A change from the pool?

The west coast has many beaches, some remote and some accessible from coastal villages. The only official naturist beaches on the Costa Dourada are Praia do Salto,  70km away and Adegas 60km away, but there are several unofficial beaches closer to Naturest, the nearest, Alteirinhos (as pictured below), is only 40km away, official recognition is expected in 2008.

Fancy some sightseeing? Naturest is centrally located for exploring southern Portugal.

Santa Clara a Velha is a small picturesque rural village, only 10 km away, where it is still possible to encounter the authentic Alentejo. The popular architecture of whitewashed houses crossed by an intense blue, typical of this region, and the small Church in the main square deserve an attentive look.

Odemira, our nearest town, with its riverside walks along the Mira. This was the place chosen, thousands of years ago, by Roman and Arabic people to settle down. The river gave Odemira it's name and it's importance through the centuries. The official charter was conceded in 1256 by the king D. Afonso III to Odemira, which consequently has contributed to the community's development. The town has expanded along the mountain slopes with its beautiful white houses ornamented with colourful flowers.

Zambujeira do Mar still remains as one of the last paradises on Alentejo's southwest coast. Its beaches constitute one of its most important attractions, but there is a lot to discover along the coastline, part of the protected area of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. On the top of the cliff, the small village, witness, since ancient times, of the population's fishing activities, is the perfect natural terrace to stare at an amazing ocean's view. Alteirinhos naturist beach is close by.

Monchique and Caldas de Monchique (a spa town) are a short direct drive away high in the “serra” which divides the Alentejo from the Algarve.

Further afield, the Baixo Alentejo offers nature, rural life, architecture from prehistoric to modern day. We can help you plan a day out to suit your particular interests.

There are many travel guides for Portugal or the Algarve, why not visit our online travel bookshop to look at the choice available.

Eating out locally? In Santa Clara a Velha there are restaurants serving traditional Portuguese cuisine as well as a vegetarian/vegan cafe. A little further, there is plenty of choice in Odemira and Ourique.