Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park

Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park is a coastal protected area with steep cliffs, sandy beaches, wetlands, and dunes covered in Mediterranean plants. The landscape transitions between open ocean shores and inland terrain along the southwestern edge of Portugal.

The protected area was established in 1988 to safeguard the coastal landscape and its natural environment across southern Portugal. This early conservation decision recognized the importance of preserving this particular stretch of coast from development.

Fishing villages along the coast maintain traditional ways of working with nets and boats, and local restaurants serve fresh catch to visitors looking for authentic coastal food. The rhythm of daily life here still follows the sea and its seasons.

The park is accessible year-round with a network of hiking trails at different difficulty levels throughout the area. Wear sturdy shoes for cliff-edge walks and be prepared for changing coastal weather conditions.

This is the only place in Portugal where sea otters inhabit marine environments and white storks nest on coastal rock ledges. These animal sightings show what wildlife does when given undisturbed space to thrive.

Location: Alentejo region

Location: Algarve

Inception: 1988

Operator: Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas

Opening Hours: 24/7

Website: http://www2.icnf.pt/portal/ap/p-nat/pnsacv

GPS coordinates: 37.42606,-8.82027

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02