The Region of Aljezur 
Discover and enjoy the hospitality of the people, the tasty typical cooking in this area as well as the untouched nature, beaches not yet discovered from mass tourism, a panorama of lonely rocks and a rural countryside.
Sandy beaches surrounded by cliffs and dunes, invite you for swimming, sunbathing or surfing. But there are also waiting a lot of activities for you like horse riding, tennis, wandering, tours with donkeys and much more.


The beautiful West Coast of the Algarve with its dramatic cliffs and rock formations is still completely unspoilt and there are some fantastic beaches - famous for fishing and bird-watching - but usually unsignposted and hidden from the road by high sand dunes.
Aljezur itself is a little visited, but quaint old town, founded by the Arabs in the 10th Century.If you climb up to the ruins of the old Castle, you can enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding countryside and Aljezur makes a good central point for a scenic drive through the West Algarve.


The winter climate of the region is above expectation. The landscape is in contrast to the South coast of the Algarve amazingly diverse. Not by chance does the blue EU flag for excellency fly over Monte Clérigo and Arrifana beaches every year. Carrapateira and Amoreira are paradise secrets, whose gigantic  wildness and ferocity guarantee the luxury of total solitude.

The resident population still devotes itself to the traditional activities like fishing and agriculture, that amount the wealth of this area. Here, one can still find the traditional fishermen villages.

It is possible to practice varies sports, like fishing, submarine fishing, surf, windsurf or paragliding. 

 



Handicrafts
Wickerwork and baskets at Aljezur and also patchwork blankets, lace and embroidery, wood furniture, saddle-bags, wooden spoons and chairs. In the villages there are esparto bags and mats. Wooden knives, forks and spoons. Lace counterpanes and doyleys.

 

 
Gastronomy
Fish predominates in the traditional recipes. Particularly outstanding is the tasty and savoury fish stew. Typical dishes and cakes made with sweet potatoes. Rogil produces a flavoursome claret. In the mountain villages you can find arbutus berry brandy made by traditional methods.
Fishing Trips
The Portuguese love the sea and they love fish. Every day they will go out with their fishing boats. You can participate/book one of these fishing trips.
During these trips you often can see large groups of dolphins and although they cannot guarantee sightings, the boat will up anchor and follow the pod for a while, should the clients agree. It is quite a site to see these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat and our deep line sports fishing offers no threat to them.
http://www.portugalfishing.com/fishing.htm
 
Pesqueiros (Fishing zones)
 At certain seasons only known by fishermen, the coast near Aljezur is rich in sea-bream, sargus, corvina, gilthead fish and rock-bass... This is a choice zone for angling adepts, who climb up cliffs and rocks in search of a solid platform from where to wait, patiently, for the fish "to bite". Some points are so difficult to escalade that there are ropes to help people go down.

 The Bay of Tiros, Samouqueira, Carriagem, Pipa, Fonte Santa, Atalaia and Pontal are some of the most known fishing spots of the region. However, the secret for being successful in fishing often lies in discovering a secluded spot on a cliff, away from all the other fishing-rods. But never forget to be cautious.
 
Surf or learn to surf with the best surf schools at one of Europe's best surf spots and most beautiful places, the Atlantic coast of Portugal.

Many of the beginning surfers (grommets in surf lingo) are able to stand up and surf at their very first day. The school certified staff give step by step instructions and personal attention to make sure that also you will stand up that first day and have a quality (one week) of surfing.
More advanced surfers can also get tips to improve their ability and style and meet a big variety of waves small and big, tubes, reefs, beach breaks and pointbreaks. For the advanced surfer the schools have more advanced surfboards.

Atlantic Riders Surf School (trips):http://www.atlanticriders.com/index.html

 

What to see in the Region
BORDEIRA - The village is surrounded by hills and rural land. Some houses are builded in the tradicional style of the Algarve. The church is builded in the 18th century.
The beach of Bordeira is characterized by the river that crosses in the south top of the large sandy beach with it's extensive dunes. It is a calm, little frequented beach that invites you for some recovery vacations.

CARRAPATEIRA - A drive through open countryside and woodland takes you to Carrapateira. Here on the  west coast the villages shelter inland from the winter storms.

The beach at Carrapateira seems to stretch away for ever and between its dunes and lagoons there is space to find a private world to soak up the sun in unashamed idleness and a life free from care.
Amado - Quiet beach nearby the village Bordeira.
Very sought by the extrem sports, it was already stage of several national and international Surf and Body Board competitions.

Arrifana
A long stretch of sand sheltered by cliffs with a picturesque fishing port.

Arrifana is linked to the historical figure of the Moorish prince and poet Ibn Caci (12th century) who lived here as a recluse. There are ruins of an old fort (17th century) built to defend the tuna fishermen and their gear.
At the end of the cliffs "Pedra da Agulha" (literally Needle Rock) rises majestically from the sea.
ROGIL - Is is a picturesque village. Perched on the top of a hill the Arregata windmill shows how for centuries the wind was harnessed to mill cereals.
ODECEIXE - Typical village with withe houses that are builded in the tradicional style of the Alentejo.
Located on the Alentejo border but well worth the drive. 
A beautiful quiet beach , near the village after which it was named, is sheltered, with the river Odeceixe entering the sea,  at the end of a 4km road from the village of Odeceixe and favoured by surfers.
  

The town of Monchique is with few exceptions happily untouched by the 20th Century invasion of tourism. It lies in the saddle created by the two high hills, Foia and Picota, the former reaching to 902 metres above sea level. As “mountain” people the world over the 10,000 inhabitants of this town have retained the rustic atmosphere with steep cobbled streets and small dark doorways containing various artisan trades. There is a very neglected 17th Century Franciscan monastery overlooking the town from which a visitor has a panoramic view over the beautiful countryside. The 16th Century Parish Church has excellent examples of Manueline craftsmanship around its doorway. The surrounding area flourishes on the production of cattle, pigs, cork and wood. Another important local product is the popular "medronho", the name of a strong schnapps type of drink made from distilling the fruit from arbutus bushes. Foia and its sister mountain of Picota at 774 metres provide dramatic views of the coastal plain to the south and to the western Atlantic coast.

Monchique Nearby Locations
Between Monchique and the town of Portimão is the village of Caldas de Monchique that was developed in Roman times as a Spa. Here a visitor can try the curing elements of the sulphur smelling hot spring water that emerges at a constant temperature of 32ºC. There are two further hot spring sites one of which is to the south of Picota hidden in a valley. Its name is Fonte Santa and it is rumored to have special healing effects. Some people make annual visits and in its history some centuries ago it has been recorded as being visited by both the King of Portugal and the King of Italy. The two nearby villages of Alferce and Casais are both typical unspoilt locations reflecting the spirit of rural mountain life. The village of Marmelete is to the west and located on the road that connects to the many sandy beaches on the western Atlantic coast. 



  

For more information about Monchique: http://portugal-info.net/algarve/monchique.htm