5 Best Best Beaches in Zambujeira Do Mar

The sleepy seaside village of Zambujeira do Mar is set within the Costa Vicentina and Sudoeste Alentejano Nature Park towards the southern end of the Alentejo coast. A huddle of whitewashed walls and terracotta roofs overlook this fantastic beach from the cliff top. 

Located just to the south of the small resort of Zambujeira do Mar, the beach of Praia dos Alteirinhos maintains a fairly wild feel whilst also being quite easy to get to.

The beach itself is a good-sized stretch of golden sand backed by high, steep cliffs. The water here is crystal clear, but also usually a little on the chilly side. To the northern end of the beach there are a number of  long, low rock formations which add character to the beach and provide lots of smaller areas to explore and swim among.

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.

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.

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.