9 Best Best Beaches in Aljezur

The beach of Praia do Monte Clérigo is set towards the north-western corner of the Algarve, which makes it a very different place to the well known spots on the south coast. The Algarve's west coast has a fairly wild feel about it characterised by wide sandy beaches facing into the full force of the Atlantic Ocean. Set in the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty, this beach has been well protected from the slightest hint of over-development.

Sixteen kilometres north of Carrapateira lies the village of Aljezur, which is considerably larger than Carrapateira and probably one of the prettiest and liveliest towns on the western Algarve. From here buses run to a couple of outstanding beaches, the largest of which is Praia da Arrifana, ten kilometres to the south west.

Part of the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, this wild and rugged stretch of beach is located near the village of Rogil, on the very north-western edge of the Algarve.

This area has almost entirely escaped the developments of the tourist industry that dominate the southern Algarve. Praia de Vale dos Homens is set in farmland and pine forests, and whilst you won't find much in the way of facilities here access to the beach is fairly easy via 285 wooden steps which snake their way down the cliffs.

The small cove of Praia das Adegas is separated from its better known neighbour, Praia de Odeceixe by high cliffs, although at low tide it is possible to walk around. This gives the beach a rather secluded feel and definitely helps keep the crowds down and also makes it a popular spot with naturists.

The Atlantic coast beach of Praia de Odeceixe Mar straddles the border between the Algarve and Alentejo regions of Portugal. It is situated at the mouth of the River Seixe (Rio de Seixe) which forms the border and lays down a lush green valley leading to the beach.

Odeceixe is a big sandy beach that is popular with surfers. The break around the river mouth can be especially good. At the northern end there are steep, sheer cliffs.

At the far southern end is a small cove (Praia de Adegas) which is a designated nudist beach.

Continue northwards along the coast from Praia do Castelejo for around ten kilometres and you will arrive at the village of Carrapateira, which is little more than a collection of surf shops, a grocery store, a small market, a pavement café and a bakery.

The beach here was once known as Praia do Brejão, after the nearby village. However this changed after Portugal's most famous fado singer, Amália Rodrigues, stayed at a villa overlooking the beach.

Little has changed since those days and the beach is very much unspoilt. Praia da Amália is not what you would describe as a family beach; it is difficult to find and involves a fair hike to get down to. It is also one of those beaches that virtually disappears at high tide, although, as you can see, there is a wonderful stretch of sand when the tide is out.