The sea with lovely beaches is nearby, approximately 20 km. There is a variety of shores; large beaches with lagoons and dunes as well as rocks with little creeks where you have your “private” little beach… 

The province “o Alentejo” ( meaning on the other side of the river Tagus) is the most thinly populated province of the country. The area is known for the cork-trees which makes Portugal the largest producer of cork. You can walk for hours trough these woods. In these woods it’s well possible you’ll meet a shepherd with a herd of sheep.
The flora and fauna of this area is unique and very interesting for those who love nature (information present).
A guided tour with a jeep and chauffeur is available .
A visit to Lisbon is easy to do by car (120 km) or by bus (2 hours, app. 10 euro p.p.)

TIPS FOR TRIPS
 
BIRD WATCHING AND HIKING:
-The grain fields of Castro verde; you find here steppe birds like the Great Bustard and Stone Curlew. With footpaths.
-The mouth of the Sado, with among others Flamingo’s. You can visit it by walking or by catamaran or sailboat.
-Beautiful top view of stork nesting, on the coast of Zambujeira.
-Nature reserve by the river Guadiana, Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana. Many threatened bird species.
 
DOLPHIN WATCHING.
There are several possibilities to see dolphins in the mouth of the Rio Sado. Here lives the only resident group of Portugal.
 
ARCHEOLOGY IN THE ALENTEJO.
-The ruins of Miróbriga, a Roman city of the first century, with a hippodrome and thermals. Santiago do Cecem.
-The Roman village of Pisões, with twenty centurys-old mosaics.
-Megalitic stones in Evora, stone circles and menhirs.
 
CITYBREAKS.
-Évora: one of the best preserved medieval towns (UNESCO).
-Alcácer do Sal: from Phoenicians to Romans and Moors; and...many storks.
-Setúbal: old town with nice pedestrian streets, indoor stalls, fishing-port, marina.
 
PROCESSIONS AND FAIRS:
 
GOLF IN THE ALENTEJO, o.a. Troia and Marvao.
 
WATERSPORT, DIVING, SURFINF.
Surf courses in Porto Covo.
 
A GREAT VARIETY OF BEACHES.
The beaches of the Costa Azul are secluded and relaxing.
Comporta: Calm sea and much chance of seeing dolphins.
Aberta Nova: magnificent cliffs and dune-vegetation.
Melides beach is considered to the most extensive beach in the country.
São Torpes: Well known by surfers and bodyboarders.
Porto Covo: Rocky cliffs with tiny private beaches.