Top 12 Attractions in Vila Nova de Santo André, Portugal

Located along the Alentejo coast, Vila Nova de Santo André is a contemporary town developed adjacent to the expansive container port in Sines. While Vila Nova de Santo André may not boast prominent tourist attractions, it compensates with pristine Blue Flag beaches that remain largely uninhabited by visitors and a stunning nature reserve characterized by dunes and exceptional bird diversity.

Within a brief drive, you can reach Vasco da Gama’s birthplace, exploring ancient Roman ruins or standing atop the walls of an imposing medieval castle that overlooks the coastal landscape for miles.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Vila Nova de Santo André:

1. Praia da Fonte do Cortiço

The nearest beach to Santo André can be located at the end of a pathway bordered by agricultural land and maritime pine forests, leading to the coastal dunes.

Upon arriving at this Blue Flag beach, it becomes evident why the journey was worthwhile.

It’s indisputably among the most stunning beaches in Alentejo, featuring an expansive stretch of golden sand accompanied by vigorous surf that excites watersport enthusiasts, although it may be too tumultuous for everyday swimming.

However, the natural beauty surrounding you allows for serene moments on the sand or invigorating strolls along the shoreline.

2. Badoca Safari Park

Situated at the eastern periphery of the town, this animal attraction offers an enjoyable experience, particularly for families traveling with children.

The park incorporates open areas where animals roam in semi-freedom as well as smaller habitats akin to traditional zoos.

Visitors can traverse the extensive enclosures via bus, witnessing savannah species such as zebras, giraffes, and springboks as they share space with ostriches in a more natural setting.

Following this experience, you may watch impressive raptor demonstrations or allow younger visitors to interact with friendly animals, including donkeys, goats, and llamas in the mini-farm area.

Additionally, there is an enclosure for monkeys and tigers.

3. Praia da Costa de Santo André

Located between the ocean and the Santo André lagoon, this beach defies simple description: It features a lengthy ribbon of soft sand with the lively Atlantic surf on one side, juxtaposed with the calm, shallow waters of the lagoon just meters away.

For watersports enthusiasts, it provides the flexibility to switch between the lagoon and ocean at your convenience, while others may find it an idyllic place to unwind or take leisurely walks along the shore.

4. Igreja Paroquial de Santo André

Based on the Manueline stonework visible at the portal, it is presumed that Santo André’s parish church was constructed during the early decades of the 1500s.

Unfortunately, the exact historical details remain elusive as the structure was devastated by the major earthquake of 1755 and faced additional damage during another quake in 1858. Noteworthy features include the Manueline coat of arms of the Order of Santiago and the Cross of St. Andrew.

The altarpiece showcases the extravagant Baroque and Rococo styles, embellished with delicate wood-carvings coated in gold.

5. Reserva Natural das Lagoas de Santo André e da Sancha

Vila Nova de Santo André is enriched with natural beauty, particularly evident in the expansive 500-hectare Santo André lagoon.

Regardless of the season, this locale offers idyllic opportunities for tranquil walks.

The Santo André lagoon is a vast waterbody separated from the ocean by sand dunes that gradually transition to the beach at Costa de Santo André.

This diverse ecosystem encompasses marshes, willow trees, heathland, wetlands, mudflats, rushes, and reed beds, serving as a sanctuary for over 240 bird species throughout the year.

The reserve’s continuous supply of freshwater attracts the Eurasian reed warbler and the red-crested coot, while substantial populations of red herons nest on the smaller Lagoa da Sancha, located in the southern section of the reserve.

6. Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Graça

A short distance from this hermitage rests the source that inspired its establishment: a spring, once revered for its healing properties, has been a significant site for centuries.

Moreover, this hermitage lies along the Camino de Santiago route, serving as a resting place for pilgrims navigating the Way of St James.

A chapel has likely existed on this site for hundreds of years, while the present structure dates back to the early 1700s.

If the doors are ajar, take a moment to explore the trompe l’œil tiles adorning the walls.

7. Santiago do Cacém

Santo André falls within the larger municipality of Santiago do Cacém, with the town center accessible within a five-minute drive.

The highest elevation is crowned by the town’s medieval castle, which you can admire as you ascend from the town center, passing through its historic heart.

This area features steep cobblestone streets lined with historic houses in various states of preservation.

Upon reaching the castle, you will be greeted by its formidable outer walls, embellished with ten towers and remnants of Moorish architecture.

The interior of the castle grounds currently serves as the town’s cemetery.

Venture towards the Igreja Matriz, which showcases a relief depicting Santiago Matamoros engaging in a battle against the Moors.

8. Miróbriga

A comprehensive Roman archaeological site awaits exploration just a short distance inland, beyond Santiago do Cacém.

Miróbriga, believed to be an Iron Age settlement dating back 3,000 years, came under Roman control approximately 2,100 years ago.

The site’s extensive layout may astound visitors, featuring a hippodrome, forum, paved avenues, and residences extending over two kilometers.

You need only glance to appreciate the dimensions of certain structures, like the Temple of Venus, where the foundation walls and columns remain largely intact, as well as the baths, which are thought to be among the best-preserved in Portugal.

9. Moinho de Vento da Quintinha

Situated one kilometer from Miróbriga, one finds a traditional whitewashed windmill in the picturesque countryside surrounding Santo André.

This particular mill distinguishes itself as it has recently undergone restoration to resume its original operation, facilitated by the local government, and now welcomes visitors to witness traditional grain-grinding methods.

Initially restored in the 1980s, the mill ceased operation in 2011; however, a renewed investment in its restoration in 2017 has revived its function. The mill’s scenic location also provides breathtaking views overlooking Santiago do Cacém and the ocean.

10. Sines

Santo André experienced growth in the 1990s as a residential area for those working at the developing container port in Sines.

This port handles more traffic than any other in Portugal, and individuals interested in modern logistics and technology can join a guided tour.

Despite the port’s prominence today, the town played a crucial role during the Age of Discovery when Portugal spearheaded maritime trade and colonization efforts.

Vasco da Gama, known for his historical voyage to India, was born in Sines during the 1460s.

Visitors may even tour his childhood home, as his father served as the castle warden here.

Notably, the historic district is situated sufficiently far from the industrial areas surrounding the port, allowing both to coexist without interference.

11. Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park

Continuing beyond Sines and its industrial area, one can embrace the natural beauty of a park extending down to Portugal’s southwestern tip, approximately 100 kilometers away.

To the south of Sines, the usual expansive beaches and dunes transition into small rocky coves where raised cliffs create clear, calm pools suitable for families with children.

Within a 20-minute drive from Santo André, Porto Covo is a quaint fishing village, known for its single-story homes that cater to low-key tourism, featuring various seafood restaurants and convenient access to secluded beaches.

12. Watersport

Within Santo André, Santiago do Cacém, and Sines, several operators promote various water activities.

This coastline is exceptionally versatile, offering tube-like beach breaks ideal for surfers and bodyboarders, as well as the lagoon’s calm waters, which are perfect for those eager to enjoy steady winds.

Praia da Costa de Santo André encompasses the best of both worlds; it is common to witness surfers on the ocean side or individuals exploring the lagoon in canoes.