The Region
The Costa Vicentina at your doorstep.
About the Region
One of Europe's wildest coastlines
The Costa Vicentina is one of Portugal's most well-preserved regions. Far from the tourist masses of the south, time slows down here, nature dominates and experiences are authentic. Quinta dos Citrinos sits at the heart of this region — 5 minutes from Santiago do Cacém, 12 minutes from Porto Côvo and around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Lisbon. The perfect destination for those seeking natural beauty, culture and outstanding food, without sacrificing comfort.
The Alentejo Beaches
Some of Portugal's most pristine and uncrowded beaches — less than 15 minutes by car.
The Costa Vicentina is celebrated for its untamed beauty. Far from the overcrowded resorts of the Algarve, these beaches retain a rare authenticity — golden cliffs, crystal-clear water and sands that keep their silence.
Samoqueira Beach (12 min) — One of the jewels of Pôrto Covo. With the charming village right next door, it's perfect for combining a day on the beach with lunch at a seafront terrace.
São Torpes Beach (13 min) — A favourite among surfers and body boarders. Ideal for those who like waves. Restaurants, seafront terraces and free parking.
Morgavel Beach (8 min) — Beach with lots of space, a scenic rock island, a surf school, a beach bar and a relaxed atmosphere. Good facilities and free parking.
Malhão Beach (20 min) — Set within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, this vast beach is one of Alentejo's pearls.
Nature & the Rota Vicentina
The Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park is one of the last wild coastlines in Western Europe.
Surfing at Costa Vicentina — From São Torpes to Malhão Beach, the coast is full of amazing surf beaches. With consistent Atlantic swells and a relaxed vibe, it attracts surfers of all levels. Surf schools in the area are also available for beginners.
Rota Vicentina — One of Portugal's best long-distance walking routes, the Rota Vicentina is split into two paths: the Historic Way (inland) and the Fishermen's Trail (along the coast). Several stages start from Santiago do Cacém, Porto Côvo or Sines. Epic scenery guaranteed.
Badoka Park (15 min) — A unique safari experience in Portugal, where you can see zebras, giraffes, ostriches and many other animals in semi-freedom. Perfect for families with children — an unforgettable experience in the heart of Alentejo.
Lagoa de Santo André (25 min) — A protected coastal lagoon, excellent for birdwatching and kayaking. Surrounded by dunes and pine trees, it's an oasis of tranquillity.
Santiago do Cacém & Sines
Millennial history, whitewashed villages and the legacy of Vasco da Gama — Alentejo culture within easy reach.
The Costa Vicentina is a region of deep history and landscapes that stay with you. Just a few minutes from Quinta dos Citrinos, you'll find testimonies of centuries of civilisation.
Santiago do Cacém (15 min) — The nearest town to the Quinta has everything you need. The medieval castle, built over the Roman ruins of Miróbriga, offers panoramic views over the Alentejo plain. The archaeological site of Miróbriga — with its forum, baths and hippodrome — is one of the best-preserved in Portugal. The weekly Friday market is a genuine local event, well worth a visit.
Porto Côvo (12 min) — This fishing village with whitewashed blue-trimmed houses is one of the most photogenic on the Portuguese coast. The central square with its terrace café, the fort and the cobblestone streets have a unique charm. A sunset visit is highly recommended.
Sines (15 min) — Birthplace of Vasco da Gama, the navigator who opened the sea route to India. The Sines castle and museum dedicated to the explorer are essential visits. The Centro de Artes de Sines is an active cultural venue, hosting contemporary art exhibitions, concerts and events throughout the year.
Alentejo Gastronomy
Alentejo cooking is among Portugal's richest. Intense flavours, recipes passed down through generations.
Alentejo is one of the regions of Portugal where you eat best, and most authentically. Local cooking is built on simple, high-quality ingredients: black pork, olives, coriander, Alentejo bread and some of the country's finest wines.
Dishes not to miss: Açorda alentejana (bread soup), pork with clams, migas com entrecosto, dogfish soup, and cold cuts of black pork sausage and cured ham.
Where to eat nearby:
*Mestre Inácio* (Sines, 10 min) — Alentejo and Mediterranean cooking in a warm, no-frills setting with an open grill in the dining room. The migas, fraldinha or the Mar e Terra are a must. Great wine list, reasonable prices.
*Adega de Sines* (Sines, 10 min) — A true local institution. A former wine cellar turned neighbourhood restaurant with long communal wooden tables, walls lined with bottles and a charcoal grill in full view. Expect grilled sardines, chicken and fresh fish, with a menu that changes nightly based on what's available.
Wines: Alentejo produces some of Portugal's finest wines. Look out for labels from the Santiago do Cacém region or the Costa Vicentina.
Olive oil: Alentejo olive oil is world-class. Visit a local mill to taste it at source — some estates sell directly to the public.
Family Activities
From safari to sea, the Alentejo offers unforgettable experiences for all ages.
Quinta dos Citrinos is the perfect base for a family holiday. The region offers a wide variety of activities suitable for all ages, surrounded by nature.
Black Pig Gin Farm (8 min) — A unique experience for the whole family: an artisan gin and rum farm with animals to meet up close and a bar overlooking the ocean. Adults enjoy craft cocktails while children explore the farm.
Badoka Park (5 min) — This Alentejo safari park lets you see African animals in semi-freedom: giraffes, zebras, ostriches, rhinos and much more. There's also an area for interacting with farm animals and a restaurant with views over the grounds. An experience children never forget.
Family-friendly beaches: Samoqueira beach and Praia de Morgavel are cosy and ideal for families.
Canoeing and kayaking — At Lagoa de Santo André you can hire kayaks and explore this unique ecosystem at a leisurely pace. Perfect for older children.
Water sports and mini golf in Sines — The Sines marina offers water sports activities and the seafront promenade has excellent leisure facilities.