One Of Europe's Best Hidden Beaches Is A Sunny Crystal-Clear Watered Gem In Portugal

The Alentejo region of Portugal is characterized by its rural charm, historic fortified monuments, and excellent weather. In this region you'll find plenty of sleepy fishing villages, quiet surf towns, and (best of all) very few tourists. One might say this is authentic Portugal, where temperatures can reach soaring highs and locals enjoy a slower pace of life. Beyond the impregnable stone fortresses and rolling hills, you'll also discover some beautiful untouched coastlines. Among them, Zambujeira Do Mar, a beachside town of less than 1,000 people. Just a three-hour drive from Lisbon, Zambujeira Do Mar is warm almost all year-round, meaning you can visit this idyllic spot most of year to enjoy one of its many majestic beaches.

The coastline in this part of Alentejo is part of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicenta (Nature Park of the Southwest Alentejo and St. Vincent Coast), a conservation area rich in biodiversity. Zambujeira Do Mar proves that, although it may be a small European country, Portugal's wealth of natural landscapes make it a stunning adventure destination.

Visitors may have heard of Zambujeira Do Mar as the home of MEO Sudoeste, one of Portugal's most prominent music festivals. Held every summer, this festival transforms the sleepy region into a bustling hub of young music-lovers. In recent years, the festival has counted the likes of Lil Yachty, Post Malone, and Martin Garrix as headliners. If you're trying to avoid the festival-goer crowds, you should plan your visit outside of August. June and July are still prime times to miss the party crowds over the summer, but spring and autumn are still a good time to visit.

Make sure to pack a swimsuit and sunblock, as Zambujeira Do Mar's clear waters, soft sands, and warm temperatures make it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach itself is seeped in natural beauty and surrounded by rugged cliffs. A lifeguard is on duty during the peak season and the beach is accessible via steps and a paved slope. There is a paid parking lot at the beach, or you can find free parking in the town center and walk.

The region has become a favorite for lovers of surf culture, with idyllic waters that are both great for swimming and catching waves. If you forgot your surf board, or would like to try the sport for the first time, you can rent a board from Zambujeira Adventures. The company also offers bodyboards, kayaks, and tours of the surrounding area.

Foodies will have a field day in this part of Portugal. Look out for regional specialty porco preto, an Alentejo acorn-fed breed of black Iberian pig, a rich and nutritious meat that reminds us why Portugal is such a foodie destination. Since Zambujeira Do Mar is a coastal town, it goes without saying that lovers of seafood will also be pleased by what the region has to offer. Try Marisqueria Costa Alentejana in the center of town, with several types of fish on the menu. (They also offer a porco preto hamburger.) It'll satisfy every palette.

After eating, take in the rural beauty of this region, which becomes ever apparent on some of its walking trails. A recommended hike is Zambujeira Do Mar to Odeceixe, part of the Rota Vincentina, aka the Fisherman's Trail. This is a standout seven-hour hike, with incredible views of the sea and spectacular vistas of the region's rocky slopes. If a long hike isn't your thing, another noteworthy stop in the vicinity is Cape Sardão, a collection of fishing harbors nestled amongst the imposing cliffs, and the westernmost point of the Alentejo coast, just 15 minutes by car.

When traveling through Portugal, Lisbon is a great city for a short getaway, but Zambujeira Do Mar will show you another face of the Iberian Coast, a friendly face welcoming to all kinds of visitors. So come surf, dance or ready to eat at this coastal gem.