A small coastal town in western Algarve with 13th-century Moorish castle ruins. Local fishermen catch fresh seafood daily near cliffs and beaches popular with surfers.
Aljezur, a whitewashed town divided by the Ribeira de Aljezur river, lies within Portugal’s Southwest Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park. Walk up the steep cobbled path to 10th-century Moorish castle ruins to see views of farm fields and the Atlantic Ocean. Explore narrow streets lined with traditional houses painted in blue and green window frames, then cross the bridge to visit the 18th-century Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Alva. Thirty minutes west, beaches such as Arrifana and Monte Clérigo have reliable waves for surfing, with sandstone cliffs framing the shore. This area sees fewer tourists than the southern Algarve and keeps its agricultural roots, with much of the coast protected as part of a nature reserve.
Moorish Castle and Town History
The stone remains of Castelo de Aljezur, constructed by North African rulers in the 10th century, reveal how the town guarded trade routes. Walk along the fortress walls to see where watchtowers stood, and read signs detailing battles between Islamic and Christian armies. From the hilltop, you can trace the old town’s grid of alleys that once formed a medina, contrasting with the newer neighborhoods built after the 18th century. Below the castle, 19th-century windmills and stone grain storage pits illustrate how locals used wind and land to survive. Visit early in the day to avoid heat on the uphill path; no tickets are required.
Beaches and Coastal Walks
Protected beaches near Aljezur stretch across 40 kilometers of coastline, reached by unpaved roads. Praia do Amado draws surfers with its consistent waves, with instructors giving lessons even in winter. At Praia da Arrifana, dark sand forms a curved bay where people bodyboard or watch the sun dip below the horizon. During low tide at Praia de Monte Clérigo, shallow pools form between rocks, and Praia do Amoreira’s river mouth creates calm spots for children to swim. Follow the Rota Vicentina’s Fishermen’s Trail along cliffs where storks nest, and check tide schedules—some beaches shrink significantly when water rises.
Local Museum and Cultural Spots
Aljezur’s museum occupies a 19th-century town hall, displaying Neolithic arrowheads, Moorish pottery, and hand-operated plows from the early 20th century. One exhibit details Al-Gharb, the Arabic term for this region, with maps tracing medieval trade between Portugal and Morocco. Rotating art shows fill two rooms, frequently highlighting painters and sculptors influenced by the area’s landscapes. A short walk away, the Igreja Nova church holds an ornate gold altarpiece carved by José da Costa, a renowned 18th-century artist. From June to September, the Lavrar o Mar program stages concerts and plays in public squares and barns.
Sweet Potato Dishes and Markets
Aljezur’s climate yields sweet potatoes with a unique sweetness, recognized by the European Union as a regional specialty. Each October, the Batata Doce festival serves them roasted with fish or mashed into cinnamon-spiced desserts. Local eateries prepare xerém, a creamy cornmeal dish mixed with clams, and serve bean stews slow-cooked in clay pots. At the Tuesday market, farmers sell honey made from wildflowers, carob candies, and medronho brandy distilled from arbutus berries. Café da Ponte, near the river, serves strong espresso under shaded tables where fishermen gather in the afternoons.
Hiking Routes and Nature Exploration
The Rota Vicentina’s Historical Way trail crosses through Aljezur, taking walkers past cork oak groves and small farms where crops grow in narrow plots. Join a guided 4x4 tour to reach beaches inaccessible by regular cars, or learn how medieval monks grew medicinal herbs in remote valleys. Rent a paddleboard on the Aljezur river to glide past banks where otters sometimes appear at dawn. Near Bordeira beach, stables lead horseback rides along dune ridges at dusk, and mountain bike trails connect to Odeceixe’s watermill circuit. Drive inland to Fóia peak, the Algarve’s highest point, for panoramic views stretching to the ocean.
Travel Tips and Logistics
Take Rede Expressos buses from Lisbon’s Sete Rios station or Lagos’s terminal to reach Aljezur’s central square. Summer temperatures average 25°C, with coastal winds keeping beaches cooler than inland areas. Winters stay mild, but expect rain between November and March. Parking at Arrifana and Monte Clérigo fills quickly by mid-morning during July and August—aim to arrive early. Sleep in converted farmsteads like Herdade do Touril, which has hiking trails on-site, or book surf lodges near Praia da Arrifana. While many locals speak English, knowing Portuguese phrases like “bom dia” (good morning) helps at bakeries and fish markets.
