Odeceixe: River and Ocean Beach on the Wild Coast

Odeceixe is a little white village on a hill, right on the border between the Algarve and the Alentejo. Its beach is one of the most beautiful on the west coast: a curve of sand where the Seixe river meets the Atlantic, so you can choose between the river and the waves.

Quick answer: Odeceixe is about 45 minutes north of Lagos and 20 minutes from Aljezur. Swim in the calm river or the ocean at Praia de Odeceixe, climb to the village windmill for views, and walk a stretch of the Fishermen’s Trail. It’s small and relaxed, with surf schools and seafood. See places to stay in Odeceixe.

Things to do

• Praia de Odeceixe: a beach framed by cliffs, with the river on one side and the ocean on the other. Great for families when the tide is right.
• The windmill: on the hill above the village, with views over the valley.
• The village: whitewashed houses, a small square and cafés.
• Surfing: lessons for beginners on the ocean side.
• Hiking: the Fishermen’s Trail runs north towards Zambujeira and south towards Aljezur. See Costa Vicentina.
• Kayaking on the river.

Nearby

• Aljezur: see Aljezur.
• Vila Nova de Milfontes: see Milfontes.
• Zambujeira do Mar: a clifftop village just north, in the Alentejo.

Tips

• Tides: the river side is best at low to mid tide.
• Parking: limited at the beach in summer. A shuttle sometimes runs from the village.
• Waves: swim on the ocean side only with lifeguards.

More: the best beach towns and hiking in Portugal.

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