ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR
37° 31′ 00.12″ N, 8° 46′ 59.88″ W
Its coast, integrated into the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina, is bordered by cliffs and small beaches that, outside the high tourist season, are havens used by few. In addition to the central beach of Zambujeira, the beaches of Alteirinhos, Nossa Senhora, Arquinha and Tonel stand out.
The main activity is tourism, but agriculture, livestock, and fishing are also relevant, hosting one of the four ports in the municipality (called Entrada da Barca). In recent years, rural tourism has grown considerably, with a handful of quality developments around the village.
In August, the three biggest events on the local calendar take place: on the 1st week of the month, the Festival do Sudoeste, the biggest summer music festival in the country, located a few kilometers from the village; on August 15th, religious festivals and processions dedicated to the local patron saint, Nossa Senhora do Mar; on 29 August, the annual fair.
Beaches
Zambujeira do Mar
One of the best-known and most frequented beaches in the region and one of its main business cards. Protected by high cliffs, it is at the mouth of a watercourse, next to the town. At the south end where a chapel was erected, dangerous currents are formed that can drag the most unsuspecting. Very popular for bodyboarding.
Alteirinhos Beach
This sandy beach protected by a high cliff used to be a good alternative to the usual hustle and bustle of Zambujeira do Mar beach, but in recent years more and more beachgoers are looking for it. During low tide you can appreciate all its originality: the small coves widen, forming a huge beach sprinkled with rocks, pools, and lagoons, full of limpets, mussels, and shrimp. The rock that stretches across the sea (Lajão) is one of the region's favorite fishing grounds. Access: follow the dirt road south of Zambujeira do Mar beach. At the top of the cliff, next to the pine trees, turn towards the coast. Then go down the existing wooden steps.
Nossa Senhora Beach
At the northern exit of Zambujeira, on the dunes in front of the last houses, a staircase on the cliff leads to this short, sandy beach.
Tonel Beach
Inlet set in a high cliff, the descent to the beach is made by a steep trail. The rocky wall and the walk to the beach are impressive - the beach is at the foot, crushed by the blocks of stone. From the top of the cliff, next to Cabo do Pendurado, you have one of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Access: follow the dirt road that begins on the municipal road between Cabo Sardão and Zambujeira do Mar, next to the hill of Herdade do Touril.
One of the best-known and most frequented beaches in the region and one of its main business cards. Protected by high cliffs, it is at the mouth of a watercourse, next to the town. At the south end where a chapel was erected, dangerous currents are formed that can drag the most unsuspecting. Very popular for bodyboarding.
Alteirinhos Beach
This sandy beach protected by a high cliff used to be a good alternative to the usual hustle and bustle of Zambujeira do Mar beach, but in recent years more and more beachgoers are looking for it. During low tide you can appreciate all its originality: the small coves widen, forming a huge beach sprinkled with rocks, pools, and lagoons, full of limpets, mussels, and shrimp. The rock that stretches across the sea (Lajão) is one of the region's favorite fishing grounds. Access: follow the dirt road south of Zambujeira do Mar beach. At the top of the cliff, next to the pine trees, turn towards the coast. Then go down the existing wooden steps.
Nossa Senhora Beach
At the northern exit of Zambujeira, on the dunes in front of the last houses, a staircase on the cliff leads to this short, sandy beach.
Tonel Beach
Inlet set in a high cliff, the descent to the beach is made by a steep trail. The rocky wall and the walk to the beach are impressive - the beach is at the foot, crushed by the blocks of stone. From the top of the cliff, next to Cabo do Pendurado, you have one of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Access: follow the dirt road that begins on the municipal road between Cabo Sardão and Zambujeira do Mar, next to the hill of Herdade do Touril.
