ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR | The most beautiful fishermen’s village on the Alentejo coast. In winter it is a quiet and peaceful place. In summer it fills up with national and foreign tourists. Approximately 1000 souls live there. Many of them are foreigners. Zambujeira do Mar enchants those who visit it. A small village where white houses predominate and a promontory with a view that impresses and dazzles!
ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR
I know the whole Alentejo well. Of all the Alentejo towns, Zambujeira do Mar is the one where I feel most comfortable. Perhaps because it is a sober place, with a very simple and welcoming layout and center. Except during the summer months, it is a fantastic place that offers great tranquility to its visitors. In July and August it gets transfigured and crowded. The number of visitors reaches its peak with the famous Sudoeste festival. The venue is approximately 7 kilometers from the center. There are many reasons to visit Zambujeira do Mar: the beaches, the food, the music and the recreational activities are just a few. Come with us, we will tell you everything!
WHERE IS IT AND HOW TO GET THERE?
Zambujeira do Mar is 212 kilometers from Lisbon. It takes approximately 2h30. If you need to rent a car, please use THIS LINK (DISCOVERCARS). If you leave from Porto, count on a 490km trip.
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR?
Although it is a fairly small place, there are some very interesting things to see and do. Here is a map to help you plan your walks!
WALK AROUND THE TOWN
The village is small and its straight line can be covered on foot in 20 minutes. But it’s worth walking around and feeling the “soul” of Zambujeira do Mar. Go into a local café, ask for a water and sit down. Give yourself a little time. Listen to the locals talking and feel the slow rhythm of the Alentejo. The town’s houses are dominated by white and extend to the single-story houses listed in blue. The highlight of Zambujeira is the small waterfront and the chapel square that juts out into the sea. From here the view is magnificent and not to be missed!
VISIT THE CHAPEL OF OUR LADY OF THE SEA
The chapel is simple and was built in 1966. It is composed of a nave and a sacristy.
But what is really a must-see in this place in Zambujeira is the ocean view. We all managed to spend long hours watching the sea. The ocean has a mesmerizing power that can hardly be explained. From this place we also have a privileged view to the beautiful beach of Zambujeira do Mar. It is my favorite place in this small town.
EATING AT ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR
As time goes by and age advances, I feel that eating is more and more of a pleasure! If you are like me, then you will be pleased to know that Zambujeira do Mar has many good restaurants where you can eat well! Being a land of fishermen, fish and seafood are the big attractions. If you prefer meat, try the famous Alentejo style pork.
TRAILS IN ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR
After you’ve had your fill, go for a walk or a bike ride along the trails of the Rota Vincentina. There are several routes that pass through Zambujeira do Mar. Besides burning some calories, you’ll also be able to enjoy the natural beauty of this region. The third and fourth stages of the Rota Vincentina stand out. When you walk along these trails, you will have many opportunities to see the sea up close. Many of the trails pass right next to the spectacular rocky escarpments of the region.
SUDOESTE FESTIVAL, ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR
The 5 days (a year) that shake Zambujeira do Mar! The first Sudoeste festival took place way back in 1997. Since then, every year in August, thousands of young people (and other less young people) “flood” Zambujeira do Mar and “turn upside down” the tranquility of the town. For those who like this type of agitation, it is an event not to be missed. If the crowds are not to your liking, then flee Zambujeira during the Sudoeste festival event. In either case it is worth checking the date of the next event. Follow this link: https://sudoeste.meo.pt/pt
SARDÃO CAPE
A perfect place of extraterrestrial authorship! It is the westernmost point of the Alentejo coast. The lighthouse was erected in 1915 and is 17 meters high. It is located between Almograve and Zambujeira do Mar. There we find imposing cliffs of unspeakable beauty. A place for lovers of silence. A place where the beauty of the land meets the beauty of the ocean. Visit and let yourself stay for a while. It is impossible not to feel pleasure at Cape Sardão. A place that invites to reflection and where all thoughts are allowed.
UNMISSABLE BEACHES IN ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR
Going to Zambujeira do Mar and not going to the beach is like going to Rome and not seeing the Pope. There are many and spectacular beaches in this region of the Alentejo coast. Here follows a map and a description of the “must-see” beaches.
ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR BEACH
As the name indicates, it is the beach that is located in the village of Zambujeira do Mar. It is a very beautiful beach with a medium-sized sand. Sought throughout the year by surfers and bathers. In the summer it is difficult to find space to extend your towel. Next to the beach there are several cafes and restaurants. As my father used to say, “a perfect place for those who like bars with a beach!
ALMOGRAVE BEACH
16 kilometers and 19 minutes separate Zambujeira do Mar from Almograve beach. It is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches of the entire Alentejo coast. An extensive sandy beach dotted with ochre colored rocks. During low tide there are rocks of various colors and dimensions. A beach protected by imposing and dangerous cliffs. Don’t get too close because they can collapse at any moment. It has a large parking lot. Before going down to the beach, appreciate the beauty of the place.
ALTEIRINHOS BEACH
12 minutes by car and 7 km separate Zambujeira do Mar from Alteirinhos beach. The cliffs, the rocks, the crystal clear sea, the water cascades, the surroundings, a real travel postcard! Note that the sand is very limited at high tide. If you like space while you’re at the beach, maybe it’s better to go only during low tide. The Alteirinhos beach has a large parking lot.
AMÁLIA BEACH
The name is due to “our” Amália Rodrigues who owned a house nearby this beach. It is not easy to get there. It is necessary to park the car and do the final route on foot (a walk of approximately 10 minutes). The trail is reasonably challenging, very beautiful and not advised for people with reduced mobility. The beach is beautiful, with waterfalls and mostly deserted. It is sought after by surfers and those who like uncrowded beaches.
UNMISSABLE ACTIVITIES IN ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR
SURF AT ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR
The beaches of the Vincentian coast are a delight for those who enjoy surfing. Well-formed waves and a wide range of beaches where you can practice this activity! Whatever your level is, on the Alentejo coast you will find a solution for you. In case you want to try this activity for the first time, maybe you should start with some lessons. In Zambujeira do Mar you will find a few surf schools.
DIVING AT ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR
The crystalline waters of the Alentejo coast are an invitation to dive and explore the bottom of the sea. An activity for everyone and for all ages. An activity not to be missed because the beauty of the Zambujeira do Mar region is not limited to its landscapes and beaches. In the depths of the ocean hides an endless beauty that few dare to know and explore. If you have never gone diving, do it with the help of professionals. Along the Vincentian coast there are several diving schools. Dare to do it!
VIRTUAL TOUR TO ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR
WHAT TO VISIT NEAR ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR?
Near Zambujeira do Mar we find several typical Alentejo villages that also offer a lot to those who visit them. Here are our suggestions and a map to orient yourself.
From Zambujeira do Mar to Porto Covo is a distance of approximately 40 minutes. Porto Covo is perhaps the most emblematic village of the Alentejo coast. A village with white houses and a Pombaline layout. In Porto Covo there are almost countless unmissable beaches!
29 minutes and 27 kilometers separate Zambujeira do Mar from Vila Nova de Milfontes. A village increasingly sought after by Portuguese and foreigners. It is quiet practically all year round. In the summer it fills up with tourists looking for and finding magnificent beaches like Malhão beach and Aivados beach.
The Islamic village of Aljezur is 39 minutes and 39 kilometers from Zambujeira do Mar. Besides the beaches, Aljezur has a castle, the house-museum Pintor José Cercas, the church of the misericordia, the main church, the municipal museum, a museum of Sacred Art and the Ribat of Arrifana. A must-visit town!
1h15 minutes and a distance of 74 km separate Zambujeira do Mar from Vila do Bispo. We talk about an Algarvian village, quiet and shrouded in great mysticism. Nowadays it is sought after by those who enjoy the unmissable beaches of the Vincentian coast. In the past it was a place sought after by the Romans to perform sacred rites. For the present and for the past it is worth visiting Vila do Bispo!
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR ORGANIZING YOUR TRIP
PRACTICAL TIPS to organize your trip to ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR (or other destination)
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