The White Beach Hut Aljezur

Bright and Easy Coastal Living

Feeling every bit the beach house it claims to be with its décor of nautical stripes, brightly whitewashed walls and breezy, easy ambiance, this historical cottage occupies the ancient Moorish section of Aljezur, a coastal community clustered medina-style on the banks of a stream, biking distance from the wild beaches of a protected, natural park.

Named for its bleached, sunny styling, this compact historic home occupies Aljezur’s ancient medina, dating from the 10th century and dominated by Moorish castle ruins. The region’s sought-after surf coast is only minutes away, so the cheery, whitewashed home offers the best of both worlds—a historic village hideaway updated as a bright beach house lined with modern built ins and splashed with classic coastal colors. Surrounded by rural fields near the undeveloped coastline, the tranquil getaway’s wooden roof deck keeps the ocean in sight, and the sweet front banco still offers a sunny spot to sit and soak up the charms of historical village life.

AROUND

This tranquil, traditional village home occupies Aljezur’s original Medina which dates from the 10th century and is dominated by Moorish castle remains. The small market town is unique in that it’s actually two communities situated along the town’s river, the historical old town occupying one bank, the “new” city, dating from the 18th century, occupying the opposite bank, formed after an earthquake and malaria epidemic led residents to cross the river. Made up of mostly whitewashed buildings along a zigzag of cobbled streets, Aljezur is about 30 kilometers north of Lagos near the border of Portugal’s Algarve and Alentejo regions. The town’s ancient Moorish castle ruins offer views out to the Atlantic and the new town’s 18th-century main square is lined with cafes and small shops. A bridge connects the two sides of town and a municipal museum offers an overview of the village’s unique history. 

The main draw to Aljezur is the wild coastline, a deliciously undeveloped stretch of sand within a protected natural park (Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina). Praia do Amoreira spreads out from where the Aljezur town stream meets the Atlantic. It’s a favorite of families for its shallow river waters crossing the sand. Monte Clerigo beach is cliff backed and dramatic, a favorite for surfing, though rugged Arrifana is the surfer’s preferred beach, backed by towering cliffs, with powerful waves and breathtaking scenery. Surf schools offer lessons on most area beaches, and hikers will find their pleasure along the protected coastline, too, with several paths of varying intensity tracing the cliff lines between Monte Clerigo and Arifanna.

LOCATION

Aljezur, Faro, Algarve, Portugal. Nearest airport: Faro (115km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April to October