Road Trip in Portugal: the Alentejo

The Alentejo usually isn’t a top-of-mind destination when thinking of Portugal. And yet this area is dotted with small villages and rich in nature, ideal for those looking for a bit more peace than the more touristy Algarve region. In this article we list the destinations we reached following only the Atlantic coast aboard our van. If instead you’re planning to visit Porto, Lisbon or the Algarve, head to the general article.

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Alcácer do Sal:

Alcácer do Sal sits on a gentle hill overlooking the right bank of the Sado river, and its at-times melancholic little streets climb up to the castle. If you find it free, swing on the giant swing that lets you fly over a 360-degree open view.

• Day 2 - Sines:

Sines is an old fishing village, transformed by tourism and industry. The remains and walls of a medieval castle still stand, though, offering a view over the whole bay. The town is said to be the birthplace of Vasco da Gama (1468-1524). Not far from Sines we recommend Porto Covo beach: there’s some litter (we tried to clean it up as much as we could), but it offers genuinely breathtaking views!

• Day 3 - Vila Nova de Milfontes:

Vila Nova de Milfontes has a lively historic centre and splendid beaches nearby, as well as a mild climate that makes it a destination overrun in summer. It’s located between the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina and boasts a still-active harbour.

• Day 4 - Zambujeira do Mar:

  Zambujeira do Mar is a small fishing village. In winter it feels lonely and melancholic, while it comes alive in summer, mostly thanks to water-sports tourism.

  

• Day 5 - Bordeira:

  Bordeira is very close to the village of Carrapateira, from where you access the beach via a paved road. Not far away you’ll also find the village of Aljezur, with colourful houses and wonderful walks along the cliffs.

Fun facts

In these areas we recommend travelling without a fixed destination and without rushing. We followed the coast, parking at spots where the sunset gave us images worthy of a painting.

Our vlog

You can find the full series of our adventures in Portugal at this link  .