5 Best Sights in Évora and the Alentejo, Portugal

One of the longest beaches in the Vila Nova de Milfontes area, Malhão is popular with surfers, anglers, and a small colony of nudists on the beach's northern end. It's about 5 km (3 miles) north of Vila Nova de Milfontes, inside the coastal national park. The sheer size of these vast sand dunes ensures a sense that you have the place to yourself. Amenities: lifeguards. Best for: surfing.

Portugal’s Alentejo coast is often overlooked by beachgoers in favor of the Algarve or the Lisbon coast, but this scenic, rural, culinarily rich region is home to some of the finest beaches in Europe. While some are difficult to access, others, such as the beautiful Praia da Comporta, are well equipped to cater for visitors. Here, snow-white sands are dotted with colorful sun loungers and straw-roofed beach huts selling cocktails as well as fresh seafood, and the clear, bright blue invites you to take a cooling dip. Although one of the busier beaches in the Alentejo, this is still quieter than the beaches of the Algarve, and there’s plenty of elbow room even during the summer high season. Amenities: parking (no fee), toilets, food and drink, water sports. Best for: swimming, walking.

The Praia Das Furnas lies just south of Vila Nova da Milfontes, on the south banks of the Mira River. The southeast current makes it popular with surfers, but the current is calm enough for children to swim here, too. Because it's across the river, the beach is quieter in the busy summer months. You're likely to see hikers, as the Rota Vicentina trail passes through here. You can take a ferry across the Mira River (€4 round-trip; departs hourly) from Vila Nova. If you drive, there's a parking lot and snack bar just behind the dunes. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking. Best for: surfing; swimming.

Only a five-minute walk from the center of Vila Nova de Milfontes, this is the closest beach to town, named for the lighthouse at the peninsula's tip. It tends to fill up quickly on weekends in summer and has a seasonal beach bar. The river and ocean currents mixing here can be strong during the winter months, so children should be closely supervised while swimming. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking. Best for: sunset.