Aljezur Algarve – The complete travel guide
Aljezur Travel Guide
Aljezur is a municipality in the western Algarve with a village of the same name (Aljezur) as its largest town. If I had to choose one word to describe this beautiful area, it would be: diversity. On the western side of the region you will find high cliffs, rugged rock formations, drifting dunes and wide beaches, while Aljezur village is picturesque and friendly with a quietly flowing river running through the main street
Aljezur village is a breath of fresh air for adventurers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the south coast, and a stroll along the river or around the old castle walls will show you a whole different side of Portugal.
A visit to Aljezur is definitely worth it, as the drive there takes you through beautiful hills and valleys, Much greener than the south coast of the Algarve with cattle graze enthusiastically along the road. Welcome to Aljezur!
The Brief history of Aljezur
The Aljezur region flourished under Roman rule from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD, when it was part of the province of Lusitania. The Romans exploited the region’s natural resources, including fishing, salt mining and agriculture. During the Moorish rule, which lasted from the 8th to the 13th century, Aljezur became an important centre for trade and Islamic culture. In fact, the name “Aljezur” derives from the Arabic “Aljuzur”, meaning “islands”, a reference to the small islands formed by the Aljezur River.
The final Christian reconquest of Aljezur took place in 1249, under the leadership of King Paio Peres Correia. In the following centuries, Aljezur flourished again, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries, when Portuguese naval power grew and trade with other parts of the world expanded. Despite periods of hardship, such as the 1755 earthquake that destroyed much of the town, Aljezur has always adapted and recovered.
Today it is a vibrant region, known for its beautiful landscapes, culture and historical heritage. This is why many visitors come to this beautiful part of the Algarve every year to discover its nature and culture. A visit to this lesser-known region should be on everyone’s list!
Aljezur top 6 sights
Aljezur feels like a hidden gem. Where many visitors to the Algarve do not get beyond the beaches on the south coast, you will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity and tranquility that Aljezur has to offer. You will not find high-rise buildings, nightclubs and crowded beaches here. What you will find are sleepy villages, winding mountain roads and dramatic views from high cliffs.
The impressive Arrifana beach serves top quality waves for beginners & advanced surfers and the sand dunes at the more southern Bordeira beach are reminiscent of the deserts of North Africa.
The highlights of Aljezur are mainly viewpoints, beautiful beaches and the old village of Aljezur. The old castle walls are still visible that once defended this part of the Algarve. These are the top 6 sights in Aljezur:
1. Aljezur (village)
In the old part of Aljezur village it is as if time has stood still. Here you will find many old authentic buildings, a bridge over the rustic Aljezur river and narrow cobbled streets that wind you to the highest point of the village where the Castelo de Aljezur has been watching over the village for centuries. Take a walk along the river and then enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the small atmospheric cafés. You will also find a number of excellent pizzerias here such as Arte Bianca and Pizzaria Vincentina Lda.
2. Castelo de Aljezur
The ancient Castelo de Aljezur is worth the walk through the narrow streets to the top, despite being a ruin. From the top you have a beautiful 360 degree view of this beautiful part of the Algarve. On the information boards you get some information about what the fort was used for at the time and how old it is. Entrance is free.
3. Praia da Arrifana
A personal favorite is the Praia da Arrifana beach. It will probably be clear why upon arrival. From the top of the cliffs you look down on a wide beach that is enclosed on both sides by steep cliffs. As soon as you follow the winding road – which is not accessible by car for non-locals – down you will arrive at the beach where you will encounter many surf schools all year round. Thanks to its location, the bay is well protected from the wind, so you can lie in the sun in your swimming trunks all year round.
4. Praia da Amoreira
Another beautiful sandy beach in Aljezur is Praia da Amoreira. Situated at the mouth of the Ribeira de Aljezur, here the waves meet the river current. A beautiful place for a walk or sunset. The viewpoint is on the south side of the river, the beach on the north side, but on both sides you can find a restaurant for a snack or a drink. If there is little wind and the conditions are good, you can find great waves for surfing.
5. Praia da Bordeira
Technically, Praia da Bordeira is in the Bordeira region, but since it is only 20 kilometers away from Aljezur and on the route if you are coming from the south, this beach hidden behind the dunes and with adjacent cliffs is definitely worth a mention as a destination on your road trip to Aljezur. Here, after half a kilometer of dunes, the Ribeira da Carrapateira ends in the sea. Praia da Bordeira is a popular surfing beach and since it is a wide beach, beginners do not have to worry about anyone getting in your way. Halfway up the dunes you will find a small beach bar where you can get cocktails and smoothies, which are certainly welcome on a hot day after the tiring walk through the loose sand.
6. Pontal da Carrapateira
Directly southwest of Bordeira beach you will find the impressive high cliffs that are so typical of the Algarve. Here you can take a walk on a number of gravel paths and boardwalks while looking down at the sea, where the waves crash on the rocks and produce spraying spouts water. From Carrapateira village the round trip is about 6 kilometers after which you can find a cooling drink in the village.
Aljezur top 6 activities
In Aljezur there is a diverse range of activities thanks to the combination of the hilly landscape and the wide range of beaches. In addition to taking surfing lessons, horse riding tours also depart from here that take you through the sand dunes.
