About the Costa Vicentina
Portugal’s Wild Atlantic Coast
Stretching along Portugal’s southwest, the Costa Vicentina is one of Europe’s last truly unspoiled coastlines. As part of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park, this protected region runs from the Alentejo down to the Algarve, offering dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, windswept dunes, and endless stretches of golden sand.
What sets the Costa Vicentina apart is its raw, untamed beauty. Here, nature takes center stage — with surf-pounded beaches, migrating birds, and a coastline shaped by wind and sea. It’s a favorite for surfers, hikers, and nature lovers alike, with the renowned Rota Vicentina hiking trails weaving through fishing villages, farmland, and rugged headlands.
Unlike the busy Algarve to the east, the Costa Vicentina remains refreshingly undeveloped, dotted with small villages, whitewashed houses, and family-run restaurants serving fresh-caught seafood. Whether you’re chasing waves, exploring clifftop paths, or simply soaking in the stillness, this coastline invites you to slow down and experience Portugal at its most authentic.
From this wild stretch of Atlantic coast, the peaceful village of Espartal and nearby beaches like Monte Clérigo and Amoreira offer the perfect base to explore everything the Costa Vicentina has to offer.
Surf Guide to Aljezur
Arrifana
– Type of wave: Right-hand point break; consistent, long rides
– Best time: Autumn to spring (Sept–April)
– Good for: Intermediate to advanced surfers; protected from northerly winds
Amoreira
– Type of wave: River mouth sandbars; fun beach breaks with occasional barrels
– Best time: Autumn and winter (Oct–March) when sandbanks are well-shaped
– Good for: All levels (be cautious of strong currents near the river mouth)
Monte Clérigo
– Type of wave: Shifting beach breaks; peaks left and right, often mellow
– Best time: Autumn and winter (Oct–March); smaller summer swells for beginners
– Good for: All levels; family-friendly, forgiving waves at low-medium tide
Vale Figueiras
– Type of wave: Powerful, hollow beach break
– Best time: Autumn to spring (Sept–April)
– Good for: Intermediate to advanced surfers; best on mid tide and moderate swells
Aljezur
Nestled between rolling hills and the sea, Aljezur is a charming town on Portugal’s west coast, known for its whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, and laid-back atmosphere. Steeped in history, with a 10th-century Moorish castle overlooking the town, Aljezur is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the country. Just minutes away, you’ll find Amoreira, where a river meets the sea over sweeping sand dunes; Monte Clérigo, with its broad sandy bay and lively surf; and Arrifana, a dramatic cove framed by cliffs and beloved by surfers. With its blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and local charm, Aljezur offers a perfect balance of tranquility and exploration on the Costa Vicentina.
The Rota Vicentina
Portugal’s Legendary Coastal Trail
The Rota Vicentina is a network of walking and cycling trails that weaves through some of Portugal’s most stunning and unspoiled landscapes. Stretching over 400 kilometers along the Alentejo and Algarve coasts, this route connects ancient fishing paths, rural backroads, and breathtaking clifftop trails. The two main routes — the Fishermen’s Trail and the Historical Way — take travelers through a mosaic of dramatic coastline, cork oak forests, rolling farmland, and charming whitewashed villages. Known for its rich biodiversity, quiet beauty, and well-marked paths, the Rota Vicentina offers something for both casual walkers and long-distance hikers. Whether you’re setting out for a multi-day trek or a short day hike, it’s a journey that reveals the wild, authentic heart of southern Portugal.
