Odeceixe
Odeceixe, (pronounced 'udd-sesh') is a small village on the border of Alentejo and Algarve with a population of less than 1,000 people. It is part of the municipality of Aljezur, a larger resort town less than 20 km south. The village is also part of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina.
Odeceixe Beaches
The Ribeira de Seixe is the natural dividing line between the Alentejo and Algarve regions and at its mouth is the beautiful Praia de Odeceixe. This lovely stretch of sheltered sand (4 km west of the town) draws thousands of sea- and sun-worshippers each summer. It is backed by some dramatic cliffs. In winter, many businesses shut up shop but the near-deserted beach is still beautiful to walk and relax.
The area around Odeceixe offers good opportunities for various water sports including surfing. There is at least one surf school and rental shop in the village. The consistent waves on the sea-facing side of the beach is perfect for surfers, while swimmers and kayakers can enjoy the calmer waters of the river-facing side of the beach.
The smaller Praia das Adegas to the south is a naturist beach, one of the officially-designated naturist beaches in Portugal. It provides a more secluded and intimate feel compared to the larger, family-oriented Praia de Odeceixe.
Odeceixe Attractions
After the beaches, there is not a huge amount to see and do in, what is after all, a very small place.
There is the parish church, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade and the windmill and not much else. There are, however, several good bars, cafes and restaurants to enjoy.
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade in Odeceixe was originally built between the beginning of the 14th century and the end of the 15th century. The church has been restored several times over subsequent centuries. However, there are still Manueline elements from the time of King D. João II, from around 1527. The church's treasures include a 16th century silver crown and a 17th century monstrance also in silver.
The windmill is still in full operation and it is possible to observe the entire process of grinding cereals, where the miller monitors the direction of the wind and handles all the tasks involved in grinding. Also from the windmill you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the town's white-washed houses, the flood plain and the meandering Seixe river.
Largo 1 de Maio is the small, main square and Rua Nova to the south has the post office, a mini-market and pharmacy.
Walking in Odeceixe
Odeceixe is on the 400 km Rota Vicentina (en.rotavicentina.com) which runs south from Santiago de Cacém also to Cabo de São Vicente via Odemira, Odeceixe, Aljezur, Carrapateira and Vila do Bispo. The "Fisherman's Trail" (Trilho dos Pescadores) is part of the Rota Vicentina and mainly follows a cliff top path from Porto Covo to Odeceixe (125 km, 77 miles).
Odeceixe Tourist Office
Odeceixe Turismo is open only during the summer at the beach from 9 am to 8 pm.
Getting to Odeceixe
Train Travel in Portugal
The nearest train station is Lagos Station on the Linha do Algarve to Albufeira and Faro. From Lagos there are trains to Lisbon via Tunes. A regional train to Tunes takes about 55 minutes from Lagos. At Tunes you can connect with an Alfa Pendular express or Intercidades (Intercity) train to Sete Rios, Entrecampos and Gare do Oriente. From Tunes to Lisbon is approximately 2 and a half hours to Lisbon. Check www.cp.pt for the latest timetables and train fares.
Car Travel in Portugal
Odeceixe is on the N120 north to Sines and Grândola before joining the E1 and E2 motorways to Lisbon. Heading south the N120 goes to Aljezur, Bensafrim and then Lagos, which is 50 km from Odeceixe.
Bus Travel in Portugal
From Aljezur, Odeceixe is a 20-minute drive north on the N120. From Lagos, allow for about an hour's drive also on the N120. The Vamus 79 bus runs on weekdays from Lagos Bus Station (Terminal Rodoviário) to Odeceixe. It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes via Bensafrim and Aljezur. For further details see vamusalgarve.pt
Accommodation in Odeceixe
Odeceixe has a number of good places to stay including the Casas do Moinho, the Sol Mar, Casa de Hóspedes e Restaurante Dorita, and Hostel Seixe - with twin rooms.
See a listing of all available hotels in Odeceixe.
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Hostels in Portugal - Agoda.com
Eating
Odeceixe has some fine eateries including Casa Verde and Ao Largo both on Largo 1 de Maio. Assador Altinho on Rua 25 Abril is a popular local restaurant as is Restaurante-Cafe Dorita in the Casa de Hospedes close to the beach. Taberna do Gabao on Rua do Gabão is good for families with an outdoor terrace.
Drinking
There are several local bars to choose from which all stay open late in season. They may well be closed in winter. Try Bar da Praia on Rua do Posto at the beach.
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Cafes
Ao Largo at Largo 1 de Maio is recommended for its breakfasts.
The average high June temperatures for Portugal is between 22 degrees Centigrade and 26 degrees Centigrade.
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Algarve Resorts
Other places to visit in the Algarve region of Portugal include Albufeira, Alcoutim, Aljezur, Alvor, Cabanas, Cacela Velha, Faro, Ferragudo, Fuseta, Lagos, Loulé, Monchique, Olhão, Portimão, Praia da Rocha, Sagres, Silves, Vilamoura and Vila Real de Santo Antonio.
Maps
