Costa Dourada Attractions

Aljezur (pop. 4,000), 30km/19mi north of Lagos, is dominated by the ruins of a Moorish castle. Narrow sideroads run down from the little town to the beaches of Praia de Arrifana (southwest) and Praia de Monte Clérigo (northwest).

A pleasant excursion is to the seaside lagoon of Lagoa de Santo André, passing through the dunes (waterbirds) to the quiet beaches on this section of the Atlantic coast, known here as the Costa Dourada.

The little fishing port of Porto Covo is surrounded by fine beaches but with formidable breakers. It is gradually developing into a tourist resort - a promenade has been built, together with holiday apartments and rows of houses.

About 50km/31mi north of Aljezur, Vila Nova de Milfontes is a fishing village and developing seaside resort, picturesquely situated above the mouth of the Rio Mira. Its 17th C. castle was built under King Joao IV. South of the river there are some fine beaches. A few new pensions and holiday apartments have sprung up, but for ten months of the year it remains quiet and peaceful. In July and August, however, the beaches are full of mostly young Portuguese holidaymakers. In summer a shuttle ferry service operates across the river.