Aljezur, Portugal: 13 Best Things to Do and See

Aljezur, a small but charming town in Portugal, had been on my must-visit list for a long time. We finally made it there and immediately returned several times during our stay in the Algarve. Mainly because we discovered a few nice restaurants and a great cafe that we kept coming back to.

This hidden gem is just a short distance from some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches, such as Praia da Amoreira and Praia de Monte Clérigo. These beaches offer the perfect combination of sun, surf, and tranquility. In our article “Aljezur, Portugal: 13 Best Things to Do and See”, you’ll discover everything you can see and experience in Aljezur and its surroundings.

Where is Aljezur in Portugal?

Aljezur is located in the Faro district, in the Algarve region of Portugal. It’s situated on the west coast of Portugal, home to some of the region’s most beautiful beaches.

Aljezur is located approximately 60 km from Carvoeira, which is about an hour’s drive.

If you plan to travel from Lisbon, prepare for a longer drive – Aljezur is approximately 250 km away, meaning about a three-hour drive via the A2 highway.

The city of Faro, the capital of the Algarve region, is about 110 km from Aljezur, and the journey takes about an hour and a half.

What is the Weather like in Aljezur?

Average temperatures and precipitation in Aljezur:

Where to Stay in Aljezur: Best Hotel Tip

One of the best hotels in the area is Praia do Canal Nature Retreat. Although not directly in the city center, it’s just a short drive away and a true paradise! The hotel boasts an amazing atmosphere and stunning views, making it a popular choice for visitors.

Aljezur, Portugal: 13 Best Things to Do and See

So, Aljezur might not be the largest town in the Algarve, but it’s definitely worth a visit. You’ll find a beautiful castle, charming small museums, and plenty of noteworthy buildings in the center. Let’s dive in.

Aljezur Castle

Start your adventure at the historic Aljezur Castle. This castle dates back to the 10th century during the Muslim occupation of Gharb al-Andalus. Archaeological evidence suggests that the site has been inhabited since the Iron Age.

The castle holds the distinction of being the last in the Algarve to fall to Christian forces in 1249, during the reign of King Afonso III.

Wander around the site, soak up the local history, and admire the breathtaking views from the top. Information boards around the castle provide interesting insights for both adults and children.

Museu Municipal De Aljezur (Aljezur Municipal Museum)

The next stop should be the Municipal Museum. It is located in a beautiful 19th-century building that formerly served as the town hall. The museum boasts an art gallery with changing exhibitions.

In the same building, you’ll also find an archaeological center featuring local discoveries and an ethnographic center. Here you can see a replica of a traditional Portuguese house, including a bedroom and kitchen, and a fascinating collection of old agricultural tools.

Pelourinho De Aljezur

Pelourinho de Aljezur is an interesting statue located in front of the Municipal Museum. When I first saw it from a distance, I thought it depicted a man eating a fish. But as I got closer, I realized it was just a figure with a large mustache.

Casa-Museu Pintor José Cercas

José Cercas (1914-1992), a significant figure in Portuguese art, spent the last years of his life in Aljezur. In a grand gesture of cultural philanthropy, he bequeathed his house and its contents to the municipality of Aljezur.

There, you’ll find not only his own paintings and drawings, but also works by other Portuguese artists. The house thus serves as a repository of diverse artworks, including various styles of antique furniture, ceramics, sculptures, and sacred art.

Museu Antoniano

In Aljezur, we discovered a true treasure – a 17th-century building that has undergone various transformations over the centuries. It began as a chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony, survived a major earthquake, and served as the main church until 1809.

In 1995, it underwent a thorough renovation and was transformed into the Museum of Saint Anthony. It was opened in 1998, and now we can all enjoy a piece of history right in the heart of Aljezur.

Igreja Misericórdia

This old church is a testament to Aljezur’s deeply rooted religious history. The architecture is simply breathtaking, and thanks to its central location, you probably won’t miss it when exploring the town.

Museu De Arte Carca Mons. Manuel Francisco

At the Municipal Museum in Aljezur, you’ll find a rather interesting collection of artifacts, though don’t expect anything grand. The visit is great, mainly thanks to the staff, who are absolutely passionate about what the museum offers. Although their English was a bit broken, they are incredibly friendly and truly make an effort.

Ponte De Aljezur

Portuguese bridges don’t particularly excite me; they tend to be quite austere, and this one in Aljezur didn’t really surprise me. However, I had a lot of fun taking photos in the nearby surroundings.

Igreja Matriz De Aljezur

While exploring Aljezur, you will also come across the main local church, Igreja Matriz de Aljezur, or Aljezur Main Church. This church was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake in 1755. The original medieval Gothic-style building was so damaged that Bishop Dom Francisco Gomes de Avelar sponsored the construction of a new main church for the town.

The church we see today was constructed at the end of the 18th century, with its completion in the 19th century in a neoclassical style. It features three naves, a chancel, two chancel chapels, and two side chapels. In the chancel, there is a remarkable early 19th-century altar, which includes an exceptional statue of the town’s patroness, Nossa Senhora da Alva (Our Lady of Dawn).

What is particularly fascinating is that, in addition to the neoclassical side altars, the church also preserves several Mannerist paintings from the old main church. Another significant artifact is a 16th-century statue of São Sebastião (Saint Sebastian), which testifies to the rich history of this religious site.

Câmara Municipal De Aljezur

When crossing the Ponte de Aljezur bridge towards Igreja Matriz de Aljezur, you will come across the Câmara Municipal de Aljezur. At first glance, this building might seem a bit out of place in Aljezur’s historic atmosphere.

It has neither a distinctly modern nor an ancient appearance, and initially, you might not find it particularly interesting. However, the unique aspect of this building is revealed when viewed from above: it has a star-shaped design, which adds an unexpected and interesting architectural detail to the town’s landscape.

Grab a Coffee at Koyo

After exploring the historical sights, treat yourself to a coffee and a snack at Koyo, a cozy cafe with a pleasant atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to relax and recharge before further exploring Aljezur.

Visit the most Beautiful Beaches in the Area

Among the most beautiful beaches in the area are Praia de Vale Figueira, Praia da Arrifana, and Praia de Monte Clérigo, all of which have their own charm and are completely different from beaches around Faro, Carvoeiro, or Portimao.

Read our article about the best beaches in the Algarve.

Go for a Hike around Aljezur

If you’re not visiting in summer, but in spring or autumn, embark on a hike through the picturesque countryside. Routes like Rota Vicentina and Costa Vicentina offer paths along cliffs and breathtaking natural scenery.

Best Restaurants and Cafes in Aljezur

I’ve already mentioned our favorite cafe in Aljezur, KOYO. It’s the perfect place for anyone who wants a proper flat white or for those who need a place to work on their laptop.

As for restaurants in Aljezur, our favorite is Tamrab Thai. Finding a good Thai restaurant in the Algarve can be difficult, so when we’re in this area, it’s our go-to spot.

Another fantastic place is Arte Bianca, and we mustn’t forget Roots. Roots is known for its open kitchen and many vegan options. If you’re looking for a place with a hipster vibe, be sure to visit Moagem.