The best beaches of the southwest Alentejo, Portugal.
In fact, every beach in the south-west Alentejo is beautiful.
The sometimes rough, sometimes calm ocean that rolls in, the rocky coastline with cliffs and coves with sandy beaches, what makes it special are the kilometres of coastline where you can walk without any buildings.
No big hotels or all-inclusive complexes, no overcrowded coastal towns with burnt-out tourists and restaurants with proppers at the door.
Although it has definitely become more crowded in recent years, and it’s not easy anymore to find a beach all to yourself in season, you still don’t have to lie towel to towel. And if you want, you can always find a place to sit and have a drink with a view of the sunset.
There are also beautiful beaches with no facilities and, if you like, small beaches where you have to hold onto a rope to get down from the rocks to the beach. And back up again.
The order is not from most beautiful to least beautiful or vice versa, these are 5 very beautiful beaches and everyone has their own preference.
1. Praia de Malhão
This beach is popular with our guests because it has no catering facilities. For a few years now, however, there has been a small tent where you can hire surfboards or take lessons.
There is a campsite nearby, but the beach never gets too crowded. It is big enough. There is a large sandy car park and all sorts of boardwalks have been built overlooking the beach below.
But once on the beach, everything is still rough and natural, as it should be.
2. Furnas – Vila Nova de Milfontes
The beach at Vila Nova de Milfontes is beautiful because it is located at the mouth of the river Mira, you can see the ocean coming rolling in.
You can swim in the river.
And there are terraces, restaurants and souvenir shops nearby.
Despite the increase in tourists, Vila Nova de Milfontes still has the feel of a Portuguese seaside resort, it’s a nice little town.
From the town’s small marina, you can take the ferry across the river to Furnas beach. This beach is much larger and the sea stays shallow for a long time, allowing you to swim. Sometimes there is a paddling pool. It is a beautiful beach with the cliffs of the west coast on one side and the estuary overlooking the whitewashed Vila Nova de Milfontes on the other.
There are 2 beach bars at the time of writing, one traditional Portuguese restaurant and the other a trendier joint where you can drink cocktails and eat nice and tasty vegetarian food.
3. Carvalhal
A little further away from Portugal Nature Lodge and only a small beach, but oh so beautifully situated as a bay between high cliffs. With a surf school and bar, it is popular with campers but still very relaxed.
Nice to combine with Zambujeira do Mar a little further north.
4. Almograve
Beautiful beach, a large beach to the right of the parking area and a small bay to the left.
Beautiful rock formations in the sea and a nice beach bar, the perfect place to enjoy the sunset with a drink.
Don’t miss this one if you’re staying at Portugal Nature Lodge.
5. Zambujeira do Mar
The size of this beach depends very much on the tides, but it is so beautifully situated near the tourist resort that it is always beautiful.
At low tide you can cross over to the next (nudist) beach, which is sheltered by high cliffs. Just be aware that you may have to walk back up the cliffs at high tide!
