Portugal. Situated in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula, it is decorated by the Atlantic coast and more than 600 sea and river beaches. In this article, travel with us through beaches that celebrate the best of Portuguese wine tourism.
Vinhos Verdes Region
It is between Douro and Minho that the Vinhos Verdes wine region stretches, the largest Portuguese demarcated region and one of the largest in Europe. Home of whites, sparkling wines, and brandies, it offers us grape varieties such as Alvarinho and Espadeiro. And it is through toasts that we can also get to know the "Vinho Verde Beaches Route", with the first destination of our itinerary: Moledo Beach.
Source: MEO Beach Cam
Certified with the "Five Stars Regions" award in 2019, it is a must for water sports lovers, such as kitesurfing or windsurfing. However, those who prefer to stay and watch can enjoy the beauty of the landscape, painted by the Ínsua Fort. Around it, we can also visit the riverside villages of Caminha, overlooking the mouth of the Minho River, and visit monuments such as the Clock Tower, the Walls, and the House of Pitas.
Lisbon Region
Already in Lisbon, the capital of Fado and home to the Estremadura Regional Wine, we can enjoy the sea view in 9 D.O.P. regions. Today we stop at Apple's Beach (Praia das Maçãs), in Sintra, to harmonize with the Colares Wines. According to urban legends, the name of this beach has its origin in the apples that used to come to the beach from the Colares stream that flowed onto the beach. Stage to the most varied activities, from concerts to surf championships, is only a few minutes away from the romantic town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
ântica vila de Sintra, Património Mundial da UNESCO.
Source: Portugal Travel Guide
Setúbal Peninsula
To the south, we follow the Setubal Peninsula towards the Arrábida Mountain, where we find Portinho da Arrábida Beach, also known as Creiro Beach. Between the mountains and the sea, this beach is one of six that we can visit, with the particularity of knowing the Pedra da Anicha, which makes this destination even more irresistible. At the end of the day, we are invited to taste the Azeitão cheeses, paired with Moscatel of Setúbal, or, for sweeter palates, the "esses" pies, and cookies.
Source: Unsplash
Alentejo
The Alentejo coast is inspired by odd beaches, but today we suggest visiting a river beach. The Tapada Grande Fluvial Beach in Mértola was consecrated as the "Best River Beach in Europe" in 2019 by the World Travel Awards, welcoming its visitors with equipment for nautical activities, restaurants, and terrace, picnic tables, and lots of enthusiasm.
Source: NCultura
Algarve
Our itinerary ends in the imposing Algarve, a wine region renowned for its fortified wines. To accompany the warm weather, we choose to return to Cliff Beach (Praia da Falésia) in Albufeira, which occupies the 12th place in the list of the 25 best beaches in the world of the "Travellers' Choice Best of Best 2022" from TripAdvisor. Protected by cliffs and adorned by the sea, it is along 6km of sand that we can explore different species of vegetation. The principle of the name (fall) does justice to the destination: when we get there, we fall in love with the beauty of the landscape.
Source: Dicas de Lisboa
As summer is coming, welcome the new season with unforgettable landscapes. Let us create a tailor-made vacation for you, in a perfect combination of sun, sea, and the best national wines.
