A relaxing break or an action-packed surf holiday, try Aljezur PortugalWhere is Aljezur PortugalYou’ll find Aljezur in the Western Algarve about 49 km north of Sagres up the EN268 and across the hills 35 km west of Monchique along the EN267. If you get the chance it is a rewarding drive from Monchique through the woods, fields and gentle slopes covered with wild flowers.Aljezur is located on the eastern side of the Costa Vicentina national park, which is one of Europe's most beautiful nature parks. It is also only 8 or so kilometres to some wonderful and rugged beaches characterising the west Algarve coast and the full force of the Atlantic Ocean.  Aljezur itself is really just a large village, although it’s probably the biggest in the Western Algarve. It is divided into two by a valley with its river and lush farmland. The older part, dating back to the 10th Century, located next to the river winds up the hill to the remains of the Moorish castle on top. Whitewashed buildings cascade down the hillside giving a great opportunity from some wonderful photos. At the bottom is the river, with the road across the bridge leading to the east and the newer part of the village, Igreja Nova. This was built in the 18th Century after Aljezur suffered much damage at the hands of the great earthquake of 1755. Aljezur is an Algarve holiday destination which attracts surfers on one hand, who come here for some of the best surfing in Europe, and on the other, families who want a quieter more relaxed holiday, but with access to some great beaches for the kids. It is also popular with groups of walkers and birdwatchers who are here for the fantastic scenery and closeness to nature. The village caters fairly well for the holidaymaker. There are a number of supermarkets and mini-markets and plenty other shops, restaurants, pubs, and cafes.There are also many other activities such as horse riding, tennis, surfing and much more. Beaches in and around Aljezur PortugalThere are some fantastic beaches in the area which are generally uncrowded, certainly by central Algarve standards. Some are Blue Flag beaches, some have facilities, and some are unsupervised even in the high season. Beware though as some of the beaches have some serious under-currents can be a dangerous place for the unwary swimmer or surfer.Here are details of some good beaches in the Aljezur area: Amoreira and Monte Clerigo beaches About 8km north-west of Aljezur, are the beautiful beaches of Amoreira and Monte Clerigo (Blue Flag). They are next to each other, just separated by rocks. Both are large sandy beaches backed by dunes with facilities (and parking), so are great for families. During the high season, both are supervised. Practically on the beach at Monte Clerigo is a small holiday village, which has a couple of restaurants and a snack bar. Arrifana beach Arrifana beach is a Blue Flag beach forming a bay sheltered by cliffs. Here, you’ll also find a pretty little fishing port, the ruins of a 17th Century old fort and some great views along the coast. Facilities are pretty good, with toilets, showers, parking and a restaurant at the beach, which is also supervised in the high season (the beach, not the restaurant!). Bordeira and Amado beaches Both Bordeira and Amado beaches are extensive cliff-backed stretches of sand separated by a rock formation. Bordeira beach is a relaxing, quiet beach with no facilities, although it is supervised during the high season. Amado beach is surfers paradise, so unsurprisingly is well served with bars and is supervised during the high season. Surf championships are regularly held here. Other beaches in the Aljezur area Samouqueira beach A small and little frequented beach. It has no facilities and is unsupervised. Vale dos Homens and Carriagem beaches are close to Rogil, these are quiet, little frequented beaches, ideal for naturists. Vale dos Homens is supervised in the high season, while there is no supervision at Carriagem beach Vale Figueiras and Canal are beaches of great beauty that see few visitors. Vale Figueira is an extensive sandy beach, south of Aljezur, close to Alfambras. Although there are no facilities, it is supervised during high season. Praia de Canal is a small pebble beach, of interest only to surfers. It has no facilities and unsupervised Aljezur things to doAlthough not what they once were, there are still some bargains to be had for leather goods and clothing at the weekly Gypsy Market, which is held in Igreja Nova on the third Monday of every month.Surfing The area is a popular place for surfers and body-boarders with the rollers crashing in from the Atlantic, which are amongst the best in Europe. The best surf beaches are to be found at Arrifana, Carrapateira, Monte Clerigo and Amado. Surf schools offer instruction for all levels. Golf There are no golf courses in the immediate area. The nearest ones are on the southern coast between Lagos and Burgau. These are Parque da Floresta golf course, Boavista golf course and Palmares Golf course
