Aljezur Castle and Old Town

Located in the heart of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, Aljezur is a picturesque little town standing on either side of the waters of the Ribeira de Aljezur. To the west of the river, the old town reveals many small alleys, all guarded by the remains of a 10th century Moorish fortress. To the east of the river, the new town, which dates back to the 18th century, is home to most of the population.

Whether you are roaming on the Trilho dos Pescadores or the Caminho Histórico, which both pass through Aljezur, you will find all the necessary amenities for eating and resting.

The old Aljezur on the mountain is interesting; it is worth walking through the town up to the castle to experience the narrow streets, small houses and steep climbs. Nothing is historically original, as the great earthquake of 1755 destroyed the town. The new Aljezur was then built and only later was the old part rebuilt.

Aljezur is divided into the old and new town. Coming from the south, the old town is on the left on a slope. It is dominated by the Moorish castle, which lies above the town. The new town can be reached by crossing the small bridge over the river, the Ribeira de Aljezur. The central square of the new town is that around the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Alva, which was built in the 18th century