Vila do Bispo
Algarve

District of Faro

Beaches of the Algarve

Vila do Bispo - Vila do Bispo, city (1,000 inhab.) and county with 5,258 inhabitants (1), district of Faro, no Algarve, is one of the sixteen counties (municipalities) in this southern region of Portugal.


Sagres, Cape São Vicente, the Discoveries
Vila do Bispo retains a great air of mystery from the fact that its geographical position and the role it played during the Epoch of the Discoveries, thanks above all to the figure of Infante Dom Henrique, the Navigator.

"The unspoilt coastal beauty of a dramatic horizon of cliffs and sea. Testimonies of prehistoric rites in so many menhirs. Evoking the epic of the Discoveries and the enigmatic figure of Infante D. Henrique, the Navigator.

Attractions of Vila do Bispo and its municipality, a vast triangle in which the sea is always present and in which nature associates with history to give it a unique character, which is worth knowing" [Visit Algarve].

Top Beaches in Vila do Bispo

• Praia do Telheiro

• Praia da Cardoama

• Praia do Castelejo

Find out more: Vila do Bispo Beaches

A bit of history

The municipality (municipality) of Vila do Bispo has been confirmed since 1662, by the will of the King D. Afonso VI (1643-1683).

Still of great historical importance, "of this territory and of our country is the Vila de Sagres, with the its origins in the construction(s) that Prince D. Henrique (1394-1460), the man who stayed known in our History for the important maritime navigations that projected Portugal through the seas of the World (and who died here) had it built at Ponta de Sagres, in the mid-15th century, and which would give rise to a remarkable Praça de Guerra, whose last profile was completed in 1793. This former support and protection site for navigation that required these stops and garrison was a military municipality until the mid-nineteenth century. In the 60s of the twentieth century the phenomenon of tourism increased even more projection and protagonism that never ceased to have for all the special features that make it stand out" [CM from Vila do Bispo].

Area and Population

With an area of 179 km², the municipality of Vila do Bispo currently has a population of 5,805 inhabitants (INE, 2021).

In the previous census, the municipality had 5,258 inhabitants (INE, 2011), having had an increase in the resident population of the order of 8.8%.

Location

The municipality of Vila do Bispo, 320 km from Lisbon, is located in the extreme southwest of Portugal and Europe.

Located 319 km on the A2 motorway (and 184 km in a straight line) south of Lisbon, the municipality of Vila do Bispo is limited to the north by Aljezur, to the northeast by Lagos and has the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west.

Parishes

The county is made up of four parishes: Barão de São Miguel, Budens, Vila do Bispo and Raposeira and Sagres.

Sudoeste Alentejano Natural Park

The entire coastline of the municipality of Vila do Bispo is part of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina. In Vila do Bispo beautiful landscapes and varied nature come together with beautiful beaches to the pleasure of locals and numerous visitors.

What to see in Vila do Bispo

Land of a lot of history and very connected to the time of the Discoveries, Vila do Bispo it has a rich heritage to be visited, in addition to beaches and nature that enchants visitors.

Find out more: Vila do Bispo Attractions

What to do in Vila do Bispo

In addition to beautiful beaches, with great options for water sports (see below), the Costa Vicentina Natural Park offers many other options for nature lovers (walks, trails).

Finally, its important historical heritage (mainly related to the Age of Discovery), cultural and religious offers several opportunities to visitors to discover the treasures of Vila do Bispo.

Find out more: What to do in Vila do Bispo

Where to stay in Vila do Bispo

Good accommodation options in Vila do Bispo: hotels, house and apartment rentals per season, accommodation with the inhabitants. Research and book in advance to choose the best option for you.

Find out more: Where to stay in Vila do Bispo

Land of Gastronomy

The Algarve's varied gastronomy (traditional and Mediterranean cuisine) is preferred by many visitors to Vila do Bispo. Based on fish and seafood, as is the case in the entire Algarve coast, land of fishermen.

Here, its preparation "consists essentially of a varied range of fresh fish, made from a wide variety of shapes, grilled, roasted, boiled or fried, seafood, which is eaten cooked and bivalves that are opened on the plate. However, during the hunting season, which normally begins in October and ends in December, it is common to make wild boar, partridge, quail, hare or wild rabbit dishes.
In confectionery, figs and almonds are used in abundance, as well as bread dough with sugar plus other ingredients, such as cracklings" [CM from Vila do Bispo].

Find out more: Gastronomy of Vila do Bispo

Where to eat in Vila do Bispo

Lovers of good food, in Vila do Bispo, you can taste the traditional cuisine algarvia (based on fish and seafood), the traditional dishes of Portuguese and European cuisine. Take advantage of your stay to discover the delicious local cuisine!

Find out more: Where to eat in Vila do Bispo

Vicentine Coast and Discoveries

In Vila do Bispo, in addition to a lot of history linked to the great period of the Discoveries, visitors enjoy the pleasant climate of the Algarve and, above all, its beautiful beaches.

Vila do Bispo attractions

Main attractions of Vila do Bispo:

Burgau Fort

Fort of Boca do Rio or Fort of São Luís de Almádena

Lusitanian-Roman ruins of Boca do Rio

Menhir of Aspradantes

Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel

Church of Raposeira

Fortress of Sagres

Fortaleza de Belixe or Fortaleza de Santo António do Belixe

Fort of Our Lady of Guia or Fort of Baleeira

Matrix Church of Vila do Bispo or Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição

Find out more: Vila do Bispo Attractions

Sports in Vila do Bispo

Sports fans will have good options to practice their favorite sport in Vila do Bispo: nautical sports (surfing, diving, swimming, sailing, windsurfing) and also other sports. Check it out below!

Find out more: Where to eat in Vila do Bispo

+ Information about Vila do Bispo

• City Hall of Vila do Bispo
• Address / Address: Paços do Concelho. 8650.407 Vila do Bispo
• Phone: +351 282 630 600
• Official Link: CM Vila do Bispo
• Contact by email: geral@cm-viladobispo.pt
• Social networks: www.facebook.com/municipioviladobispo/ , Instagram: @
• Opening hours:
  From 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday