Summary
Situated on the Costa Alentejana, Sines is a traditional fishing town renowned in Portugal as the birthplace of the esteemed explorer Vasco da Gama. His statue stands with pride adjacent to the castle walls where he spent his youth, and the museum within recounts the achievements of this national figure. Furthermore, Sines has emerged as Portugal’s leading container port, located in a massive industrial complex along the shoreline, separate from the historic district.
This industrial backdrop adds a unique dimension to Sines, featuring a natural underwater trench that enables the largest cargo vessels to dock close to the beach. Continuing south, the industrial landscape gives way to a picturesque coastline with charming coves and the quaint whitewashed village of Porto Côvo.
Let’s delve into the distinguished attractions in Sines:
1. Monumento do Vasco da Gama
The town’s most celebrated figure, Vasco da Gama was born here in the 1460s, although the precise location and date remain debated.
He significantly impacted history during his expedition to India from 1497 to 1499, becoming the first European to reach India via sea route, thereby expanding the Portuguese Empire and facilitating global trade, which marked the beginning of the colonial era.
In a fitting tribute, Vasco da Gama’s statue, with its distinctive square silhouette, gazes over the sea next to the castle’s western tower. This statue was inaugurated in 1970 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of his birth.
2. Castelo de Sines
The deep waters that support the container port have historically positioned Sines as one of Portugal’s busiest fishing harbors during the Middle Ages.
This castle was constructed to safeguard the fleet and the town from threats posed by enemy naval forces and pirates.
Though the hill upon which it stands has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic era, the castle itself dates back to the 15th century. Due to the established configurations of surrounding streets at the time of construction, the edifice is relatively compact and adapted to its contour.
It features a three-story keep, notable for its original handsome mullioned window at the top. Shortly after its completion, Estêvão da Gama, Vasco’s father, was appointed the castle’s warden.
3. Museu de Sines
The town’s museum, housed in the keep, offers a compelling exhibition detailing Sines’ historical narrative. One of the highlights is the Visigothic masonry unearthed during excavations at the castle.
Additionally, the Treasure of Gaio, discovered in 1996 approximately 13 kilometers from the town during archaeological work at a burial mound, is another noteworthy display. This Phoenician artifact includes a necklace and earrings buried with a wealthy woman around the 3rd century BC. Furthermore, an engaging multimedia exhibit showcases Vasco da Gama’s life and milestones, complementing visits to the rooms where he was raised within the castle.
Visitors can also ascend to the parapet for panoramic views of the bay.
4. A Tour of Sines
The town is stratified into upper and lower sections. At the summit, one encounters the castle and a quaint maze of streets lined with whitewashed and tiled structures.
There are several cafes and bars where visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee alongside local pastries, and as you stroll through these streets, you will discover attractive examples of Art Nouveau architecture.
Descending the hill leads to Praia da Vasco da Gama, the natural cove that accommodates the town’s fishing port. A promenade runs alongside the beach, providing a pathway along the shoreline where one can admire the fleet, ocean, and the castle from below.
5. Industrial Tourism
Sines hosts one of Portugal’s largest coastal industrial complexes, comprising a container port, oil refinery, polymer refinery, and a thermal power plant that generates more power than any other facility in Portugal. Although this aspect may not be appealing to casual tourists, enthusiasts of industrial technology can participate in guided tours at seven different facilities within the complex.
This initiative is part of a broader tourism strategy initiated by the local municipality. The deep-water seaport, which manages more freight by volume than any other port in Portugal, has universal appeal.
Groups of four or more can partake in a two-hour guided tour of the state-of-the-art terminals.
For further information, please visit: http://visit.stis.pt/experiences/port-of-sines/
6. Porto Côvo
Upon traversing the industrial zone, one might find it hard to comprehend that this charming whitewashed fishing village is within the same municipality. Porto Côvo is located 10 kilometers to the south and features a consistent arrangement of single-story houses radiating from the central Praça Marquês de Pombal.
This cozy square boasts a quaint parish church, cast-iron gaslights, and palm trees bordered by low cottages with terracotta roofs. Despite its small size, the village offers a variety of restaurants catering to the increasing number of tourists discovering its scenic beauty and stunning rocky coastline.
7. Praia dos Buizinhos
The nearest beach to central Porto Côvo is this stunning cove encircled by cliffs. Rocks situated a short distance offshore provide protection from stronger tides, making it an ideal location for families with children as the waters are calm and clear. Unlike the larger Praia Grande nearby, this beach does not have lifeguard supervision, but as long as you remain within the bay, it is a secure environment for swimming or relaxing in the water.
