24 August 2022

Porto Covo: the best of this prime destination on the Alentejo Coast

Discover some of the best attractions in Porto Covo, this wonderful destination perfect for taking the family.

We all aim to make the most of the little time we have to treat ourselves to holidays or getaways. Some destinations are chosen for the peace, quiet, and beaches they offer. One of the best destinations that guarantees these qualities is Porto Covo.

This destination is wonderful, a perfect place to take the family. Although those travelling alone, as a couple or with a group of friends will also have a fantastic experience. This destination guarantees all of this and much more; good people, good food, good weather, the scenery is fantastic, there are several beaches and lots of natural beauty. Do you want to get to know some of the best attractions in Porto Covo?

Porto Covo: the best of this prime destination on the Alentejo Coast

Porto Covo is one of those destinations that will stay with us forever. The parish of Porto Covo is situated in the municipality of Sines. Porto Covo is present in the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park and is recognised for its stunning beauty.

The Costa Vicentina is located within the natural park. Its area covers a stretch of 110 km. The route connects São Torpes and Burgau beach in the Algarve. The village of Porto Covo is a pearl on the Alentejo coast and shines brightly among various stunning locations.

Location

Fishermen's village

Porto Covo is a charming fishing village. Although it is a fantastic destination at any time of year, Porto Covo is an excellent place to spend a summer holiday.

Here, there's a bit of everything you could wish for in a perfect summer holiday. Porto Covo reveals itself as a charming experience. The village was rebuilt by the Marquis of Pombal after the 1755 earthquake.

Features

This village retains its traditional layout and possesses a unique charm. The whitewashed houses shine with great intensity, standing out against the landscape. The colourful doors and windows lend a magical touch to the place, creating a contrast with the white of the houses which are all joined together.

One of the local riches lies in its people. The best way to get to know the village is to talk to the people who know it best. In Porto Covo, you will find friendly people who are good at making visitors feel welcome. They know how to do it with skill and are generous. They are aware of the treasure they have and don't mind sharing Porto Covo with anyone who visits the village.

Discover the best attractions in Porto Covo: A complete guide!

Unleash your adventurous spirit and explore the vast hidden riches of Porto Côvo!

The square

In Praça Marquês de Pombal, you can experience the village's life, with the presence of several cafés, restaurants, and little shops. This is the tourists' favourite spot to relax in the late afternoons and evenings.

This is the central square of Porto Covo and serves as a meeting point for locals and tourists. The garden with benches offers a moment of rest to contemplate the beauty of the place.

Vasco da Gama Street Promenade

This is the main access to the square. The promenade along Rua Vasco da Gama connects Marquês de Pombal Square to a viewpoint overlooking the sea. The main street is charming and pedestrianised.

The promenade is about 230m long and a large part of its extent is closed to vehicles. Therefore, it is only for pedestrians.

The church of Porto Covo

This small religious building is quite charming. Despite its reduced size, the Church of Porto Covo is a must-see attraction. This religious building is considered the parish church of the municipality.

However, it is also titled the Church of Our Lady of Solitude, who is the patron saint of the locality. This church presents austere lines. In this construction, the morphological hybridity of the reign of D. Maria I is visible.

The affection for Baroque art is visible in the curves and various polylobed finials of the openings, which are framed within a rigid overall composition, particularly notable for the precision of the pediment's design. This church is the centre of the feasts of Our Lady of Solitude.

Address Largo Marquês de Pombal 7520-437 Porto Covo.

The beaches

Porto Covo has truly stunning beaches. It boasts an impressive collection of beaches. These beaches attract many people to gather along the coast during the summer. Many visitors choose this destination for their holidays. The beaches are Porto Covo's greatest asset. Would you like to know which beaches they are?

Porto Covo Bay Beach

The “Baía de Porto Covo,” as it is designated, is situated between two headlands. It is an indentation roughly 250 m long by 40 m wide.

Porto Covo Bay Beach is a shingle beach located in the urban area, next to the mouth of a watercourse.

On this beach, the village's fishing port operates. Given the number of beaches in the parish, this beach is practically not used by bathers.

