Costa Vicentina - The west coast of the Algarve

Costa Vicentina is a natural extension of the Alentejo coast and is one of the protected areas of the Algarve. With a completely distinctive landscape, it is only the light and the smell of the air that allow us to believe that we are really in the Algarve.

South western Algarve starts at the Ceixe rivulet, the right bank of which is Alentejo land. The mouth of the rivulet bisects the beach. Both the beach and the gorgeous landscape are known by the name of a little nearby fishing village, Odeceixe. On the northernmost beach in the district of Aljezur enjoy the sunset and let yourself be seduced by delicious seafood accompanied with a refreshing wine.

To the south, at the rivulet mouth in Aljezur, two beaches are a pleasure to visit: Amoreira and Monte Glerigo. The first is wild and constantly changing as the sea fights eternally with the sand dunes; the second, a beautiful stretch of sand between verdant cliffs, is one of the best places to savour grilled fish.

In Aljezur, a town of steep streets dominated by a Moorish 10th century castle (the last to be taken from the Arabs enjoys the excellent view from the castle ruins over the white houses, stretching to the green of Monchique, and the nearby Parish Church, with its neoclassical doorway and altar-piece.

Right next to Aljezur is probably the most beautiful beach on the Costa Vicentina. It is a one-kilometer long stretch of sand with rough sea and fresh air, terminating at the southern end with a high vertical rock in the sea - the Pedra da Agulha. For some staying in Lagos or Monchique it is no bother to drive a long way to bathe in the waters of Arrifana.

However, in conservation terms the ex-libris in this part of the Algarve lies a little further south. Some call it Bordeira due to the rivulet that floods over the sand; others prefer to give it the name of the closest village, Carrapateira. But if the name causes differences of opinion, everyone is in complete agreement as to the beach. Nature lovers once having been there will always come back. The landscape here is uniquely beautiful with different coloured flowers dispersed throughout the dunes.

Going along the coast, across the cliffs, you arrive at Ponta do Arco do Pau (an enormous rock separated from the land by an isthmus), and after a succession of small islands the beach of Amado appears. This beach, easy to get to from the road, has fine sand and a respectable Atlantic swell. There are various cafés and it is a great place for line fishing.

Close to Castelejo beach is one of the highest points of the Algarve coast: the Torre da Aspa. Looking out from this formation of 150 m, we have a panorama of black, white or green rocks separated by lines of fine sand and flowers, and we can hear the natural symphony of the wild ocean rollers crashing upon the rocks below dissipating their energy with a spectacular white foam.

Delight in this natural gift from the terrace next to the beach as you enjoy a drink. In the peaceful locality of Vila do Bispo remember to visit the parochial church, covered from floor to ceiling in 18th - century tiles.

The south-west tip of Europe, considered the "end of the world" in the Middle Ages, is the Cabo de Sao Vicente lighthouse, dating from the reign of Dom Manuel I (15th-16th centuries), when the lighthouse was kept alight all night by Capuchin friars. Still maintaining its position as a point of navigational reference, the lighthouse of Cape Saint Vicente has today a range of 95 km and is one of the most powerful on the old continent.

On observing the vastness of the sea as far as our eyes can reach, it is easy for us to understand the original feeling of "finisterra" or 'land's end' and the burning curiosity to find out what, if anything, was out there in that mysterious vastness.

The Costa Vicentina ends in the small town of Sagres, where, under the guidance of Prince Henry, the epic Portuguese maritime discoveries had begun 500 years earlier.

The view from the headland is excellent, but it is still more powerful when seen from a boat. Points of interest in the Prince's fortress are still the Wind-Rose or Compass (43 m in diameter and said lo have been used by the prince himself") and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Graça. The small town cannot rival the southern coast, it is, however, well-known for its historic interest, and is a good departure point to explore the superb surrounding beaches.

Synonymous with unspoilt nature, the relaxing Vicentina beaches are ideal for those who want to escape from the busy sands of the Algarve, which make the region one of the most appealing tourist destinations in Europe.

Costa Vicentina Protected Landscape Area

To protect the beauty of the landscape and the wealth of flora and fauna to be found there, a Protected Landscape Area (Costa Vicentina Natural Park) has been created along a broad sweep of coastline stretching from Belixe to Odeceixe. Here it is possible to admire dozens of species of wild flower, and to watch animals like the wild boar and the eagle in their natural habitat. An opportunity for an endless variety of enjoyable walks, along cliffs and beaches, across hills and valleys.