COSTA VICENTINA
The Costa Vicentina is a coastal strip of the Atlantic Ocean in the west and extreme southwest of the Portuguese Region of Algarve. It starts in Odeceixe in the municipality of Aljezur and runs to Burgau in the municipality of Vila do Bispo. Like Cape Saint Vincent (Portuguese: Cabo de São Vicente), the Costa Vicentina is named after Vincent of Zaragoza, a Spanish martyr. It is part of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, a protected nature reserve on the southwest coast of Portugal.
The Costa Vicentina is the last practically wild coast in Europe. It is located in the extreme southwest of the continent, on the west coast of the Algarve, and extends for around sixty kilometers, becoming wilder as you go north. It's a protected area, with pristine beaches and nature reserves, and a stunning landscape of rugged cliffs, rugged headlands, towering boulders and wind-shaped dunes. The fauna consists mainly of eagles and storks. There are no seaside resorts here, no big hotels or cities, just small, charming towns and villages, such as Vila do Bispo, Aljezur and Carrapateira. It is mainly a destination for surfers, hippies, naturists and those looking for a relaxing experience on the beach, away from the crowds of the center and south coast of the Algarve. This is one of the few European coasts that has resisted mass tourism.
Practically all the beaches are long and sheltered by large cliffs. Many are remote and practically deserted, and therefore inviting to practice naturism. They are also sought after for their perfect waves for surfing. Although the best-known surfing destinations in Portugal are Nazaré and Ericeira, in the center of the country, many surfers prefer the Costa Vicentina, as it is quieter and, for many, has an even more impressive landscape. Therefore, there are often many motorhomes with license plates from various European countries scattered along the coast. As they are wild beaches, most beaches on the Costa Vicentina do not have any type of support equipment. Some don't even have lifeguard supervision, so you have to be very careful at sea. Pay attention to the currents and, if you're not a surfer, don't stray too far from the water's edge. If you like diving and swimming, choose the beaches on the south coast of the Algarve, where the sea is calmer.
The microclimate of this region means that the sky is often cloudy and the temperature is slightly lower, even in July and August, when in other parts of the Algarve it is sunny and hot. However, the northern part of the Costa Vicentina, between Arrifana and Odeceixe, is a little warmer and less windy than the south. To the north begins (or ends) the Alentejo, whose coastline is similar to that of the Costa Vicentina. Together, the Alentejo coast and the Costa Vicentina form a tourist route called Rota Vicentina and constitute the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina. In total, the park covers more than one hundred kilometers, from Porto Covo, in Alentejo, to Burgau, in the Algarve. This is the only place in the world where storks nest on sea cliffs and one of the last places in Europe where it is possible to see otters in a marine habitat.
There are more than thirty beaches that can be discovered, by the more adventurous, by leaving the main roads and following dirt paths along the cliffs.
How to get to Costa Vicentina
By car, from Lisbon: The most direct route from Lisbon to Costa Vicentina (Odeceixe) is via the A2 and then via the IP8, via the A26 and N120. The trip takes around 2h40m. To Aljezur, continue on the N120 for another fifteen minutes.
By car from Porto: The best route from Porto to Costa Vicentina (Odeceixe) is via the A1, A2 and then follow the IP8, A26, and N120. The journey takes around 5 hours. To Aljezur, continue on the N120 for another fifteen minutes.
By car, from the Algarve: From the main Algarve cities (Faro, Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos), head east towards Sagres, then north, along the N268 road, which crosses Vila do Bispo and Carrapateira. Continuing north, the road becomes the N120, which goes to the towns of Aljezur and Odeceixe. There are directions to most of the beaches from these locations.
Tolls: Carry out a toll simulation at infrastructuresdeportugal.pt. If you do not have an electronic identifier, you can pay electronic tolls at CTT, at a Payshop agent, at ascendi.pt or pagamentodeportagens.pt.
By public transport: Costa Vicentina is so remote that there is practically no public transport. The best option would be to take the express bus to Odeceixe or Aljezur. However, you will need a car to reach the beaches.
Bus from Lisbon:
In the capital, you can take the express bus from Sete Rios to Odeceixe, Aljezur and Sagres. Check the Rede Expressos website for timetables and prices.
Bus from Porto:
Buses leave from the Campo 24 de Agosto terminal and normally you have to make a connection at the Sete Rios terminal in Lisbon to Odeceixe, Aljezur, or Sagres. Check the Rede Expressos website for timetables and prices.
Algarve Bus: Vamus bus 79 runs between Lagos and Odeceixe, stopping in Aljezur. However, it only runs on weekdays and three times a day in summer, and does not stop near the beaches.
Costa Vicentina Beaches
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ROTA VICENTINA
It is a pedestrian route in the southwest of Portugal, between the city of Santiago do Cacém and Cabo de S. Vicente, totaling a total of 350 km to cover on foot. The Rota Vicentina is made up of two trails:
i. The Historical Path, which runs through the main towns and villages on a rural route, is mainly rural and can be covered entirely on foot or by mountain bike, in a total of 12 stages, totaling 230 km;
ii. The Fishermen's Trail, always close to the sea, following paths used by locals to access beaches and fishing grounds, is characterized by being a single track that can only be covered on foot, along the cliffs and includes a set of 4 stages and 5 complementary circuits, a total of 120 km.
The Rota Vicentina crosses several places in the municipality of Aljezur, such as Odeceixe, Aljezur, Arrifana, and Carrapateira, allowing you to view and appreciate the natural beauty that characterizes this municipality of Aljezur.
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