7 dream villages and towns on the Vicentine Coast

The Alentejo coast is a fascinating destination, whether for a holiday or a memorable getaway. Discover 7 dreamy villages and towns on the Costa Vicentina.

7 dream villages and towns on the Vicentine Coast

1. Aljezur
2. Bordeira Village
3. Aldeia da Pedralva
4. Carrapateira Village
5. Vila Nova de Milfontes
6. Odeceixe
7. Porto Covo

Aljezur

Aljezur is a small village that was founded by the Arabs in the 10th century. This village provides moments of great pleasure to those who have the opportunity to wander through its picturesque alleys.

To contemplate the local Algarvian rural architecture is something special. The white houses typical of Aljezur are an attraction that seduces any visitor. The local's 'ex libris' will be the ancestral castle situated on top of a hill.

In this mythical space, several battles were fought between Moors and Christians. As well as offering a journey through the country's history, Aljezur also boasts geographical richness that allows for the exploration of several excellent beaches nearby. There are some unmissable villages on the Costa Vicentina. The village of Bordeira is surely one of the most typical and most stunning. The village hides many charms. The white houses are outlined in blue and yellow.

The setting makes the experience of strolling through the narrow streets quite pleasant. The Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation will be the showpiece of this village, but those who visit it must really stop at the village café and take the opportunity to have a chat with the locals, who are very welcoming and always have a lot to tell.

Bordeira Village

There are some must-see villages on the Vicentine Coast. The village of Bordeira is surely one of the most typical and most stunning. The village hides many charms. The white houses are outlined in blue and yellow.

The setting makes the experience of strolling through the narrow streets quite pleasant. The Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation will be the showpiece of this village, but those who visit it must really stop at the village café and take the opportunity to have a chat with the locals, who are very welcoming and always have a lot to tell.

Aldeia da Pedralva

This village is located in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, about 7 km from the coast. Aldeia da Pedralva was in ruins until recently. Due to strong depopulation and abandonment, the village was almost forgotten and shows various signs of damage.

However, Pedralva was faithfully restored and reconverted so that the village's tourism could breathe new life into this territory. It was in 2010 that the village of Pedralva was officially opened to the public.

This village is made up of narrow, cobbled streets. There are 24 small houses that reveal the characteristic elements of Algarvian rural architecture.

In this village, there are still two restaurants, a café, and a swimming pool. Therefore, Pedralva offers all the conditions for a dream stay for any visitor. This village is located a few kilometres from the village of Bordeira. The smell of sea salt is one of the attractions of Carrapateira village, which has its local beach as its crowning glory. Its people and visitors to the village love the local beach, which is considered one of the best on the Costa Vicentina.

Its sandy beach is one of the largest in the Algarve. This village has charming single-storey houses, which are very close together. In the older houses, the enormous single-pitch roofs still persist. However, there are also two-storey houses with gable roofs.

The Church of Our Lady of the Conception is a must-see attraction in this village. It is surrounded by a fortress that was built in 1673 on the instructions of D. Nuno Cunha de Ataíde.

Carrapateira Village

This village is located a few kilometres from the village of Bordeira. The scent of the sea is one of the attractions of the village of Carrapateira, whose local beach is its ex-libris. Its people and visitors to the village love the local beach, which is considered one of the best on the Costa Vicentina.

Its sandy beach is one of the largest in the Algarve. This village has charming single-storey houses, which are very close together. In the older houses, the enormous single-pitch roofs still persist. However, there are also two-storey houses with gable roofs.

The Church of Our Lady of the Conception is a must-see attraction in this village. It is surrounded by a fortress that was built in 1673 on the instructions of D. Nuno Cunha de Ataíde.

Vila Nova de Milfontes

Vila Nova de Milfontes is considered the Princess of the Alentejo. This small fishing village in the municipality of Odemira is part of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.

Vila Nova de Milfontes once came to be known as the village of three lies, namely: Vila Nova de Milfontes was a village and not a town; Vila Nova de Milfontes is not new, as it was founded in 1486 by D. João II; and Vila Nova de Milfontes does not have a thousand springs, although there were indeed several freshwater springs in scattered locations in the region.

Among the village's best attractions are: São Clemente Fort; Nossa Senhora da Graça Church; São Sebastião Hermitage (16th century); Portinho do Canal Fishing Port, among others.

The local landscape is impressive and the cuisine of Vila Nova de Mil Fontes is another local attraction. There are quality restaurants that showcase the best of typically Alentejan cuisine. Odeceixe is a charming destination for its village and beach. The peaceful village of Odeceixe is located in the far northwest of the Algarve. This small and picturesque village offers several charms. The local white houses and their peculiar streets with winding paths provide a pleasant experience.

Strolling through the streets and meandering is an incredible thing, just as it is special to climb the hillside to the town's landmark, the “Odeceixe Windmill”. The beach is one of the best things you can find on the Vicentine Coast, which, while not saying everything, means a lot, given the quality evident in this area.

Odeceixe

Porto Covo

Porto Covo is a fascinating fishing village. This village is surely one of the brightest pearls on the Alentejo coast. Porto Covo is beautiful all year round, but it is a dream destination for a summer holiday.

There is a fascinating set of beaches in Porto Covo. However, the village has other attractions. After suffering considerable damage from the 1755 earthquake, the village of Porto Covo was rebuilt by the Marquis of Pombal.

The man who initiated the recovery receives due tribute with Marquês de Pombal Square, one of Porto Covo's attractions. The traditional layout of this village charms all visitors. The whitewashed houses represent another element that enriches the scenery. The local landscape is stunning.

Strolling along the Vasco da Gama Street promenade turns out to be that pleasant experience that stays with us forever. The church of Porto Covo will be the highlight of the village itself, forgetting the local beaches.