The Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Nature Park stretches along the coast for 100 km, from São Torpes to Burgau. It is one of the best-preserved coastal areas in Europe. In the Algarve, the park encompasses the municipalities of Aljezur and Vila do Bispo.
Over a vast period of time, geological evolution has given rise to curious rock formations, with the craggy cliffs and outcrops being one of the most attractive aspects of the Vicentine Coast. This area is unmissable for a number of reasons: the considerable biodiversity with habitats found nowhere else; the vegetation, with the highest number of native species in Portugal; animal species found nowhere else in the country, such as the sea otter; and other particularities, such as the white stork nests built on the coastal rocks.
The birdlife certainly deserves to be highlighted here since, apart from the species that nest on the cliffs, this entire coastal strip, and the Sagres area in particular, is an important place on the migration routes. You are likely to see the highest concentration of birds in September and October, a time of year when many birdwatchers come here from all over the world.
The sea bed along the coast also boasts considerable biological diversity, with the many species of flora and fauna delighting divers.
The unspoiled beaches vary in type from long stretches of sand to tiny coves nestling between the cliffs. They are another of the Vicentine Coast’s great attractions, especially for surfers.
Apart from the appeal of nature, the area’s history and culture are two other very good reasons to come here. Visitors will be charmed by the myths and legends of this far southwestern tip of Portugal, where Cape St. Vincent and Sagres should be on everyone’s “must-see” list.
There are many different routes and ways to visit the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Nature Park. Whether it suits you best to drive, cycle or walk, you can be sure of enjoying one of this destination’s most beautiful landscapes.
Additional Information
County: Aljezur
Phone: 283 322 735
Email: pnsacv@icnf.pt
VisitAlgarve URL: https://visitalgarve.pt/en/4305/southwest-alentejo-and-vicentine-coast-nature-park.aspx