Portugal's Dreamiest Cliffside Town Might Be The Prettiest Spot On The Coast, Thanks To Its Hidden Beaches

When travelers head to Portugal for a beach vacation, chances are they do so with their eyes firmly fixed on the Algarve. Its hidden coves, unique landscapes, and miles of stunning, golden sand make it one of the best beach destinations in Europe and a favorite for holidaymakers, families, and anyone in search of sun and warm weather throughout the year. But while the Algarve certainly boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in Portugal, it isn't the only place in the country for a wonderful seaside experience.

Hidden away in Portugal's Alentejo region, just to the north of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, Zambujeira do Mar is a dreamy town perched on limestone cliffs overlooking a pristine, Blue Flag beach. A quiet, sleepy spot, it is popular with Portuguese tourists and daytrippers from Lisbon, as well as with surfers who come to the magnificent Atlantic swells. 

Zambujeira do Mar is a tiny town of only around 900 people, in a fairly remote coastal spot. It is around 125 miles from Lisbon International Airport, and takes about two and a half hours by car. Faro International Airport in the Algarve is closer, around 75 miles away, and is reachable by car in an hour and 45 minutes. For those without a rental car, there are a few direct bus routes from Lisbon that take between three and four hours. It is a secluded place, not the most accessible, but this is what makes it such a treat to visit.

Zambujeira do Mar is a cluster of eye-catching whitewashed houses with red terracotta roofs crammed together on top of the golden limestone cliffs that are emblematic of Southern Portugal. The town itself is just a few streets, no more than 500 yards from one end to the other. A quick stroll will inevitably bring you to the edge of the steep cliffs, or to the gorgeous Capela de Nossa Senhora do Mar, a stunning vision in white and bright blue that is described by locals as the best place to watch the sunset in Portugal.

The beach directly below the town is delightful, a half moon of clean sand banded by warm, shallow water protected from the rougher Atlantic waves by the promontories on either side. As befits its Blue Flag status, there are both steps and a ramp for access, as well as a car park and several bars, cafes, and restaurants overlooking the sand. 

The main town beach is a popular spot, particularly during the summer, and can get busy quickly. Luckily, this stretch of coast is filled with exquisite hidden beaches just a stone's throw away from the town, so it is easy to leave the crowds behind to find peace and tranquility. The Praia de Nossa Senhora and the Praia dos Alteirinhos are the two closest beaches, both easily reachable by walking along the clifftop paths, while the Praia da Baía da Arquinha and the Praia do Carvalhal are both just a short drive along the coast.

With its location on the edge of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, Zambujeira do Mar is a paradise for nature lovers. This fabulous, wild stretch of Atlantic Coast is one of Portugal's richest natural environments, filled with bird nesting sites, over 200 species of birds, unique plants and flowers, and a variety of charming wildlife including otters, foxes, and wildcats. There are some fabulous trails for hikers and bicyclists, ranging from the short 2-mile route along the cliffs from Zambujeira do Mar to Porto de Pesca to the extensive Trilho dos Pescadores or the Caminho Histórico, two vast coastal trails stretching over 130 and 160 miles respectively. 

Zambujeira do Mar is also just 5 miles from the site of one of Portugal's most renowned and exciting music festivals, MEO Sudoeste. For three days in August, the area is transformed into a vast celebration of hip-hop, mainstream pop, and electronic dance music, as thousands of music fans flock to see some of the biggest artists in the world perform amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Alentejo. It is a superb party, an opportunity to see music in one of the most stunning environments, and overall a great festival experience in one of Europe's safest and most welcoming countries.