The beaches. They are definitely the main attraction of the Southwest Alentejo Natural Park. Small, large, hidden, open-air, difficult to access or with parking at the door. The diversity is immense and there is an infinite range to discover.
Its uniqueness is partly due to the unique fauna and flora that can be found there. The whole environment catches the eye, with the extensive sands and dunes skirting the sea line, and the dramatic cliffs jutting out along the coast to the south.
Most of the beaches are small corners of fine sand and transparent water, sheltered by large cliffs that create an exclusive and intimate refuge for them.
Choosing from the menu is the most tedious part. But in this article we give you a hand. Here is a list of the Seven Wonders of the Alentejo coastline:
Praia Grande, Porto Covo
Curiously, Praia Grande doesn’t live up to its name. But compensating for its small size is its immense beauty, with clear waters, a strong swell and the large rocks that surround it and give it shelter, setting the scene.
Being next to the town of Porto Covo, this beach is no secret to anyone. Despite this, the beach is large enough to accommodate the flocks of bathers and visitors, both in low season and during the bathing season. In its favor is the fact that it is a guarded beach with good access and support infrastructures.
Pessegueiro Island Beach, Porto Covo
At the end of a flat straight road is paradise with a view of a small island. Whether there’s a peach tree there or not, we’ll leave it to legend and the imagination to decide whether to believe it, but it’s a scenario that can make the most skeptical believe, that’s for sure.
“Offshore the waters shine like silver/ And the breeze tells old legends/ Of pirate ports and bays,” sang the verses by Rui Veloso. No amount of poetry can describe the picture painted from the long, gentle dune to the rocky island stretching out over the water.
Whether coming by land or arriving by sea, inspiration is felt by those who come here to have a drink in the restaurant or take a last dip in the evening while, bucket in hand, the children explore the little pools that the low tide leaves on the rocks.
Malhão Beach, Vila Nova de Milfontes
A classic for locals and a seasonal playground for those who return every year, Praia do Malhão has a wide sandy beach that is plenty for old-timers and newcomers alike.
The surf is one of its strong points, and the easy access (with parking at the door) an extra plus. But the best part is the moment when you look around and contemplate the landscape which, no matter how many years pass, always remains just as amazing.
Praia do Cavaleiro, Cavaleiro
It’s another of the picturesque, small and charming beaches on the Alentejo coast. Also known as Praia da Carraca, it is the last beach before Cape Sardão. It’s not guarded, but the views are breathtaking. So it’s well worth a visit.
To get there, follow the road to Cabo Sardão. A few meters after the Almograve e Milfontes sign, turn right onto a dirt road and go straight ahead.
Carvalhal Beach, São Teotónio
This is a guarded, accessible and equipped beach (it has a restaurant/bar and toilets). It’s q.b. urban, q.b. wild. A perfect in-between for those who value both. At Praia do Carvalhal, all you have to do is park, take a couple of steps, and your feet are on the sand just a few meters away from the sea.
Machados Beach, São Teotónio
The path is marked on the map, but no one would have guessed that following the poorly marked road would lead you to what is now an immense wild beach protected by cliffs.
When the car doesn’t go any further, you have to walk. Down is the way. Just look at the sea on the horizon and follow the sound of the waves crashing in the distance.
The whole route is an adventure. You cross dunes, cross small streams, penetrate the undergrowth and, finally, stand at the top of a cliff with an endless horizon that takes your breath away.
But it doesn’t stop there. The view is marvelous, but the beach makes you want to touch the sand.
As we said earlier, down is the way. Down the cliff, always watching where you put your sneakers (it’s highly recommended to wear appropriate footwear and as little junk as possible, to keep your hands free), it’s a walk of just a few minutes but with a lot of adrenaline.
You’re so motivated to put your foot in that sand that when you get there, you won’t even notice the effort. After a wonderful day spent in this wild and secluded paradise, you’re sure to feel that every step of the descent and the fatigue of the ascent was worth it.
Amália Beach, Brejão
Its real name is Praia do Brejão, but the fado singer Amália Rodrigues, who spent her vacations here in search of inspiration, gave it the fame that today follows its name.
Praia da Amália, as everyone knows it, was once a bit of a “secret” beach, but nowadays everyone knows the turns you have to take to get there. Some give up halfway, but those who take the risk find a little paradise.
After finding a (fake) Malmequer on the side of the road, you park the car. The rest of the route is on foot.
In the middle of the woods, there’s a path beside a stream. To find the sea, just follow the course of the water: it will end up in the ocean.
As you walk along, you can see the waves breaking in the background. The setting is a watercolor painted in greens and blues. There’s no doubting the beauty of this place.
At the end of the cliff overlooking the beach, it is recommended that you stop and contemplate… Then there is a staircase ahead that will take you down to the venerable sands.
Advice: Leave as many things behind as possible. But don’t forget the water and the lunchbox!
