Aljezur

Aljezur is a town set within the nature reserve of the Costa Vicentina. The name given to the south-west coast of the Algarve.

It's a farming town, with a Moorish castle and unexplored beaches that represent the unspoilt Algarve. Perfect if what you want most from your trip is peace and quiet.

Leaving Lagos, about 30 km along the N120, you reach the green valley of Aljezur, crossing an old bridge. The town is built into one side of the hill, running parallel to the river.

If you haven't decided where to stay yet, take a look at our page on hotels in Aljezur.

What to see in Aljezur

This green, leafy corner of the Algarve is famous for growing the best sweet potatoes. Every autumn it hosts the Sweet Potato Festival, a food event that runs for two weeks with every restaurant in town taking part.

The town as a whole, its streets, even the ones lined with cafés and shops, is quiet and traditional.

 

Aljezur Castle

High above the town and its riverbank stand the ruins of an old Moorish castle, Aljezur Castle. The highlight here is the incredible views over everything around you.

You can walk up or drive. If you go by car, you'll get right to the top without any trouble, as there's parking up there. Entry is free.

 

Charming villages around Aljezur

The roads between the beaches are framed by incredible views, farmland and small villages well worth a stop. The villages of Carrapateira and Odeceixe stand out in particular.

Aljezur is definitely a place you can enjoy deeply and mindfully, for as long as it stays free of big developments and holiday resorts. Here you can still see farmers ploughing their land with an ox, just as they have done for centuries.

You may well find that during your walks along the beach or the clifftops you don't meet a soul, and the sound of the waves is your only company.

Beaches in Aljezur

But it's the  incredible beaches of Aljezur  that have made this municipality famous. It's a favourite spot with surfers, and there are several schools and hostels built around the surf.

 

• Praia das Adegas (naturist – easy access)
• Praia da Amoreira (lifeguarded – easy access – facilities)
• Praia da Arrifana (lifeguarded – easy access – facilities)
• Praia do Amado (lifeguarded – easy access – facilities)
• Praia do Canal (no lifeguard – access along rough dirt tracks – no facilities)
• Praia da Carriagem (no lifeguard – difficult access on foot – no facilities)
• Praia da Bordeira (lifeguarded – easy access – facilities)
• Praia do Monte Clérigo (lifeguarded – easy access – facilities)
• Praia de Odeceixe (lifeguarded – easy access – facilities)
• Praia da Samouqueira e da Barradinha (no lifeguard – easy access from the Barradinha side – no facilities)
• Praia de Vale dos Homens (lifeguarded – access via steps – no facilities)
• Praia de Vale Figueiras (lifeguarded – easy access – no facilities)

 

Hotels in Aljezur

Here are a few details to help you look for hotels in Aljezur.

Aljezur sits on the  south-west coast of the Algarve, part of the Costa Vicentina and is popular with surfers.

It's a three-hour drive from Lisbon and an hour's drive from Faro Airport.

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Reasons to choose a hotel in Aljezur:

• You want beaches with waves for surfing
• Horse riding
• Bike rides
• Charming villages
• Quieter beaches
• Attractive prices

Best area to stay in Aljezur:

The best area to stay in Aljezur is the one near Arrifana beach, or Praia da Arrifana. That said, if you want to be truly switched off (we'd recommend having a car in that case) you can go for places a little further from the coast, usually lovely Portuguese quintas surrounded by countryside and at good prices.

 

Click on the image to see hotels by area in Aljezur

You can see the hotels in Aljezur laid out on the map by clicking here.

Recommended hotels in Aljezur

Vila Fortaleza

Sea view apartamento

HI Arrifana

Herdade Quinta Natura

Falésias da Arrifana

casa cesar

Arrifana Ocean View