Costa Vicentina

The west coast of Portugal is a designated area called "Costa Vicentina". It is a protected nature conservation area without industry and pollution; only clean Atlantic air.

It is very different from the crowded and more populated central Algarve. Here you will find only discerning tourists and local people.

The Costa Vicentina Natural Park offers to the attentive visitors unforgettable impressions. The craggy outline of lofty cliffs that plunge into the foaming seas. Long beaches which stretch to the inner land in wide landscapes of dunes or tiny sandy coves like shells tucked away between looming rocks. The majestic shapes of Cabo São Vincente and Ponta de Sagres jutting indomitably into the ocean. Amongst plenty of other things this offers the charm of a landscape vibrant with natural beauty and so little touched by passing centuries that it seems barely to have registered human presence at all.

The Natural Park extends from Odeceixe to Burgau, a broad sweep that takes in approximately 80 km of coastline. It offers an opportunity to appreciate, hundreds of plants in their natural habitat. In an atmosphere full of sun and silence a true paradise for botanists and fanciers of plants!

The fauna is also very rich. In addition to foxes, wild boars, badgers, wild cats and rabbits, birds are the big attraction of the Costa Vicentina. In the creeks and wetland areas there are many species such as herons, storks, kingfishers and water hens.

The crags of the coast are home to raven, rock doves, pigeons, gulls, magpies and many other seabirds. Birds of prey, such as eagles, falcons, sparrow hawks and owls share the sky with more than thirty other bird species, such as blackbirds, nightingales whose singing is to be heard throughout the region.

The Neighbourhood

Vale da Telha - A small village with a hotel, two Bar / Restaurants, a cafe a Pub and two small supermarkets. There are several good restaurants and shops in Arrifana and Aljezur.

Aljezur – Situated in one of Europe’s most beautiful nature parks. Aljezur has everything for either a laid back or an active holiday. Discover and enjoy the hospitality of the people, the Algarvean cooking, the beauty of this natural park and ofcourse the wonderful weather. Aljezur is a small, town with restaurants, cafes, banks, a post office and a market hall where, every morning you can buy fresh fish, meat, vegetables and fruit. Wonderful beaches, clean and unspoiled are close by. The nearest beach is Arrifana - approx. 2km away with excellent surf. The beach of Monte Clerigo - approx. 6km, excellent swimming and sunbathing. The beach of Amoreira has a lagoon with calm, crystal clear water and a sand dune landscape. The bustling town of Lagos is a pleasant 30 minute drive away passing though some beautiful countryside. Quiet and unspoiled, Monchique is one of the loveliest regions of the Algarve, with its high, wooded mountains and glorious views. The forested slopes of the Monchique hills are shady and fragrant with eucalyptus, and the scenic route up to Foia, the Algarve's highest point (902m) ends with magnificent views.

Available facilities nearby

Surf Boards & fishing rods can be hired. The fishing on this coast is excellent. Bicycle riding - Walking - this area is a beautiful place for walking. Surfing - the national championships are held here. Swimming - many excellent clean beaches plus the garden pool. Horse riding is also available close by.

Getting There

A car is essential and from Faro airport by A22 motorway/N120 to Aljezur then Vale da Telha. Approximately 1 hour.

Airports - Faro airport approx 120km, Lisbon airport approx. 240 km

You'll find maps showing the location of Aljezur in Portugal if you follow the link to a map of Portugal, and a closer view of the area by following this link to a map of Aljezur.

Links to Useful Information about the Area

You may find the following websites useful in providing more information about the local area.

Travel-Portugal.com - Article on Aljezur

Virtual Portugal - map & links to further information

Strawberry World website - tourist information

Clix Holidays in Portugal site - with lots of links to more information

Portugal Travel Guide - Aljezur

The Algarve Network

The Algarve - a magical holiday destination

Aljezur.net - loads of local info & weather

Algarve - General Tourist Information - Section on Aljezur

Ideal Portugal - guide to Aljezur

Vale Grifo - guide to Lagos

World Travel Companion - where to go in Portugal