Alentejo Coast: 6 places not to be missed in Southeast Portugal

Summer season is just around the corner, and it is in the Natural Park of Southeast Alentejo, better known - as Costa Vicentina - that you can find the most stunning beaches in the country. Whether they are urban or wild, there are plenty to choose from. We have selected 6 places not to be missed this summer on your visit to Portugal.

From Costa Vicentina to the Alentejo coast, there are plenty of names for the Natural Park of Southeast Alentejano. There, the natural beauty is indescribable. From the color of the sea to the size of the sandbanks, there are a lot of places to discover and relax, as well as secret beaches capable of charming anyone who visits the region. Our route begins in Vila Nova de Santo André and ends in the picturesque village of Odeceixe:

Santo André Lagoons

The Natural Reserve of Santo André Lagoons and Sancha stretches over 16km of natural beauty and overlooks landscapes. With great biological importance, the Santo André and Sancha lagoons attract numerous wonders of natural wildlife, namely aquatic birds, which compose a magnificent scenery of natural reed beds, willows, ocean plants, pine forests, dunes, and long white sandy beaches.

Source: All About Portugal

Porto Covo: Pessegueiro Island 

Just a 10-minute amazing boat ride off the coast, this a place of history, where poets and musicians sang about the amazing island around the shores of the picturesque village of Porto Côvo. On top of the Island, it is possible to visit the old Santo Alberto fort, during summertime, once used as a port refuge by the Romans and Carthaginians. Nowadays, the island offers great conditions to practice water sports such as windsurfing, canoeing, and scuba diving. 

Source: Visit Portugal

Cabo Sardão

The most Western point of Europe! And to the natural beauty of this Portuguese coast, adds the heritage built by civilization. At the top of the cliff travelers can find a small lighthouse, once used to guide fishermen out to sea on their nightly expeditions. It is one of the best-hidden treasures of Alentejo Coast and the perfect place to admire wildlife such as white stork nests.

Source: Light Cyclopes

What are the best hidden and natural secrets of Costa Vicentina?

Going a little further south, in addition to the fantastic flora and fauna of this region, travelers can also discover breathtaking beaches, such as: 

Furnas beach

In the year 2012 was elected "Best River Beach" in the 7 Wonders of Portugal Beaches. The beach of Furnas is located near Vila Nova de Milfontes, on the banks of the Mira River. Most sought-after for its tranquility, it combines the best of both worlds: the ocean and river, all in one, perfect for a family day!

Source: Guia da Cidade

Amália beach

Hidden away on the Alentejo coast, is the beautiful Amália beach, named after the famous Portuguese fado singer who sang the name of Portugal around the world. It is known to be her refuge away from the spotlight. A hidden and almost deserted paradise, with a small beach and a tiny natural waterfall, falling from a cliff, making this the perfect beach to relax and rest from the flow of other popular beaches. The access is surrounded by bushes and trees, passing a small and fresh stream, making this a stunning route for nature lovers.

Source: Journal i Sapo

Praia de Odeceixe

The most beautiful treasure of the Vicentina Coast is around a traditional marine village, nestled in a small valley with a paradisiacal landscape. Located between cliffs, Odeiceixe Beach it is cut in half by the Ceixe stream, which separates the Alentejo from the Algarve. This beach has a wide aquatic channel of sand between the sea and the river, which flows into the northern end of the beach, where several low-water lagoons are formed, ideal for a quiet swim. 

The natural surroundings are breathtaking! It is also possible to rent canoes and stroll along the river, home to animals such as the otter, the grey heron, and the colorful kingfisher.

Source: Ekonomista Journal

The Natural Park of Southeast Alentejo is undoubtedly a treasure to be discovered. The ideal destination to be visited all year round! It has countless land routes, leisure activities and stunning sceneries to be embraced. To these wonders described above, it is mandatory to add Samoqueira Beach, Tonel, and Arrifana, where travelers can relax and enjoy the fresh seafood and amazing gastronomy of the picturesque villages around Vicentina Coast. 

Read more about Mercan Properties on Vicentina Coast, here!