The Alentejo Coastal Route: A 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Start in Sines – A Historic Port Town

Begin your journey in Sines, a small fishing town and birthplace of explorer Vasco da Gama. Wander its old quarter, visit the Sines Castle, and take in panoramic views over the Atlantic.

Grab a seafood lunch at a family-run taverna—caldeirada (Portuguese fish stew) is a local specialty.

Spend the afternoon at Praia de São Torpes, a long sandy beach where the water is warmer than elsewhere on the coast due to an underground thermal spring.

Day 2: Porto Covo & The Secret Beaches of Costa Vicentina

Drive south to Porto Covo, a picturesque village with whitewashed houses and blue shutters. The pace of life is slow here, making it the perfect spot for a morning coffee in the sun.

Follow the coastline south, stopping at Praia da Samoqueira, a wild beach with golden cliffs and rock pools perfect for a secluded swim.

Visit Ilha do Pessegueiro, a small island with the ruins of an old fortress, reachable by kayak or a short boat ride.

End the day in Vila Nova de Milfontes, a lively but still low-key coastal town where the Mira River meets the Atlantic.

Day 3: Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve

Start your day with a stand-up paddleboarding or kayak tour along the Mira River, a peaceful way to explore the region’s coastal landscapes.

Drive south to Praia do Malhão, a vast beach backed by dunes, perfect for a morning walk along the shoreline.

Head to Almograve, a lesser-known coastal village with dramatic black cliffs and hidden coves. Have lunch at a local seafood shack, trying percebes (gooseneck barnacles), a delicacy of the region.

Catch the sunset at Cabo Sardão, where the cliffs are home to nesting storks—a rare sight along coastal cliffs in Europe.

Day 4: Zambujeira do Mar & The Wild Cliffs of Southwest Alentejo

Follow the coastal road south to Zambujeira do Mar, a charming town perched on the cliffs. Stop at its stunning beach, framed by steep rock formations.

Visit Azenha do Mar, a tiny fishing harbor where boats are pulled up onto the cliffs—a tradition that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Hike a section of the Rota Vicentina, a scenic trail that runs along the cliffs and through wildflower-covered landscapes.

Enjoy an evening at a rustic seafood restaurant, where the catch of the day is served straight from the ocean.

Day 5: Odeceixe – Where Alentejo Meets the Algarve

Your last stop is Odeceixe, a laid-back surf town right on the border between Alentejo and the Algarve.

Spend the morning at Praia de Odeceixe, a unique beach where the Seixe River meets the ocean, creating a mix of calm freshwater and rolling Atlantic waves.

Explore the town’s whitewashed streets, grab a final seafood meal, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere before heading back north or continuing into the Algarve.

Slow Travel Tips for the Alentejo Coast

Stay in small guesthouses or rural farm stays – Avoid large hotels and opt for locally run accommodations for a more authentic experience.

Embrace long meals and slow service – Meals in Alentejo are meant to be savored, so don’t rush—order a bottle of local wine and enjoy the pace of life.

Try the regional food – Apart from fresh seafood, don’t miss Açorda Alentejana (a rustic bread and garlic soup) and Queijo de Nisa (a famous Alentejo cheese).

Take the back roads – The main coastal highway is scenic, but detouring onto smaller roads will lead you to hidden gems and less-visited beaches.

Visit outside peak season – Spring and autumn are the best times for a road trip here, when the weather is mild, the flowers are blooming, and the beaches are nearly empty.