If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Lagos for a day and visit a beautiful peaceful village a short drive away, Aljezur might just hit the spot.
Aljezur is a short hop by car or bus from Lagos Bus Station. The bus fare is €8 and the travel time is approximately 1 hour.
As the attractions are spread out, I recommend traveling by car. The distance from Lagos is 32 kilometers and travel time is roughly 30 minutes.
In Aljezur you’ll experience a more relaxed atmosphere, unlike some of the more bustling tourist centers of the Algarve. It’s perfect for those looking to escape the more commercialized areas and enjoy a more authentic Portuguese experience.
Things to Do On A Day Trip To Aljezur
When you arrive in Aljezur, the road takes a sharp right-hand turn across the river. Immediately on the other side of the river, there are two car parks, one on the right and one on the left behind the Mercado Municipal de Aljezur. The car park behind the market is suitable for motor homes, camper vans and larger vehicles.
1. Mercado Municipal de Aljezur
The Municipal Market of Aljezur is a great place to buy fresh, local produce including the region’s renowned sweet potatoes, seafood, fruit, and vegetables.
The market is open 9 am to 1 pm Monday to Saturday
2. Walk to the Aljezur Castle (Castelo de Aljezur) and Museums
The Castle of Aljezur, a Moorish castle dating back to the 10th century, is one of the town’s main historical landmarks. The walking distance from the car parks I mentioned earlier to the castle is around 650 meters. You can drive up the narrow roads if you wish and you’ll find a small car park there for around 4 vehicles. The local taxi will take you up as well!
However, by walking you’ll be rewarded by the wonderful views of the surrounding countryside, and you’ll be able to check out the museums along the winding road.
First, you’ll see Museu Antoniano (Saint Anthony Museum) which is in a building constructed in the 17th Century. Opens Tuesday to Saturday
Next, along the walk is Casa Museu Pintor Jose Cercas (House of the Painter Jose Cercas) who lived here for 78 years until 1992 when the contents and art were left to the municipality of Aljezur.
Now continue up to the castle where you’ll be rewarded with those fantastic views.
3. Town Square, Church, and Local Cafés
Aljezur has two distinct areas. The main street on the west of the river and the town square area to the east. The walk from the car park to the town square is about 750 meters (12 minutes) or move your car to Intermache supermarket car park, where you’ll find undercover parking on the lower level and open-air parking on the top level (with more amazing views looking back to the west). Walk to the town square, where you’ll find the church (Igreja Matriz de Aljezur) Listen to the church bells, pop into the church, and enjoy a coffee at one of the charming cafés. This area serves as the cultural heart of Aljezur, offering a relaxing environment for people watching (admit it, you enjoy it as much as I do!) and enjoy the architectural beauty of the town.
4. Praia da Arrifana
About 10 kilometers from Aljezur is Arrifana Beach (Praia da Arrifana). It’s a stunning beach set in a sheltered bay surrounded by cliffs, making it a popular spot for surfers and sunbathers alike. The dramatic scenery, reliable waves, and the presence of a medieval fort overlooking the beach add to its appeal.
5. Praia de Odeceixe
If you have time, head north around 16 kilometers to the town of Odeceixe and then take the road along the river to Praia de Odeceixe. There’s a lot of parking here and the beach is accessible. It’s a beautiful spot and the views are stunning. Take a stroll on the beach or enjoy the fresh seafood at Casa de Hospedes e Restaurante Dorita.
6. Walking Trails in the Area – Rota Vincentina
The Rota Vincentina is a vast network of hiking and bicycling routes in Southwest Portugal between Sines in the north and Lagos in the south.
The rugged coastline between Praia da Arrifana and Odeceixe forms part of the Rota Vincentina and showcases the beauty of the beaches, rivers and cliff tops in this area. You can check walking routes on platforms like Rota Vincentina and Wikiloc for hiking trails, which will offer different levels of difficulty and lengths, ensuring there’s something suitable for everyone.
7. Where To Eat
When we visit Aljezur we try to make it to a great little local restaurant 3Geracao Restaurante. The service and the food here is exceptional. There are plenty of options for eating; just have a wander around and see what takes your fancy.
These activities and the sites mentioned provide a comprehensive experience of Aljezur, blending natural beauty with cultural insights and local lifestyle. Whether you’re interested in historical sites, natural landscapes, or just soaking up the local culture, Aljezur has plenty to offer.