Discover the mysteries of this unique part of the Algarve, beginning with the river and beach landscapes that characterise the Ribeira de Ceixe.
The South West Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park is the finest preserved stretch of European coastline, covering over 100 km, from Porto Covo in the Alentejo, to Burgau in the Algarve. The Park includes various unique species of animal and plant life, and is visited by many zoologists and botanists from all parts of the world.
The landscape is marked by steep cliffs, represented in the Park's logo, that have been given various forms and colouring by centuries of erosion.
Many bird species can be seen, such as rare fishing eagles. The rarest species is the white stork, given that this is the only place in the world where they build their nests in the seashore rocks. Another rarity is the otter, since this is the only place in Portugal and one of the last places in Europe where it is possible to find otters in a marine habitat. Plant life includes the largest number of priority species in Portugal, including unique indigenous species such as Biscutella vicentina or Plantago Almogravensis.
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Vicentine Natural Park - Arrifana
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Arrifana - Aljezur |
The beaches are highly popular amongst surfers, and are the finest in the country. There is a tremendous variety of beaches, including long stretches of sand and small beaches nestled between the cliffs and rocks. The long list includes beaches such as Porto Covo, Malhão, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Almograve, Monte Clérigo, Arrifana and Praia do Amado. If you have the energy and desire to stray from the beaten track, albeit with difficult access, it is possible to discover many other beaches that have been preserved in a virtually unspoilt state.
In the extreme South Western section of the Park make sure to visit the lighthouse in the Cape of São Vicente after whom this stretch of coastline has been named and the nearby Sagres promontory, that housed the famous nautical school founded by the Infante D. Henrique in the 15th century. With a range of 95 kilometres, the present-day lighthouse is one of the most powerful in Europe. However the tower is currently under restoration work, and consequently will not be reopened to the public until the end of 2008.
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Praia de Amoreira |
Walk up the steep hills of Aljezur to the 10th century Moorish castle, the last to be captured from the Moors in Portugal. From its ruins, enjoy the view over the town's white houses and the Serra de Monchique in the distance.
Lose yourself in the fields of brightly coloured flowers that decorate the narrow tracks leading to the beaches. In Vila do Bispo, make sure you visit the parish church, Igreja Matriz or Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição.
It has a typical 18th-century façade, with a main doorway topped by an eye-glass and curved fronton.
Key features of the interior include the central nave with walls lined from top to bottom with blue azulejo tiles produced in 1726, featuring images of water pots and dolphins, and a painted wooden panelled ceiling. The 18th-century gilded woodwork altarpiece of the main altar, contains an early 16th century statue of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the patron saint of the Church. The sacristy has various 18th-century statues and 16th century panels representing São Pedro and São Paulo.
In one of the church's annex buildings, it is possible to visit the Museum of Sacred Art, containing many interesting items including two 16th century statues of Our Lady.
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Sagres |
It was in Sagres that the epic maritime adventures of the Portuguese began under the command of Prince Henry the Navigator. Here you can enjoy a fantastic view over the Atlantic Ocean from the headland. At the Fortaleza do Infante, take a look at the immense wind compass (43 metres wide), and visit the Capela da Nossa Senhora da Graça.
