Aljezur: Castle and Wild West Coast Beaches

Aljezur is a laid-back town on the Algarve’s wild west coast, with a ruined Moorish castle above the river and some of the most spectacular surf beaches in Portugal nearby. It’s part of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, a world away from the resorts of the south coast.

Quick answer: Aljezur is about 30 minutes north of Lagos. Climb to the castle, then head to the beaches: Arrifana (a cove below high cliffs), Monte Clérigo and Amoreira (where a river meets the sea). It’s a top area for surfing and hiking the Rota Vicentina. See places to stay in Aljezur.

Things to do

• The castle: Moorish ruins with views over the valley and the town.
• Arrifana: a dramatic surf beach below the cliffs, with a viewpoint and fort ruins above.
• Amoreira: a beach where the river meets the ocean, good for families at low tide.
• Monte Clérigo: a small beach village with a wide sandy beach.
• Surfing: schools and surf camps for all levels. See Algarve surf lessons.
• Hiking: the Fishermen’s Trail along the clifftops. See Costa Vicentina.
• Sweet potatoes: the local speciality, celebrated with a festival in late autumn.

Tips

• Sea: the Atlantic here is powerful. Swim only at guarded beaches.
• Car: essential for the beaches.
• Weather: windier and cooler than the south coast.

More: Sagres, Algarve hikes and east vs west Algarve.

See also: Odeceixe.

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