Moreover, if you find yourself hungry or thirsty, the village’s shops and eateries are conveniently close.
8. Forte do Pessegueiro
Set in a striking location, this abandoned sea fort overlooks a bay with an island situated approximately 100 meters offshore. Constructed during the Philippine Dynasty in the 16th century, while Portugal was under Spanish rule, the fort features a distinctive polygonal design surrounded by a moat, with a battery facing the beach and two pointed bastions at the rear.
Accessing the fort requires passing through a tunnel, and the rooftop offers scenic vistas of the surroundings. Below lies the beach, graced by gentle waves, while across the channel on the island, the ruins of the Forte do Santo Alberto, built around the same period, can be observed.
9. Praia de São Torpes
Though just a short distance from the expansive industrial complex, this beach is recognized annually with the Blue Flag award. To attain such recognition, beaches must pass rigorous water quality evaluations, providing reassurance to visitors.
Moreover, an interesting characteristic of Praia de São Torpes is its notably warm waters, attributed to the proximity of a thermoelectric plant a few hundred meters away. Thus, one can enjoy the unique experience of wading in the Atlantic surf without the typical chill of the ocean.
As one ventures further south, the industrial sights gradually disappear, revealing a landscape defined by sand, rolling waves, and the lush greenery of the Southwest Alentejo Natural Park.
10. Igreja de Porto Côvo
This quaint chapel in Porto Côvo functions as the parish church. It was constructed during the reign of Queen Maria I at the close of the 18th century and exhibits the austere architectural style that became popular post-Baroque.
The interior features painted wooden ceilings in the nave, walls adorned with azulejos (traditional hand-painted glazed tiles), and a gilded altarpiece. At its center stands the polychrome figure of Nossa Senhora da Soledade.
Visitors present during the end of August may witness the statue paraded in daytime and evening processions departing from the church on August 29 and 30.
11. Praia do Cerro da Águia
In reality, this represents one of numerous beaches to explore within a brief 10-minute drive from Sines to Porto Côvo. The open shore near São Torpes gradually transforms into a more rugged and intricate coastline, where hidden coves like this one are nestled amidst the sandstone cliffs.
This idyllic spot is perfect for families with children, as the towering bluffs encircling the cove shield it from waves and wind, resulting in a tranquil setting with clear waters and golden sands.
12. Ruínas Romanas de Miróbriga
Located a few kilometers away are the remains of a Roman town awaiting exploration. Miróbriga was inhabited from the Iron Age nearly 3,000 years ago and experienced Roman settlement beginning in 50 AD, during which various infrastructures such as a forum, marketplace, hippodrome for horse races, and bathhouses, which remain among the best-preserved in Portugal, were developed.
Excavations have unveiled the foundations of several houses and temples, and an interpretation center has been established to provide insights before visitors embark on their exploration of the site.
13. Badoca Safari Park
This top-rated family attraction nearby showcases exotic animals within expansive habitats across a substantial area. Visitors can traverse the safari zones on a bus while receiving informative commentary.
Within these vast enclosures, one can observe giraffes, ostriches, zebras, and antelopes. The rest of the park is primarily explored on foot, featuring an island where lemurs interact with guests who pay an additional fee for the privilege of feeding them.
Additionally, there are tigers in a smaller enclosure, aviaries, and a farm area where children can engage with friendly domestic animals such as donkeys and goats.
14. Horseback Riding
The pristine beaches, coastal meadows, dunes, and forests along the Costa Alentejana create an ideal setting for horseback riding. In Porto Côvo, the Herdade do Pessegueiro equestrian center offers riding experiences tailored to all skill levels.
For the more experienced riders, a five-day trail ride is available, allowing exploration of the untouched terrain on a responsive Lusitano horse. Novices are welcome as well, with options for introductory lessons or sunset rides along scenic coastal paths.
15. Food and Drink
With a fishing tradition that predates the era of Vasco da Gama, Sines draws heavily from the ocean for its culinary offerings. The extensive seafood menu includes options such as rice with mussels, limpets, snails, or clams, and seafood açorda, a thick savory dish made with soaked bread, garlic, vinegar, eggs, herbs, and shrimp.
In the summer, diners can enjoy salads featuring roe, cuttlefish, or conch, while during winter months, a hearty feijoada de búzios, comprising whelks and white beans simmered with chouriço, bacon, garlic, and tomatoes, becomes a favored choice.
