The best of Alentejo: Our favorite beaches

During this trip, our home was the Lapoint Surf Camp in Alentejo — a small, cosy and relaxed surf camp in the countryside, surrounded by nature and open fields, about a 15-minute drive from the sea. It was the perfect place for us to slow down: no noise, no stress, just surfing, great food, Skip-Bo evenings and nice people.

We quickly settled into a daily routine of surfing in the morning and setting off in the afternoon to discover new beaches. At this time of year, we often had the beaches almost to ourselves.

Having decided to rent a car before we arrived gave us complete flexibility (an absolute must if you want to explore the Alentejo region!). Many of the beaches are located some distance from the surf camp and are difficult to reach on foot. While the camp offers some great activities and excursions, if you want to explore beyond the camp, you should definitely set out on your own.

In this blog post, we'll take you on a mini trip through Alentejo, share our favorite beaches, reveal our culinary highlights, and show you why a detour to Lagos is worthwhile, too.

A staircase leads down to this beach, where you are suddenly confronted with an impressive backdrop: rugged cliffs, waves, golden sand, and Ilha do Pessegueiro in the background. This spacious, quiet beach is ideal for those who want to enjoy nature and relax. The combination of rugged, wild nature and a rocky landscape gives this place its unique charm. In some places, the sea here was a little gentler than at other beaches — perfect for a quick dip in the Atlantic. 

There are several surf zones on the beach, including a beach break opposite the island and more advanced reef breaks to the north and south. While there are suitable options for different levels, some spots are more challenging and better suited to at least intermediate surfers, and a few require extra effort to reach, as they are only accessible by boat.

A natural and quiet beach with impressive rock formations, perfect for taking a deep breath and for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle and unwind. The beach is also exceptional for its unique combination of calm river water on one side and the open sea on the other, making it versatile for all kinds of activities.

While it is not typically a big wave location like other spots in Portugal, the beach is probably more suitable for surf beginners. However, it offers great opportunities for other water sports, such as stand-up paddleboarding. There is also a special highlight right on the beach: the charming Yabalulu Restaurant. Here, you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and excellent vegetarian cuisine. Enjoy a glass of wine or a refreshing drink while taking in the sea views. It's the perfect place to end the day, with a pricelessly beautiful sunset to top it all off!

With its white sand, clear water, and lots of little coves that invite you to linger and relax, Praia do Malhão immediately won us over. This spacious, quiet beach is perfect for long walks and for anyone who wants to spend a relaxing afternoon. On days with high waves, we also saw a few surfers, so there is always something to watch, and even those Lapoint campers who can't get enough of surfing will get their money's worth ;-). 

Tip: When you arrive, drive to the rear parking spaces – they are usually less crowded. The coves are less crowded there, too.

This tiny beach came as a real surprise to us. At high tide, there is hardly any room to relax, but at low tide, the beach transforms into a beautiful, enchanting bay surrounded by rocks. It's a wonderful place to splash around, and if you enjoy exploring rocks, you'll love it here.

However, if surfing is your priority, nearby beaches like Praia do Malhão are much better options. Praia do Porto Covinho is more about the scenery, relaxation, swimming, and maybe a game of Skip Bo, and is not ideal for regular surfing.

Please note: Check the tide times; otherwise, you won’t see much of the beach! 😉

• Special feature: Beach near a lively coastal town

• Sanitary facilities: In the café

• Distance from the camp: Approx. 40 min

• Surfing: Rocky sections with more challenging spots

This lively beach is located near the fishing town Zambujeira do Mar. When we were there, the wind was so strong that it almost blew us away, but somehow that was part of its charm. What made it special was that, in the late afternoon, we could walk far out into the sea and still only be knee-deep in water.

However, those looking for peace and quiet might not be as happy here, as this beach is livelier and busier than others in the Alentejo region. Nevertheless, it's worth a visit to experience its lively atmosphere amidst beautiful surroundings and to enjoy a change of scenery. There are a few surf spots around, but the rocky conditions make them challenging and not ideal for beginners.

We had our very first surfing lessons on this beach, and it's a spot that will remain in our fondest memories. Although it is quite busy here, there is still plenty of room for swimmers. Afterwards, be sure to stop by Magic Cactus: a small, relaxed restaurant serving delicious food. It’s just the place to recharge your batteries after a swim or a great surfing session.

On our day off, we headed further south to Lagos, one of the most famous cities in the Algarve region. As soon as we arrived, we noticed the difference from Alentejo right away: busy streets, lots of people, and finding a parking space was our first small but significant challenge. 

Starting in the old town, we were immediately enchanted by the charming alleys lined with colorful tiled houses, small shops, and cozy cafés. We particularly recommend the cute Café Adoce A Vida, where we enjoyed delicious pastel de nata (a sweet treat that is perfect for a stroll through the city!). 

As well as strolling through the alleys, it is also worth exploring the city's history. Lagos has plenty to offer in this regard, with various historical sites located around the city. A visit is highly recommended and sure to be exciting.
As is fitting for us, a visit to the beach was essential in the afternoon. So, we set out to find one and decided on Praia da Marinha.

Once we reached the top, we were rewarded with wonderful views of the coast and the sea. The descent down the long footpath and stairs down to the beach was an experience in itself. However, once we reached the bottom, the difference to Alentejo quickly became apparent: unfortunately, the beach was completely overcrowded, and there was no trace of the tranquility we had loved in Alentejo. After a short stay, we longed for the serenity and secluded bays of Alentejo, so we hopped in the car and drove back to the beaches that had won our hearts.

Our conclusion: A beautiful beach with a great view, but very crowded in the high season. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Praia da Marinha, it might be better to visit in the off-season.

Our conclusion on Alentejo

Alentejo enchanted us. Not only were the surfing lessons and experience at Lapoint Surf Camp highlights, but we also fell in love with the region itself. Here, you will find impressive natural beauty, stunning beaches and genuine tranquillity, not to mention the kind of unforgettable memories you will take home with you. 

Our final tips for you:

• Rental car? Definitely! It's the only way to discover the many beaches and towns.

• Bring along: Sunscreen, parasol, swimwear, Skip-Bo, music, snacks, a large dose of curiosity, and good vibes. :-) 

• P.S. Don't forget a sweater – it can get very chilly due to the wind, even in summer 😉