Samouqueira Beach

Any beach lover will be captivated by the charms of this beach. Praia da Samouqueira offers a wonderful experience to all who visit it. This beach is considered one of the best in the world. In addition to natural pools, there are caves, crystal-clear water, and a waterfall. It is a perfect beach for summer dives.

Oliveirinha Beach

This beach is made up of two distinct sandy coves. Praia da Oliveirinha is made up of the sandy cove to the north, which is smaller and shell-shaped. The same beach has the sandy cove to the south, which is located after the rocks.

On this beach, there is a slightly more extensive stretch of sand. However, this stretch is almost entirely submerged at high tide.

Serro da Águia Beach

This beach is also hidden between the cliffs, as is the case with other beaches in this parish. Serro da Águia beach has seawater that arrives through a passage of only 20 metres. A reality that gives it the appearance of a private beach.

Serro da Águia beach is located 1.4 km north of the village. It is a beach with parking and a staircase for access. It is a beach that has a rubbish collection and beach cleaning service, but it is not a supervised beach.

Engardaceira Beach

This is the first beach encountered to the south, just outside the village. The beach is situated in a south-westerly facing bay and has a shape that resembles a perfectly symmetrical shell.

Engardaceira Beach (also known as Bica Vermelha Beach) is 50 m wide.

Queimado Beach

This beach owes its name to a legend. The sandy area of this beach is also small. The sandy area is divided in half by a stream that flows into the sea there.

The name Praia do Queimado (Burnt Beach) arose from the legend that a saint from Ilha do Pessegueiro was set on fire in this location. However, she did not burn...

Sissial Beach

This beach is only 250m long. Praia do Sissial is a little further from the road, so a short walk will be necessary to reach the sandy area.

Buizinhos Beach

This is another of the more popular beaches. Buizinhos Beach is Porto Covo's main urban beach, a role it shares with Praia Grande. This beach is located below the viewpoint, with access via a staircase.

Buizinhos Beach is 50 metres wide. This beach is completely protected by cliffs, which means it has calmer waters. The beach gets its name from the abundant presence of cowrie shells on its sands.

Porto Covinho Beach

This beach is 1.6 km north of the village. A small car park is located nearby. A flight of stairs provides access to the beach close by. The beach of Porto Covinho has a diminutive in its name because it is a small beach.

It has a shell-like shape and is located at the base of the cliff. This beach is only 25m long and is surrounded by rocks. Porto Covinho beach is protected from the open sea by rocks, which leads to the formation of natural pools, an event dependent on the tide.

Foz Beach

This beach features a strip of sand that is slanted in relation to the waterline. Foz Beach is located at the mouth of a small valley.

Porto Covo Grande Beach

This is one of Porto Covo's most sought-after beaches. It has good access and support infrastructure. This beach is located right at the beginning of the urban area, making it very easy to access.

Praia Grande measures 120 metres in width, revealing a broad sandy expanse. The conditions here make it quite sought after by surfers, due to the significant waves it presents.

As it is surrounded by large rocks, the beach is sheltered from the wind. There is also a large car park at the top. Another positive point is the presence of a restaurant nearby.

Cerca Nova Beach

This beach is located 1 km from the village centre. It is a beach with a length of 250 m. As it has a parking area and access stairs, it has Mourning which are not found on other beaches in the parish.

Cerca Nova beach is located between Salto beach and Praia Grande. The separation between these three beaches is formed by small sections of cliffs.

Salto Beach

This beach is located 1.2 km north of the village and is one of the rockiest. Salto beach is a small beach of only 30 m. This beach has parking space and access stairs.

During low tide, the sandy area stretches considerably, leading to a higher frequency of bathers. Salto beach is intended for naturism enthusiasts. Therefore, cast aside prejudices and spread your towel with complete freedom!…Discover the best accommodation in the Costa Vicentina

Espingardeiro Beach, Banho Beach, Gaivota Beach, and Pequena Beach

There is a set of 4 small beaches nestled in crevices in the cliffs, located opposite the village. The four small beaches are: Praia do Espingardeiro, Praia do Banho, Praia da Gaivota and Praia Pequena.

