The Algarve may be famous for its beaches, but for the chance to see a more rural side of the region, head to the whitewashed village of Alcoutim. Many people visit the town as part of a wider tour of the Guadiana River area, or on a day-trip inland from the coastal town of Tavira.
There’s a medieval castle in the town from where you can look over the river border into Spain. After you’ve visited the castle and its archaeological museum, stroll the cobbled streets of the town before heading to the charming riverside promenade lined with cafés and restaurants for a long alfresco lunch.
*Alcoutim’s streets are narrow and lined with cobblestones, which may be difficult to navigate for people with limited mobility. *Cool off on your trip at the Praia Fluvial do Pego Fundo – a small beach along the river. *The neolithic Menires do Lavajo standing stones can be found just outside the town; they date back 5,000 years and are thought to mark a once sacred space.
Alcoutim is located in the far Southeast of Portugal, on the border with Spain. Public transport in the region is limited, so it’s best to drive or join a tour to see the town. If Alcoutim is your main vacation destination, private transfers to and from Faro airport are available. More active travelers can rent a motorbike to explore the region at leisure.
The Algarve region has pleasant weather all year round – so you’ll enjoy your trip whenever you choose to go. In October, Alcoutim holds the Guadiana International Music Festival in partnership with the Spanish town of Sanlucar de Guadiana, just across the river.
