Praia da Ilha do Pessegueiro, Sand beach in Porto Covo, Portugal
Praia da Ilha do Pessegueiro is a sandy beach near Porto Covo with natural dunes and Mediterranean vegetation bordering the shore, while a small island sits offshore. The beach curves gently along the coast and provides space between the dunes and the water for visitors to settle.
Roman settlers established a fish processing center here in the 1st century, with archaeological remains still visible today. Later, a fortress was built on the island to defend the coast against attacks.
The name comes from the Latin word "piscatorius", connected to fishing rather than from the Portuguese word "pessegueiro" meaning peach tree. The water in front of the shore was the center of economic and social life for local communities over many centuries.
Visitors reach the beach by a paved road from Porto Covo, with parking and a restaurant near the water. A boat can take interested visitors to the island, especially in summer months when this service runs regularly.
A 16th-century fortress stands on the offshore island, reachable by boat service and displaying archaeological remains. This fortification shows how important this coastal area was for defending against pirates and invasions.
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