Costa Vicentina
Costa Vicentina, the stretch of coast between the fishing village of Burgau (a few kilometres from Lagos) and Odeceixe is a different Algarve, where unspoilt nature has a strong and wild character, which translates into landscapes of breathtaking grandeur.
This area is part of the Natural Park that begins in the southwest Alentejo and constitutes the largest stretch of coastline in Portugal subject to protection. It’s one of the most beautiful and well-preserved areas of the European coastline, where we feel part of nature.
The beaches follow one after the other, either with long stretches of sand as far as the eye can see or smaller ones framed by grandiose schist and limestone cliffs. The rough sea produces a natural symphony, which serves as a soundtrack to this seaside walk.
On the south-facing coastline, beaches with excellent conditions for water sports await you. Apart from surfing and windsurfing, this whole area, which includes the beaches of Beliche, Tonel, Mareta, Martinhal, Ingrina and Zavial, is ideal for diving and exploring submerged caves and rocky recesses full of marine life. In Salema and also in Burgau, we find other picturesque beaches where the long fishing tradition is still very present.
On the edge of this coast (30km from lakes) lies the Sagres Promontory, the most south-western point of the European continent which seems to rise above the ocean and which in the Middle Ages was thought to be the “end of the world”. The fabulous views over the immense sea will dazzle you. Nonetheless, this is also the right place to find out more about the history of the Portuguese maritime epic that began precisely in Sagres by getting to know its fortress, the Chapel and the 43-metre diameter Rosa dos Ventos (compass rose). At the Cape, the lighthouse stands out. With a range of 95 km, it is one of the most powerful in Europe, having succeeded a luminary that in the 16th century was kept alight all night by the Capuchin friars.
This area is also excellent for birdwatching, especially in October, when the species arrives here from the north in search of warmer climes. But at other times of the year, we can also see other birds like the white egret, Bonelli’s eagle and the osprey, which is an endangered specie and has one of its last refuges here. We already know that they will all disappear in an instant if they notice us, so it is essential to respect the silence and walk on the trails.