal road continues snaking its way through grassy dunes past secluded beaches and beautiful landscapes. The waters of the Atlantic with shades of turquoise and blues lap up over extraordinary rock formations without a soul in sight. It's not until you get close to Porto Covo you'll see any number of fellow visitors. Several small coves offer some shade during the hottest days of summer.

Once a fishing village Porto Covo's main source of income now is tourism. There are enough vestiges of the town's heritage to make Porto Covo an attractive destination. In the centre, amongst the cobbled, whitewashed streets, is the pretty main square, Praça Marquês de Pombal. It has been tastefully restored and is a hub of activity. There are several quality restaurants in the square that specialise in locally caught seafood. The pedestrianised Rua da Vasco da Gama runs from here directly to the seafront and paths that provide access to the coves and beaches.

In the small harbour fishing boats still bob up and down but now are used for ferrying people to the Ilha do Pessegueiro (Peach Tree Island). Albeit the vast amount of visitors Porto Covo receives during the holiday season, the town does well to maintain a very laid-back atmosphere. Porto Covo is the destination of choice for those who want to avoid noisy bars and the party scene. The great number of holiday homes that have sprung up on the outskirts indicate are a reflection of the family-orientated holidaymakers who frequent here. Bus services connect Porto Covo with Santiago do Cacém, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Almograve and Zambujeira do Mar. | 37º 51' 25.7" N | 08º 47' 37.4" W | Find a hotel deal in Porto Covo ►

Praia da Ilha do Pessegueiro
This extensive sandy stretch is situated a few kilometres to the south of Porto Covo. It has a backdrop of sand dunes and coastal grasslands which is an ecosystem for rare fauna and flora. The view out to sea is dominated by the Ilha do Pessegueiro. On high ground close by a 16th-century fort (Forte de Nossa Senhora da Queimada) overlooks the beach. The feels secluded and offers a quiet hideaway from the busier beaches closer to Porto Covo. A few basic facilities are located here, including a car park and a café, but the beach is not patrolled by lifeguards.

From the beach, you can take a boat ride to Ilha do Pessegueiro (peachtree island), although you won't find any peach trees there. Instead, there are remains of the Forte do Santo Alberto. Here too there are Roman ruins. It is believed that the name of the island is derived from the Latin word "piscatorius" which means a fish salting factory. | 37° 49' 47.6" N | 08° 47' 31.3" W

Praia do Queimado – Praia da Angra da Barrela
Further south the beaches become even more remote and isolated. Long stretches of narrow sands, backed by grassy dunes, run eight kilometres (5mi) continuously from Praia do Queimado and Praia da Angra da Barrela. Here access roads tumble over bumpy terrain and a network of coastal paths is a great choice for hiking. Accommodation in the area is rural yet prices are surprisingly modest.

Dating from 3,000 years ago in the Iron Age, Miróbriga are the remains of a Roman city that was occupied up to the fourth century AD. It is a large archaeological network that has several nuclei: a commercial area, well-preserved thermal baths, a hippodrome for chariot racing, a sanctuary and an urban area. The forum was located in the town's highest elevation and once contained temples dedicated to the imperial cult and the goddess Venus. The southern area contains the ruins of shops and a tavern. The first floors of certain houses and temples have been excavated. There is a new interpretation centre that offers a deeper understanding of the site. The whole site is classified as IIP - Imóvel de Interesse Público (Estate of Public Interest).

Tuesday – Sunday: 09h00 – 12h00/14h00 – 17h30, Monday: CLOSED
Herdade dos Chãos Salgados Santiago do Cacém, Portugal. | 38° 00' 07.1" N | 08° 40' 45.9" W
+351 269 818 460 | mirobriga@ippar.pt

A memorable day out for the whole family. Badoca Safari Park is a little piece of Africa in the Alentejo. During the safari bus tour, you will encounter numerous animals in their natural habitats, such as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, wildebeests, ostriches, buffalos – to name but a few. You'll also meet birds of prey, families of chimpanzees and baboons.

The remainder of the park is explored on foot and an island with lemurs where you can pay an extra fee can hand-feed the animals. There are also enclosures with tigers, meerkats, kangaroos, aviaries and a children's farm with donkeys and goats.

170, 7501-909 Vila Nova de Stº André, Portugal. | 38º 02´ 29.3" N | 08º 44´ 40.0" W
+351 269 708 850 | badoca@badoca.com | Website