There is a stretch of Portugal that tourists systematically ignore — and the Portuguese who know it are grateful for that. The Alentejo coast, between Santiago do Cacém and the Sado estuary, has over 100 kilometres of coastline protected by the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park — the most extensive protected coastal area in Western Europe.
Best season
May, June and September are the golden months for the Alentejo coast. In May, sunflower and lavender fields are still in bloom; in September, the heat still allows beach visits but the crowds have passed. July and August guarantee good weather but also more people.
