Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina

On our When to Go Where in 2020 article we chose Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park for July 2020. This protected area is located in the southwest coast of Portugal and is a famous summer holiday destination for many reasons. In fact, this territory has so many highlights that it's hard not to fall in love with it and keep coming back to confirm why.

Explore the natural park

Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park is located in the southwest coast of the country and has 110 km in length. It goes from São Torpes (Alentejo) all the way down south to Burgau (Algarve).
Being a protected area it has managed to stay pure and wild and some of the best beaches in the country can be found here. It also comprises a rich biodiversity and small little villages with a very authentic feel.

Get a surf course and enjoy the beach

Surfing is another highlight in Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Being located on the coast means the Atlantic Ocean is always nearby and therefore surfing is a given. Between sessions you can lie at the beach and work on your tan.
There are more than a handful awesome surf breaks spread out inside this natural park and many surfing schools where you can rent gear and book lessons. For unexperienced surfers it's best to have some classes first because the sea can be rough.
​Sagres is a town located in the southwestern corner of this natural park and is also a famous surfing destination with great conditions all year round. The town itself has a laidback vibe that attracts young crowds to enjoy the beach and ride some waves. Read more about Sagres here.

Do some road trips and spend time camping

One of the best ways to explore Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park is by doing road trips. Some people prefer to stay put in one place and do short day trips, others opt to hop around during their stay and there's also many who rather sleep on wheels and discover the natural park on caravans and motor homes.
Camping is another great experience for edgy couples, groups of friends and adventurous families. Going back to the basics allows you to really take in the natural surroundings and spend some quality time immersed in nature.
If camping is not your cup of tea we work with partners that allow you to have a close contact with nature without compromising a good night of sleep.

Try heart warming and fresh food

After a day at the beach there's nothing better than going to a small seaside restaurant to try some of the local delicacies. It goes without saying that fish and seafood are a must, but meat lovers won't be disappointed either. Apart from lighter dishes there are also rich soups and stews that mix the best of the ocean and the land.
In the countryside locals grow vegetables and aromatics that are used to season and as side dishes. And the bread... the crusty loaves of bread are the perfect carb source in this part of the country and they are served alongside every meal.
In Alentejo there is also great quality wine, which is produced in big estates located inland. It is obviously the perfect match for the delicious local food! If you're a wine fan don't miss this post where we tell you about the best cheese & wine matches in Portugal.

Hike with the best views

The Rota Vicentina gathers over 400 km of hiking trails and is considered one of the best hiking destinations in Europe. Hiking allows you to explore the natural park whilst doing some exercise and it's definitely another plus inside Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
​There are two main trails: the Historical Way goes more inland and passes through many villages, and the Fishermen Trail snakes along the coast and offers spectacular ocean views. It's also possible to combine both to have a good feel of both areas. Find why Rota Vicentina is so special   here.

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If you still haven't sorted out your summer holidays or want to venture to this natural park in a near future drop us an e-mail with the dates and your interests and we'll come up with an itinerary and other suggestions for your trip.
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