If you’ve never been to Alcochete, you don’t know what you’re missing! This land by the river has much more to visit than you think, from the salt pans to the river beaches, including a handful of centuries-old churches.
Take a look at our itinerary and get on your way, because Alcochete promises to surprise you.
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Samouco Salt Pans
Saline tradition and environmental protection come together in this 360-hectare natural paradise, next to the Tagus.
Here, visitors will find a working salt pan, testimony to the “white gold” that once sustained many Alcochete families.
But this is also a privileged place for hiking and birdwatching, or it wouldn’t be a Special Protection Area visited by 170 species of birds. The highlight is the flamingos, herons and stilts that live here.
Sítio das Hortas environmental center
Located in the heart of the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve, this environmental space next to Freeport is made up of two distinct areas: Sítio das Hortas and Pinhal das Areias.
Birdwatching, donkey rides and hiking are some of the activities you can do there.
Moinhos Beach
One of the town’s most popular spots on hot days, it owes its name to the windmills (now deactivated) that exist next to the beach.
In recent years, it has become well-known among wind sports enthusiasts, such as kitesurfing. It also hosts the International Kite Festival.
The municipality of Alcochete also has the Samouco River Beach, where there is a pedestrian circuit, a children’s playground and a picnic area.
Riverside area
An authentic postcard from Alcochete, the riverfront invites you to take a stroll overlooking the Tagus and serves as a starting point for discovering the town.
Want a suggested route? Start at the Amália Rodrigues Viewpoint, pass by the Churches of Nossa Senhora da Vida and Misericórdia and take a short walk to Ponte-Cais. At the end of your walk, there’s nothing better than the tranquillity of the Rossio Garden.
Church of St. John the Baptist
Built in the 15th century, this Gothic-style church is associated with Infante D. Fernando, father of King Manuel I.
Inside, the altarpiece of the high altar, the tiles in the chancel and several 16th century paintings stand out.
Church of Our Lady of Life
Built in 1557, it began as a chapel (of the Holy Spirit) and was later renamed the Church of Our Lady of Life.
Don’t miss the eighteenth-century tiles depicting the life of the Virgin.
Misericórdia Church
The altarpiece by Diogo Teixeira inside is considered one of the greatest artistic treasures in the Setúbal district.
People say that this church was part of the former Palace of the Infantes of Beja, where King Manuel I was born.
Church of São Brás
A temple of Baroque architecture, its date of construction is unknown, but there are reports of visits by the Order of Santiago dating back to the 16th century.
It has undergone several renovations and reconstructions over the years.
Barrocas Quarter
An old and quaint district with narrow streets and colorful houses, it is the heart of the town, having been inhabited over the years by people linked to traditional activities such as salt extraction, river transport and fishing.
Bote Leão
“The King of the Northeast”, as they call this traditional boat, invites you to discover the river, with the town (and Lisbon) as its privileged backdrop.
If you get the chance, don’t miss out on getting on board and taking a tour of the Tagus Natural Estuary.