Alentejo

The fortified medieval village of Mértola sits on a remote rocky spur at the confluence of the rivers Guadiana and Oeiras in the southern Alentejo. Looking up from the river, Mértola appears as a set of sturdy stone walls containing a jumble of whitewashed, red-roofed houses all of which is crowned by the sturdy stone castle.

Zambujeira do Mar is located in a fairly isolated spot at the southern end of the Alentejo coast. Set in the Costa Vicentina and Sudoeste Alentejano Nature Park this laid back seaside village still retains much of its charm. A huddle of whitewashed walls and terracotta roofs sits on top of the steep cliffs which overlook the beach here. 

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.

This beautiful and rugged Alentejan beach is located just a few kilometres north of Porto Covo. As well as a good stretch of golden sand it also has masses to explore. There are caves, rock formations, a huge low tide pool and even a waterfall.

Despite its wilderness feel Praia da Samoqueira is quite popular and relatively easily reached.

Praia do Burdo is a pretty little sandy cove located a few kilometres to the north of Vila Nova de Milfontes and to the south of Malhão beach. It is quite secluded, being a considerable distance from the nearest road. The beach is also backed by steep cliffs making accessing it difficult.

This wide, sandy beach is located just to the south of Sines, although if you came here out of season it might feel a long way from anywhere.

Praia do Morgavel has something of a wild feel to it; a generous strip of golden sand situated between the Atlantic rollers and wind-blown sand dunes. Despite this the beach is very popular in the summer with both locals from Sines and those holidaying in the campsite behind the beach. Despite this the beach never feels crowded as there is plenty of room.

Praia Vasco da Gama is Sines' town beach. Given most people only think of the town here as something of an industrial port you may well be very pleasantly surprised by this crescent of golden sand.

Sitting within the shelter of Sines' many breakwaters the sea here is perfectly calm making it a great spot to take a dip. In addition there is a seasonal lifeguard service and a host of amenities on and around the beach. This only furthers Praia Vasco da Gama's family friendly credentials.

There are a number of lovely little coves along the coast between the industrial town of Sines and holiday resort of Porto Côvo. Praia do Serro da Águia is one such of these and perhaps the prettiest.

Like many of the beaches along this stretch of coast it is formed within a small rocky cove with sandstone cliffs to the back and sides. The sand is a pale golden colour while the sea is a crystal clear blue.

This sandy stretch is situated a few kilometres to the south of the popular resort of Porto Covo. With its backdrop of sand dunes and scrubland beyond it has a fairly wild feel to it. This is somewhat contradicted (or maybe reinforced) by the large, abandoned 16th fortress that overlooks the beach.

The closest beach to the centre of Porto Côvo, Praia dos Buizinhos is small but perfectly formed. Backed by a semi-circle of cliffs and with lots of rocks just offshore this is generally one of the most sheltered beaches in the town.

Despite being right by the village there isn't actually much in the way of amenities on the beach itself. There is also no lifeguard, although it is generally safe to stay in the shallows here.