Sines is a small fishing village situated along the southern coast of Portugal, just south of Lisbon. As a traditional fishing town, it preserves the unique colours, traditions, and charm of a quaint village.
Sines is a wonderful place to visit and explore, located about 1 hour and 45 minutes south of Lisbon and just 53 minutes from Comporta. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for cultural and gastronomic experiences, as well as fun and relaxation on the beach. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in local traditions or simply unwind in a beautiful setting, Sines has something to offer at every level.
The sea and its resources have played a crucial role in shaping the economy and culture of the small village of Sines. Once a humble fishing village, fishing remains an important local activity to this day, but it has also evolved into a popular tourist destination.
Sines is the birthplace of Vasco da Gama, the renowned Portuguese explorer credited with discovering the sea route to India, and he remains one of the region’s most enduring symbols. The village hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Feast of Our Lady of Rooms, the Feast of Our Lady of Solitude, and the Carnival of Sines. However, Sines is also renowned for its gastronomic and artisanal traditions, which make it a great destination for foodies and shoppers alike.
Sines is a culturally rich village with an abundance of monuments and archaeological sites to explore.
Sines bears the influence of the Romans, and visitors can discover the most iconic streets and places of the area in addition to the natural beauty of its beaches and cliffs. These include Rua Direita, Rua da Praça, Praça Tomás Ribeiro, Largo do Muro da Praia, Largo do Poeta do Bocage and Largo dos Penedos.
Sines Castle, a medieval castle with a history dating back to the Paleolithic era, sits atop a cliff, offering stunning views of the bay. It was constructed in the early 15th century and is open to visitors from Monday to Sunday, except for Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and the Easter holiday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The Fort of Revelim (or Nossa Senhora das Salas) was built in the 17th century by Eng. João Rodrigues Mouro to protect the residents and boats of Sines, along with the castle. It is not open to the public, but guided tours can be arranged through the Museum of Sines.
The Fort of Pessegueiro, constructed in the 17th century by Dom Pedro II to protect the coast from pirates and privateers, is located on a rock overlooking Peach Island in Porto Covo. It was used in combination with the island’s fort, which was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. The fort is not open to the public, but guided tours can be arranged through the Sines Museum.
The landscape of Sines is characterised by vast cliffs, dune complexes, small streams, heathlands, and mountain ranges. There are several fascinating sites to discover on foot, by bike, or on horseback in the county’s interior, from the almost-secret Lagoa da Sancha (which recently opened a pedestrian route) to the agricultural districts of Cabeça da Cabra, Provence, and Sonega. The southernmost part of the county is connected to the Rota Vicentina, a network of trails in southwest Portugal.
Visitors to the area are also close to the “jungle on Alentejo dirt,” and those travelling with children may enjoy a trip to Badoca Safari Park, which promises an amazing experience.
The beaches of Sines
Sines is a coastal town in Portugal that boasts a diverse range of beaches spread over 30 kilometres of coastline. From vast sands in the north to tiny beaches surrounded by cliffs in the south, Sines has a range of habitats and scenery to suit everyone’s tastes. Here are some of the beaches worth visiting:
- Vasco da Gama Beach: This urban beach is located in the centre of Sines and is a witness to the city’s major historical events. With a length of 360m, it is administered by the Port of Sines Administration and is adjacent to the Fishing Harbour. Its two jetties offer protection and tranquilly.
- S. Torpes Beach: This beach, associated with the legend of São Torpes, is the most frequented beach in the county. It is a large beach with a shoreline of 2000 metres and offers the warmest water, making it a popular tourist destination. It also provides excellent surfing conditions and has 696 parking spaces.
- Morgavel Beach: This non-urban beach is easily accessible, has good parking, and has several restaurants in the surrounding area. With a length of 350 metres, it offers good conditions for surfing.
- Vale Figueiros Beach – Vieirinha: This beach is connected by dunes and has paved parking for 226 vehicles. It boasts excellent surfing conditions and eateries.
- Small beaches of Porto Covo: The picturesque settlement of Porto Covo has tiny beaches of fine sand and crystal blue water, separated by huge cliffs that create an air of intimacy and exclusivity. Some of the beaches, such as Samoqueira and Buizinhos, are difficult to access and lack permanent supervision.
- Salto Beach (naturist): This private and quiet beach has been a part of Portugal’s restricted group of naturist beaches since 2002. It is located between Cerro da Guia and Cerca Nova in Porto Covo.
- Porto Covo Beach: This is the primary urban beach in the village of Porto Covo. With a roughly 200-metre beachfront expansion, it offers excellent surfing conditions and enough parking. It is also close to a large number of other tiny beaches to the south and north.
- Ilha do Pessegueiro Beach: The island of Ilha do Pessegueiro has remnants of a Roman fish salting plant, and there were once ambitions to develop the island into a great harbour in the seventeenth century. The beach has paved access from a municipal road and 131 parking spaces, and the Forte do Pessegueiro is located on a cliff overlooking the coastline.
- North Coast Beach: The Alentejo coast is divided into two by Cape Sines, with small rocky beaches to the south and miles and miles of uninterrupted sandy beaches stretching all the way to the Troia peninsula to the north. The North Coast is a region of vast expanses and ferocious seas, offering a unique beach experience.
