The Algarve before the buildings: dark cliffs, surf and almost no one.
The Algarve before the apartment blocks: dark cliffs, surfers in the distance and beaches with hardly anyone on them. It is a full day up the west coast, from Odeceixe to the castle at Aljezur and the bay of Arrifana, and your driver waits wherever you stop. For those who have seen the postcard Algarve and want another.
The day, stop by stop
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Odeceixe
On the border between the Algarve and the Alentejo, the Seixe stream sweeps round in a wide bend before meeting the sea, leaving a beach between fresh water and ocean, framed by cliffs. You can choose the calm stream, good for children, or the sea, with bigger waves. Up above, the village has white houses and café terraces. At low tide the sand stretches much further; check the tides and respect the flags, as the Atlantic here is powerful.
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Castelo de Aljezur
On a hilltop above the town, the ruins of this castle of Islamic origin keep their walls, a tower and a cistern. You reach it through the narrow lanes of the old quarter, and from the top the view opens over the river valley, the rooftops and the fields stretching towards the sea. It is a quiet spot with few visitors. The path is steep and stony, so wear sturdy shoes. On the way back, look for a sweet potato treat, a local speciality.
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Arrifana
Arrifana is a horseshoe bay enclosed by dark cliffs, with a small fishing harbour on one side and a pointed rock rising from the water. On the clifftop are the ruins of a fort, looking over the whole cove and the surfers below. It is one of the most popular surf beaches on this coast. The walk down to the sand is steep, and the climb back harder; sunset seen from the fort is the best time to be here.
The essentials
- Duration
- 7–8 h · Full day
- Pick-up
- At your hotel. The final price depends on where you are staying; we confirm it when you tell us.
- Included
- The car and the driver, only for your group, tolls and water.
- Not included
- Entrance tickets and meals.
- Who it is for
- Anyone who has already seen the postcard Algarve.