One of the most beautiful and untouched parts of Algarve can be found in the hills that surround Aljezur. Today, donkeys play a crucial role in the agriculture as they are used for everything from working the fields to transporting the goods to and from the city. You will also find the nearby beaches that offer you the peace and relaxation you have been seeking all this time.
Streets of Aljezur, Portugal
The city is located deep within the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina which is a large park that consumes a large portion of the western Algarve coastline. While most of Algarve is known for its fishing and its association with the sea, Aljezur is known for its agricultural industry. On top of the hill which dominates the center of the town, you will find the 10th century castle which was built by the Moors to defend the region. The castle sends a shadow over the city and reminds you of days long since forgotten.
The area which now makes up Aljezur, has been inhabited for many centuries. Today you can find a number of splendid archeological sites in and around the city. There is the Ribat de Arrifana which sits upon the Ponta da Atalaia cliffs which was built back in the 12th century as a fort and convent. Nearby you will find the ruins of a 12th century Moorish settlement known as Povoado Islâmico Sazonal de Pescadores as well as a Bronze Age burial mound, the Necrópole de Corte Cabreira, which has been dated back to 1800 B.C.
Praia da Amoreira, Aljezur, Algarve, Portugal
As the city spread out over the years away from the narrow cobblestone streets that meander their way through the city center, it never lost its old world charm. The whitewashed homes that line virtually every street in Aljezur are reminiscent of the years following the 1755 quake which devastated Lisbon and wreaked havoc throughout Algarve.
For anyone who chooses to visit Aljezur, the hardest thing is not deciding what to do, but rather whether the coastline or the countryside is the most appealing aspect of the area. There is much to see and do in and around Aljezur. You can go hiking or mountain biking deep into the countryside or spend the day relaxing along the golden shores that stretch out over 40 kilometers. From the warm and enticing beaches to the enchanted and peaceful hills and valleys, you will never run out of ways to spend your time in Aljezur.
In October of every year, the city hosts its annual Sweet Potato Festival which attracts many people from all over the region to taste the many delicacies such as stews, pies and pastries that are made locally with sweet potatoes.
Monte Clerigo, Aljezur, Algarve, Portugal
Regardless of what time of year that you chose to visit Aljezur, you will always be able to check out the 10th century Castelo de Aljezur which consists of two massive towers and ramparts and offer you a view in all directions which are simply breath-taking. The 16th century Igreja da Misericórdia was devastated by the 1755 earthquake and was rebuilt in the 18th century, but is none the less an amazing example of the splendid architecture of the past. The Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Alva was built in the 18th century as a replacement to the main parish church that was destroyed by the 1755 quake.
Then of course there are the museums in Aljezur. The Museu Municipal is home to some of the finest art from the region as well as many archeological artifacts that have been unearthed in the region over the years. The Museu de Arte Sacra Monsenhor Manuel Francisco Pardal houses a wonderful collection of religious artifacts. Then finally there is the Casa Museu Pintor José Cercas which houses the works of art created by José Cercas, a local artist.