Vila do Bispo

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Vila do Bispo is part of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina and is the westernmost municipality in the Algarve, where small flow freshwater courses. On the southern side, the landscape is marked by coves and bays. The many beaches in the municipality, the Cape of São Vicente and Sagres point are the attractions with greater visibility. Given the location, Vila do Bispo met a golden period at the time of discovery, being forever linked to the figure of the infante Dom Henrique, from Sagres, studied and planned their navigations. The importance of this site certify through the presence of several forts that still today can be contemplated and that served to protect the coast of the winds and the frames of fishing (tuna and sardine) from attacks of Corsairs of North Africa. The megalithic heritage is not abundant, but is more expressive in Vila do Bispo, mainly along the coast. Menhirs, necropolises and presenters, Roman remains and instruments related to agriculture are the most significant examples of this heritage. The cuisine is characterized essentially by what the sea gives. The fish, made of various shapes, and seafood are in every letter. Masada of fish, fish stew, Moorish or xarém popes, mackerel, mussels, rice alimados moray eel fries, raw roasted figs with limpets, streak of jam are some of many examples. In the flesh, are game dishes that stand out. The sweet fig and almond-based dough, sugar, sweet potato puffs and Glories are plentiful.

What to do in Vila do Bispo

Fortaleza de Sagres

Vila do Bispo

Fortress that dates back to the 16th Century but which has suffered a number of alterations throughout the ages. This fortress maintains a strong defensive wall with battlements and a tower, it also conserves a corridor that continues underneath the old tower's vaulted ceiling. In 1960 the fortess was restored but the restoration process took away some of the character …

Cabo de São Vicente

Vila do Bispo

Considered to be the most western point of Iberia, in ancient times the cape was believed to be a spot where the ocean was crawling with vicious monsters. Sagres' inhabitants also used to say that the sun made a noise when it set at the end of the day.

Praia da Salema

Vila do Bispo

Nice beach, integrated in a village of fishermen. Place much frequented by tourists, with nearby restaurants serve good dishes. A curious note about this beach is that, in the sea, and ten meters deep, if they find the wreckage of the French warship Ocean.

Praia do Burgau

Vila do Bispo

A peaceful, familiar beach on one of the extremities of the Natural Park of the Vicentine Coast. It is located in a fishing village.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição / Igreja Matriz de Vila do Bispo

Vila do Bispo

Typical 18th century façade featuring a door with an oculus above it, complete with a curved pediment and flanked by a bell tower. The inside is covered in 1726 tiles featuring a theme of lilies and dolphins. The high altar’s …

Praia do Tonel

Vila do Bispo

Located next to the Fortress of Sagres, the beach becomes narrow, due to the morphology of this location, with plenty of pebbles and traces of landslides of the cliffs. Beach goers are mostly surfers, since the sea is wavy and …

Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Gadalupe

Vila do Bispo

Romantic-gothic building dating back to the 13th century. It features gargoyles on the side facades and on the main façade it features an ogival doorway topped with a rose window. The interior has only one nave and the chancel has …

Roteiro Megalítico de Vila do Bispo

Vila do Bispo

Trail that allows the visitor to get to know the sites that make up the megalithic centre of Vila do Bispo. The megalithic phenomenon extends roughly between the Neolithic period and the Chalcolithic period (i.e. 5500 – 3500 B.C.)

Fortaleza do Cabo de São Vicente

Vila do Bispo

The original build dates back to the 16th century but the building suffered changes in the 17th and 18th centuries. The main door bears the arms of Dom Joao II. Located inside the fort are the Convento dos Frades Jerónimos, …

Praia do Castelejo

Vila do Bispo

Admirable Beach contrasts, surrounded by black shale rock formations and cliffs high. A long sandy beach and very fine sand, there are areas of pebbles and rocks that follow to the sea. The waters are choppy, sought after by surfers, …

Praia da Mareta

Vila do Bispo

The beach with an extensive sand and clean waters, sheltered by Cape of Sagres. Much sought after by families who spend vacation in this region of the Algarve, overlooking the sea. Behind the beach is the center of the village …

Forte da Boca do Rio / Forte de Almádena

Vila do Bispo

The fort is in ruins, it conserves only the armoury door and one of the bastion walls from the original building. The main façade is preceded by a ditch and has a drawbridge at its centre. In the interior remnants …

Praia do Martinhal

Vila do Bispo

Martinhal beach is in the area of the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and vicentine coast and is known for excellent conditions for the practice of windsurfing. After crossing a dune with vegetation, is an extensive sandy beach, with a …

Praia das Cabanas Velhas

Vila do Bispo

Small beach, little frequented. The beach is covered with pebbles and, when the tide, the rest of the beach is covered. Usually be sought by foreigners and surfers.

Fortaleza do Beliche

Vila do Bispo

The original building was almost totally destroyed by the corsair Sir Frances Drake. Rebuilt in the 17th century it was once again damaged during the 1755 earthquake. This fortress was built using ruins of several stretches of 17th century defensive …

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Travel Guide

Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions

Military Tourism: 12 locations not to be missed in Portugal

Portugal has a long tradition of castles, maritime forts and other military constructions. Discover a Military Tourism …

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Where to eat in Vila do Bispo

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Where to sleep in Vila do Bispo

Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort
Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort

5 star

The Martinhal Beach Resort is a fascinating place, situated on a hillside between the Atlantic Ocean and the Natural Park. The elegance, the modern décor of th…

Memmo Baleeira
Memmo Baleeira

4 star

Hotel with fantastic views over the sea, characterized by the relaxing atmosphere and minimalist décor, with sober and contemporary architectural lines. It fea…

Pousada Sagres
Pousada Sagres

Nature inn

Offering lovely views of the sea, this inn has 38 rooms and a suite. The excellent fish and seafood served at the inn’s restaurant are sourced locally as the i…

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