Among these beaches, those with stair access stand out, namely Espingardeiro Beach and Banho Beach. The other beaches do not have access. It will be necessary to venture over the rocks to get down to the small stretch of sand.

Praia do Banho owes its name to the tradition of this place being special on August 29th. On this day, traditional-style bathing takes place. Every year, the tradition is repeated in these waters. An event that allows the tradition of the blessing of Saint John the Baptist to continue.

Espingardeiro Beach is another beach with access points. This beach features a small sandy area that is completely submerged at high tide. Being located between cliffs, the beach is sheltered from the wind.

Pessegueiro Island Beach (or Island Beach)

This beach is located opposite the island that gives it its name. Praia da Ilha do Pessegueiro is made up of a very extensive and wide sandy area.

This is the largest beach in Porto Covo. It is approximately 1 km in length. The beach is about 3 km from the village. The best access to the beach is next to the fort, where there is a car park and also a restaurant.

On this beach, there are good conditions for water sports. Many people practise windsurfing, canoeing, or diving.

Pessegueiro Island

The famous Pessegueiro Island boasts an unusual beauty. This Natural Heritage site attracts many people, as it is an extremely valuable treasure. The famous Pessegueiro Island is located 250 metres offshore from Porto Covo.

This is a naviform island 340m long with a maximum width of 325m. Traces of Carthaginian occupation have been found on the island, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Roman occupation is also evident, notably with fish salting tanks. The island is also believed to have served as a pirate refuge over the centuries.

Pessegueiro Island Necropolis is an interesting attraction. It is a very popular island, a must-visit for anyone visiting Porto Covo. Therefore, many boats offer trips to the island during the summer.

Fort of Saint Albert of Pessegueiro

This construction is situated on the Alentejo coast, on Pessegueiro Island. The Fort of Santo Alberto do Pessegueiro was ordered to be built in the 17th century by D. Pedro II.

The Pessegueiro Island Fort (or Fora Island Fort, as it is also known) was built for defence. It was used to protect the entire coastline from pirates and corsairs who appeared there regularly.

Activities

There are various activities that can be done in this parish. For example, you can go on a walking tour. Given the local attractions, it proves to be a very pleasant experience.

Fishermen's Trail

This trail allows you to connect Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes. It's a very popular trail among hikers. The trail follows the sea along its route, passing through extensive sandy areas.

Along the trail, the fascination is constant, thanks to the beautiful landscapes of the beaches, namely Ilha do Pessegueiro, Aivados and Malhão. This is a tiring and long route. Between Porto Covo and Vila Nova de Milfontes, there are about 20 km that are covered almost entirely on sand. Therefore, take plenty of water!

Guided tours of Pessegueiro Island can be arranged. To do this, you can go aboard the vessel Novo Horizonte.

Contacts: Joaquim Matias – 965 535 683.

Can you grant the wish of Go horse riding in this parish. Whether it's for breaking in the horse or for longer rides.

Address: Herdade do Pessegueiro, 7520-421

Contacts: 963 320 898

Surf

In Porto Covo, there are fantastic conditions for surfing. If you wish to learn this sport, which has an ever-growing number of enthusiasts in Portugal, you should contact ESLA Surf School or Costa Azul Surf School.

ESLA Surf School

Contacts: +351 925 660 163 / info@surfschoolesla.com

More information, here.

Costa Azul Surf School

Address: Praia da Vieirinha, 7520-300 Sines, Portugal.

Contacts: costazul@costazulsurf.com / 932665269 / 961222533

More information, here.

The House in the Countryside Kitesurfing & Stand Up Paddle School This could be the place to go if you're looking for other aquatic challenges. Here, you can ensure hours of fun.

ECOALGA – Diving School offers other types of experiences, such as diving. If you wish to uncover the incredible mysteries of the ocean depths, this is the best way to do it.

Address: Rua 25 de Abril, 5c – 7520-437 Porto Côvo

Contacts: +351 964 620 394 / ecoalga@gmail.com

More information, here.