Most recent trip: July 2026
Porto Covo is a small fishing village on the Alentejo coast. Alentejo is Portugal’s largest region. Most of it’s landmass is in the interior of the country but the 150km stretch of coast it does have, is home to some of Portugal’s best beaches. Porto Covo is one of a few bases that give you direct access to this mostly undeveloped coastline. I first visited Porto Covo during the first year I moved to Portugal in 2026 and I return at least once a year ever since.
Porto Covo was once a sleepy aldeia but thanks to it’s string of easy to reach beaches, it inevitably became a summer holiday destination for locals and more recently foreigners. In recent years it has become a popular day trip from Lisbon (only 1h30) and stop-off for tours, but what it is probably most famous for these days is as the first town on the Fisherman’s Trail, a 226km hiking trail the follows the Fishermen’s route, stretching from Sines all the way to Lagos in Algarve.
Planning a trip to Portugal? You’re in the right place! Welcome to Travel Planning and Itinerary design by Candy. Olá! I’m an independent travel advisor living in Portugal (since 2016). I help people plan their dream trip to Portugal, Spain and Italy. You’re currently reading a post from my collection of travel guides. I also offer personal travel consultation and a bespoke itinerary service.
How to get to Porto Covo
Porto Covo can be reached by bus (Rede Expressos) from Lisbon in around 2 hours or in 1h30 by car.
Most Memorable Road Trips in Portugal
Porto Covo, The Town
Praça Marques de Pombal (town centre) is a picturesque square of neatly painted houses, cafes and restaurants with blue facades and red windows. You will find the majority of restaurants, bars and shops here and on Rua Vasco da Gama. The main square is an ideal spot so spend a few hours chatting with friends, drinking cold beers and soaking up the sun in one of the pretty corner cafes. On my most recent visit I was sad to see the main cafe on the square blasting out music as if it was a bar in Albufeira. Please don’t be put off by thi, head down the street towards the coast and you’ll still feel the genuine charm of the village.
Porto Covo, The Beaches
For me, the coastline is the number one reason to visit the village of Porto Covo. The low, craggy cliffs give way to a series of coves and beaches of varying shapes and sizes, each with it’s own quirks. Asides from a few low rise hotels, natural beauty reigns strong in both directions.
Porto Covo Hiking
Heading South will take you on the Original Fisherman’s Trail. This is a section of a 226km coastal hike from São Torpes in Alentejo all the way to Lagos in Algarve. I’ve hiked the full trail and this section is one of my favourites.
The Original Fisherman’s Trail
Fisherman’s Trail : Algarve Coast
Fisherman’s Trail one day hike from Lisbon
Porto Covo Eats & Drinks
Despite it’s tiny centre Porto Covo has a few fantastic dining options. Especially if you love seafood. Here are a few suggestions of places to eat and drink in Porto Covo.
Zé Inácio
R. Vasco da Gama 3B, 7520-437
Popular traditional restaurant with warm and comforting decor and typical dishes. Choose you pick of fresh fish. the clams are great too!
Lamelas
Rua Candido da Silva 55A, 7520-437
Elevated Alentejana dishes by local chef Ana Moura.
O Pescador
R. Vasco da Gama 15, 7520-437
Another fresh seafood lunch option. Choose your fresh fish from the counter or order a local favourite Polvo (Octopus). Wash it down with a cheap yet tasty jug of white wine and pat yourself on the back for choosing so wisely. Most restaurants in Porto Covo close between lunch and dinner but O Pescador remains open making it a good place for late lunch or early dinner.
Manjerico Pizza Truck (MUTE hostel)
Get take-away and eat with a side of sunset on the cliffs by the lighthouse.
Marques Cafeteira / Café Creme
Jardim do Largo Marquês de Pombal
Bustling afternoon coffeeshop/bar with outdoor seating that get the sun.
Portugal is exceptionally good at sweet treats and there are different variations accross the country. In Porto Covo you can taste the Pastel Marquês – a perfect combination of almond, orange, egg, sugar and pumpkin.
Where to Stay in Porto Covo
Porto Covo has a wide selection of accommodation choices considering its size. Whether you want to camp, share a hostel, enjoy a spa or book out an apartment you’ll find most options here. Booking.com has the most varied options but you can also check Airbnb.
Hotels & Guesthouses in Porto Covo
Camping in Porto Covo
Hostels in Porto Covo
Planning a trip to Portugal, Spain or Italy? I’m here to help.
If you want to plan the perfect trip but you are overwhelmed, make use of my local knowledge and travel planning experience. Choose a one hour call to get you off the ground or add on full personalised itinerary for a stress-free trip planned by a local travel expert.
-
Bespoke Travel Itinerary 7 – 21 days (optional 1 hour travel consultation included)Price range: €300.00 through €645.00 - 1 Hour Travel Consultation€145.00
- Personalised City Break Itinerary 1,2 or 4 days (no call)Price range: €49.00 through €99.00
Since moving to Algarve almost 3 years ago we have been exploring Portugal. Looking for some more inspirational destinations in Portugal. Have a peek at our travel guides and start planning your Portugal itinerary.