Places to visit around Aljezur PortugalMuseumsThere are a few museums in Aljezur. Two of the better are the José Cercas Museum which houses paintings by this local artist as well as other art and furniture. It is located in a house in the Rua do Castelo. The other is the Aljezur Municipal Museum located in the original town hall. Here you’ll see archaeological treasures, dating back to the Bronze Age, as well as other historical artefacts. Aljezur Castle If you’re feeling up to it, a steep cobbled path leads up the hill to the remains of Aljezur castle. It was built in the 10th Century by the Moors, but apparently the site has been occupied since the Iron Age. Its walls, ramparts and towers are well preserved and there are some fantastic views from here, over Igreja Nova and to the Monchique mountains. The Pillory In Largo 5 de Outubro is the pillory, which are like stocks, to hold criminals (not nowadays you’ll be glad to hear), where they could be publicly humiliated and abused. Churches There are a couple of churches worthy of a visit. The first is the 16th Century Misericordia Church which has undergone considerable restoration in the last few years. The other is the 18th Century ‘New’ church, in Igreja Nova, which gave it its name to this part of the village. Nearby villagesVale da TelhaVale da Telha is located between Monte Clérigo, Arrifana. It has a few restaurants and bars. Worth seeing are the archeological excavations at Ponto de Alalaia. Bordeira Bordeira is charming and traditional, surrounded by hills. Not too much going on here, but you could visit the 18th Century church. Good beach and restaurants at nearby Carrapateira where you’ll find a fortress high on the cliffs. Rogil Rogil is a pretty little village located on a hill, in between Aljezur and Odeceixe. Costa Vicentina Natural Park If you want to enjoy nature, with a vast array of wildlife, flora and fauna, then visit the Costa Vicentina natural Park. It is one of the few places yet to be affected by tourism. It hugs the west coast of the Algarve and extends all the way from Odeceixe to Burgau, some 80 km or so. Walking and bike tours can be arranged through the area. Accommodation in Aljezur PortugalThere are a few hotels in and around Aljezur as detailed below. Apart from these you may be able to find privately owned rooms for rent. Alternatively there are Aljezur villas to rent in the surrounding areas, particularly in Vale da Telha.Hotel Vale Da Telha  26 rooms with restaurant. Closed during the winter months. Vale da Telha Apartado 101 8670-156 Aljezur Portugal Contact Tel: 282 998 180 Albergaria Paisagem Do Oceano Hotel  Lote 110 Picão de Baixo 8670-158 Aljezur Portugal Contact Tel: 282 990 240 Alto da Lua 11 rooms Serra do Espinhaço de Cão 8670 Aljezur Portugal Corte de Pero Jaques 11 rooms Altinho Bordeira Espinhaço de Cão - E.N. 120 8670 Aljezur Portugal Aljezur restaurantsThere is a good selection of restaurants around the Aljezur area. Some are in the villages of Aljezur and Igreja Nova, while others are in nearby villages. There are quite a few located on some of the wonderful beaches, particularly Praia Arrifana. What better experience than enjoying traditional cuisine, listening to the waves crashing and watching a majestic sunset!Here is a selection of restaurants in the area. There are many more, but these are all worth a try, depending on what you like. L ColestroL Restaurant The L ColestroL restaurant is located south of Aljezur a few kilometres, in a restored barn. It serves traditional Portuguese dishes. Try the deep-fried goat’s cheese and you’ll understand the restaurant’s name. Musical entertainment is provided some evenings. L ColestroL Bar Restaurant Estrada Nacional 120 8670-153 Aljezur Portugal Contact Tel: 282 998 147 Ruth Restaurant Located on the main street near to the bridge, it is a very popular restaurant, so do make a reservation. The food is typically Portuguese with some local cuisine, and while simply prepared, is excellent. Ruth Restaurant Rua 25 de Abril 8670-088 Aljezur Portugal Contact Tel: 282 998534 Sitio do Rio RestaurantThe Sitio do Rio restaurant has a good menu with plenty of variety, serving traditional food as well as some more unusual offerings. Situated near the Bordeira beach, it is great to sit outside if the evening is warm enough. Well regarded, it is one of the few restaurants which cater for vegetarians. Sítio do Rio Restaurant Carrapateira 8670 Bordeira Portugal Contact Tel: 282 973 119 A Lareira Restaurant and Bar Specialising in regional food, and apparently famous for its sweet potato dishes, it best dishes are from the sea. It is well thought of and is open everyday apart from Saturdays and closed in November. A Lareira Restaurant Rua 13 de Janeiro, no. 4 Igreja Nova 8670-130 Aljezur Portugal Contact Tel: 282 998 440 Paraiso Do Mar Restaurant Beautifully located on the beach at Praia Amoreira, this rustic restaurant serves traditional Portuguese food. The fish stew is worth a try. Paraiso Do Mar Restaurant Praia Amoreira 8670 Aljezur Portugal Contact Tel: 282 991 088 How to get to Aljezur PortugalDistance from Faro Airport to Aljezur is 90kmDistance from Lagos to Aljezur is 20km By car it will take about an hour and a half to get to Aljezur from Faro airport. Directions are as follows: From Faro airport get on the IP1 motorway and head towards Lagos. Through Lagos at the end of the motorway, take the 2nd exit off the roundabout to Aljezur. This takes you north on the EN268. This joins up with the EN120 about 9km before you reach Aljezur. Return from Aljezur Portugal Guide to West Algarve Guide
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