Portugal Regions

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Coastal Alentejo is the Alentejo Litoral district of Portugal

Property in Portugal - Coastal Altentejo

Coastal Alentejo's climate
About the Coastal Alentejo
Towns & Villages on the Coastal Alentejo
Golf on the Coastal Alentejo
Local Business Directory for the Coastal Alentejo

Property in Portugal - Coast Alentejo Property in Portugal - Coastal Alentejo

Climate

Sheltered from Atlantic winds by the Serra da Arrábida mountains the Coastal Alentejo has a fabulous climate - as sunny as the Algarve but with more comfortable temperatures at the height of the summer (they average just a few degrees cooler than those inland or to the south of Portugal).

About the Coastal Alentejo

Coastal Alentejo "We gave away the Algarve and kept the best for ourselves”
João Mendes 2003

Think of Southern Europe’s traditional coastal resorts and picture the sun, the sea, the sand ….. and the hoards of holiday makers, the traffic jams, impossible parking conditions and packed beaches, bars and restaurants. Where then at the height of the summer season can you find a beautiful seaside destination offering the same facilities but without the crowds, the cars and sunbathers packed on the beaches like sardines in a tin? squaremetres welcomes you to the Coastal Alentejo, one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets.

Traditionally a holiday destination for the Portuguese, this region has escaped the clutches of the international package holiday market and ruthless property developers. It has retained much of its national character and its people delight in colourful festivals, fairs, feasts, bullfights, cultural events and traditional crafts. Naturally there has been some development but this has tended to be on a small scale. Planners have learnt from the mistakes that others have made by exploiting, and in some cases ruining, their coastal resorts. There are now strict limits on the density of future building and enforced height-restrictions to prevent soaring tower blocks. At the same time, large swathes of virgin land have been protected to guarantee that they remain untouched.

With perhaps the best-preserved coastline in Europe, the beaches in this region are stunning - and generally remain unspoiled. About an hour's drive south of Lisbon Airport, the Coastal Alentejo begins in the Costa Azul (literally translated as the “Blue Coast”). Here the white sandy beach stretches for 100 kilometres beside translucent blue-green waters. Further south, the two lagoon beaches at Lagoa de Santo André and Lagoa de Melides, together with the River beaches on the Sado offer safe environments for young children to play in the water.

South of Sines, the coastline changes - it becomes more rugged with cliffs, coves, and lovely beaches that are usually situated off minor roads - some of which are great surf beaches. The wonderful Praia da Samouqueira is named after the extraordinary rock formations, and well worth a visit are the Praia da Ilha and Praia da Oliveirinha. The beaches near Vila Nova de Milfontes, on the quiet estuary where the river Mira meets the sea, have calm conditions suitable for children and others with excellent surf conditions. To the south, the unspoilt beach of Almograve sits beneath towering cliffs.

Inland, there are a number of rivers and barragems - many where water-sports are permitted:

Barragem Campilhas - with canoing, windsurfing and fishing.

Property in Portugal - Barragem Campilhas, Coastal Alentejo

Barragem de Santa Clara - the beautiful Santa Clara Lake is perfect for swimming, boating or fishing.

Property in Portugal - Barragem de Santa Clara, Coastal Alentejo Property in Portugal - Coastal Alentejo

Stretching south from the Tróia Peninsula to meet the Algarve, this area is the perfect venue for long summer holidays and short winter sun breaks. Whether you enjoy:

Golf
Tennis
Natural History
Swimming with Dolphins
Architectural and Cultural History
Wine and Food
Canoing
Cycling
Diving
Fishing
Horse riding
Jet skiing
Mountain biking
Sailing
Surfing
Swimming
Water-skiing
Walking
Wind-surfing
... or just relaxing

you are spoilt for choice on the Coastal Alentejo.

Natural Historians will delight in the variety of wildlife here - the Dolphin has been adopted as the symbol of Costa Azul to the north of the region, and enthusiasts mustn’t miss the boat trips to see (and perhaps even snorkel with) the bottle-nosed dolphins in the Sado Estuary, where the river meets the ocean creating channels, creeks and mudflats. Otters together with more than one hundred species of birds, including the white stork, marsh harrier, flamingo and heron, feed on the molluscs, crustaceans and fish. For those who search peace and quiet, exploring the natural reserves of the Tagus and Sado river estuaries is another option.

For those preferring more cerebral pastimes, the Coastal Alentejo has a rich historical and cultural heritage, which can be traced back to Roman times and Moorish occupation. The region is peppered with mediaeval castles, renaissance palaces, imposing manor houses, churches, chapels and convents.

And what of the region’s food and drink? Scattered down the coastline are many beach bars serving mouth-watering Portuguese cuisine including excellent fresh fish. Romantics will definitely enjoy sundowners before tucking into delicious fresh food accompanied by fine local wine! Many of the local vineyards offer tours which culminate in wine tasting sessions – something not to be missed!

On the Southern Lisbon Coast, the town of Setúbal (situated in the foothills of the Serra da Arrábida and on the north bank of the wide Sado estuary) is a thriving port where the small car ferries shuttle back and forth from the Tróia Peninsula.

There is a broad cross section of properties in this region which range from traditional Alentejano farmhouses and fishermen’s cottages, through to modern villas and apartments. Alternatively if you have always dreamt of building a coastal property to your own design, there is generally a good selection of building plots available. And the locations are as various – from remote seaside hamlets, vibrant fishing and/or market towns, to purpose-built closed condominiums.

For the overseas investor, particularly one looking for a rental income, the latter proves a convenient venue. Not only are closed condominiums secure, but the infrastructure is in place for all the practicalities that need to be taken care of when letting a property – from marketing the property through to handing over keys, changing bed linen, cleaning, etc.

The Coastal Alentejo offers great investment potential.

Property in Portugal - Coastal Alentejo

Holes	18					Putting Green	YES
Par	72					Chipping	YES
Length	6,320 m					Caddies	YES
Difficulty	*	*	*	*	*	Buggies	YES
Scenery	*	*	*	*	*	Trolleys	YES
Green-Keeping	*	*	*	*		Shop	YES
Signalling	*	*	*	*		Professional	YES
Restaurant	YES					Driving Range	YES
Golf Clubs	YES					Golf Balls	YES