These are the top 6 activities in Aljezur:
1. Surflessons in Carrapateira
Learn to surf in Carrapateira on the beautiful and wide Amado beach. From beginner to advanced lessons, this part of the Algarve is a great location to start your surfing career! A surf lesson lasts about two hours and during the session you will learn the basic techniques you need to safely brave the waves yourself. The price includes equipment, insurance and the group size is a maximum of 8 participants per surf instructor.
2. Horse Riding in Carrapateira
Discover Carrapateira on a horseback ride of one hour through the hilly landscape of the western Algarve. Before departure, you will meet the guide and have the chance to help groom and feed the horses. Once fueled, the adventure begins and you will cross the beach to various viewpoints. On the way back, the route passes inland and you will learn more about the local flora and fauna that can be found in the Algarve.
3. Trail riding with an off-road motorcycle
The best and coolest way to discover the Algarve countryside is with an off-road motorcycle. Put on your helmet and get on a motorized steel horse and cross through the landscape with the adrenaline flowing through your veins. No experience? No problem. During the 1-3 day training you will learn how to control the motorcycle, ride safely and you will get some theory. In order to be able to follow lessons, you will need to have an A or A2 motorcycle license.
4. Guided walking & donkey tour at Burros Artes
At Burros Artes, flora and fauna come together as you take a walk through the beautiful surroundings of Aljezur with a donkey. Here you can learn about these gentle and patient creatures and help with their care during a visit before heading out for a walk. Children up to 40 kilos are even allowed to ride the donkeys, making this a fun activity for the whole family. Water and a healthy snack are included and options include walking routes from 1.5 to 6 hours. Burros Artes also offers pottery workshops. Feel free to contact them to put together a fun and educational day together.
5. Algarve Jeep safari
Explore the most remote and beautiful areas of the unspoilt Algarve on a Jeep Safari. Sandytoes offers a unique opportunity to gain an unforgettable insight into the local flora, fauna, history and culture. Experience an off the beaten track journey to local sites shown to you by local people. The Jeep tours are tailor made, so whether you are a couple looking for a romantic day out, or you are bringing children, Sandytoes is highly qualified to deliver a great day out on the beautiful west coast of the Algarve.
6. Mountain bike tour west Algarve
Discover the western Algarve with an experienced local guide during a mountain bike tour on the off-road trails of Aljezur. During the ride you will learn more about the local flora and fauna. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and sunscreen, because the guide will take you to a ‘secret’ lake where you can rinse off the sweat and dust during a refreshing swim. The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and includes bike, food, drinks and snacks.
Affordable car rental in the Algarve
The best way to discover all the beauty in the Algarve is with a rental car. By renting a car for a few days you can much more easily reach the sights and activities that are not always accessible by public transport.
By renting a car from Luzcar, you are helping a local family business run by Portuguese entrepreneurs. This way you support the local economy and you also get top service, which is often a stark contrast to the large corporations. Luzcar is based in Lagos, but they also offer cars at the airport in Faro. This way you can pick up the car immediately upon arrival and return it at the airport upon departure.
Luzcar’s reputation speaks for itself. Almost 5 out of 5 on Google Maps.
Aljezur accommodation tips
In Aljezur you will find many accommodations where nature is central. No towering hotels, but small-scale B&Bs, glamping and eco-resorts. If rest and relaxation mean a successful holiday, then Aljezur is the perfect location for your Algarve adventure.
These are my accommodation tips for Aljezur:
3 x accommodation tips in Aljezur
1. Quinta Alma – Ecological Retreat Farm
This beautiful eco-retreat farm in the middle of nature is a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle and to completely unwind. You can stay here in a glamping tent, bungalow or one of the small apartments.
2. Praia do Canal Nature Resort
In the rural west of the Algarve, close to the rugged west coast, lies the relatively young (2021) Praia do Canal Nature Resort, hidden like an oasis behind the dunes and cliffs. Even though it is just over an hour’s drive from the airport, it is worth every minute you have invested in the trip. Surrounded by nature, you can completely relax here in one of the swimming pools, the sauna or simply during a walk around the park.
3. Casa Da Estela
Casa Da Estela is a cute guesthouse located in the beautiful rural west of the Algarve, a few minutes drive from the west coast. Carrapateira is a wonderfully relaxed area in the Algarve where you don’t notice the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
If you want to cook for yourself, there is a shared kitchen available for you to use during your stay. The friendly owners will do everything to make you feel at home and with their Portuguese hospitality.
Restaurant tips for Aljezur
Although it is a small village, in Aljezur you can find some nice restaurants and cafes where you can get an excellent meal. Here are my recommendations:
- Mioto Pastelaria Snack-Bar. For coffee & local pastries. The terrace at the back is on the river, so you hardly hear the traffic of the busy road.
- Arte Bianca. Here they make delicious pizzas with crispy bases.
- Gelateria Vicentina. Cool down on a hot day at this ice cream shop. If you come on a cool day, you can warm up with a freshly baked waffle!
Parking in Aljezur
Parking in Aljezur village is free and is best done at or opposite the Mercado Municipal.
Free parking near the centre of Aljezur:
More of our local tips for your Portugal adventure
⭐ Check out our favourite sights in the Algarve on this page
⛵ Check out this overview of all activities you can do in the Algarve
🚗 This is the best car rental company in the Algarve
📌 Discover the top towns and cities to visit in the Algarve here
🏖 These are our favourite beaches in the Algarve
🛎 Get inspired with our local tips for accommodations in the Algarve
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