Porto Covo, Coastal parish in Sines, Portugal
Porto Covo is a coastal parish on Portugal's western Alentejo shore, characterized by whitewashed buildings and narrow lanes that descend toward sandy beaches and rocky headlands. The settlement spans roughly 50 square kilometers and has developed around its fishing harbor.
The settlement began in the late 1700s with just a handful of houses and grew under the leadership of Jacinto Fernandes Bandeira, who received a title of local authority. This early growth established it as a fishing port.
The settlement is deeply rooted in fishing traditions, and you can see locals crafting nets and preparing boats in ways that have been passed down for generations. Walking through the village, these working practices feel woven into the daily rhythm of life.
The place is best explored on foot, as narrow winding lanes reveal their character slowly as you walk. The shoulder seasons offer the most comfortable visiting conditions, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds than summer.
The name comes from 'covo,' a term for the specialized fishing nets once used to trap lobsters and crabs along these waters. These nets were so distinctive to the region that they gave the entire place its identity.
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