10 Best Things to Do in Sines
What is Sines Most Famous For?
The best things to do in the quaint port city of Sines revolve mostly around the historic centre, with some exceptions. Visitors won’t want to miss spending time at the beaches where the surf is top notch or wandering the dreamy streets of Porto Covo.
Sines is situated south of Portugal’s bustling Lisbon and it’s made up of 2 parishes, Sines and Porto Covo. This small city has a laid-back vibe and a rich history on display through its medieval castles and churches. Sines is really known to come alive during its summer festivals.
What are the best things to do in Sines?
1. Vasco de Gama Beach
Named for the explorer said to have been born in Sines
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura, Econômico
On your visit to Sines, spending a day at Vasco da Gama Beach is one of the best things you can do. The crescent-shaped sandy beach benefits from breakwater-protected waters, making a dip in the Atlantic Ocean here calm and relatively warm.
Vasco da Gama beach is located at the bottom of a large cliff but is easily accessible via an elevator. Or you can hike down and earn that ocean dip. In the summer, a giant stage is erected here to host part of the Sines World Music Festival.
Localização: Rua José Rodrigues Vilhena n_12, R/D 7520 N-12 R/D, 7520-064 Sines, Portugal
Telefone: +351 91 537 4937
Vasco de Gama Beach
2. São Torpes Beach
Water (safely) warmed by a nearby power plant
Ideal para: Foto, Viagens alternativas, Econômico
On the southern border of Sines, Portugal, São Torpes Beach offers visitors a picture-perfect vacation spot. The beach extends from the Southwest Alentejo Natural Park and is backed by rolling, grassy dunes. The water here is a beautiful crystal blue and delightfully warm.
Though it is not known for having the calmest water, surfers and bodyboarders love the waves found at São Torpes Beach. It also has a lifeguard on duty. Not a surfer? Why not sign up for lessons and give a new sport a try while visiting Portugal? It’s sure to make an unforgettable memory.
São Torpes Beach
3. Centro Histórico de Sines
Where maritime culture meets Roman influence
Ideal para: História, Foto, Casais
Centro Histórico de Sines, the historic district, is full of some of the best things to do in Sines. It is here you can see the Medieval Sines Castle, the 19th century Chapel of Mercy and the statue of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.
The Sines Castle marks one edge of Centro Histórico de Sines, stretching to Revelim Fort. Walk along the cliffs edge from one landmark to the other and see picture-worthy views of the Atlantic Ocean below. You can take the glass-front Penedos Elevator of India from the clifftop to the beach below for another stunning view of the ocean.
Centro Histórico de Sines
4. Sines Arts Centre
The municipal archive here preserves the historical documentation of Sines
Ideal para: Foto, Casais, Grupos
The Sines Arts Centre, located in the historic district, is an architectural work of art itself. The modern stone-faced buildings are home to a myriad cultural interests including a library, a multi-use cinema and an art school.
The main draw to Sines Arts Centre, though, is the basement-level art gallery that hosts rotating exhibitions. Events are also held in the galleries from time to time. Guided tours of the centre are offered by appointment. It’s a fantastic way to learn more about the centre’s award-winning architecture.
Localização: R. Cândido dos Reis 33, 7520-177 Sines, Portugal
Abre: Monday–Friday from 2 pm to 8 pm, Saturday from noon to 6 pm (closed on Sundays)
Telefone: +351 26 986 0080
Sines Arts Centre
5. Sines Castle
Site of the Vasco de Gama monument
Ideal para: História, Foto
Medieval castles like Sines Castle draw the mind to times of yore with their impressive size and fortitude. This particular castle was built in the 14th century to protect Portugal from invaders and pirates coming to the southwestern coast. It also marks important historical significance as the place where explorer Vasco da Gama launched his journey to India in 1497.
Visitors to the Sines Castle appreciate the view over the bay the most of all. Inside the castle is the small, but wildly interesting Sines Museum attached to the Vasco da Gama house. Photographers won’t want to miss an opportunity to snap shots of the stunning painted ceilings.
Localização: Rua Miguel Bombarda 5, 7520-151 Sines, Portugal
Sines Castle
6. Porto Covo
Best visited in the spring and summer when it’s dry
Ideal para: Casais, Alimentação
Porto Covo is the southern parish within Sines, Portugal, with a myriad things to do and experience. Marquês de Pombal Square is the heart of the town. Wandering the streets of Porto Covo is a dreamy pastime, and the central cobblestone square is an ideal starting point. As for an ending, meandering down to the soft sand beaches is highly recommended.
Foodies in particular will love sampling the local cuisine in this small fishing town. Think freshly caught seafood, local cheeses, homecooked bread, delicious vegetables and a healthy pour of wine. Visit Porto Covo in the summer for a chance to partake in the lively festival honouring Our Lady of Solitude, which highlights local food, music and dance.
Porto Covo
7. Surfing (and learning to surf) in Sines
300 days of sunshine and a diverse set of waves crashing through
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto
Sines is one of the best places for surfing and learning to surf in Europe. Two beaches in particular top the list for catching Atlantic Ocean waves: Praia do Carvalhal in the north and Praia de Sao Torpes in the south.
If you don’t know how to surf or would like to get better, Sao Torpes beach has surf schools catering to all levels that run year-round. Carvalhal Beach can be a finicky spot, with no known ‘best season’. But when the conditions are right here, experienced surfers report fantastic waves with minimal crowds to deal with.
Surfing (and learning to surf) in Sines
8. Capela de Nossa Senhora das Salvas
Historic church near the city’s main port
Ideal para: Foto, História
Capela de Nossa Senhora das Salvas is a stark white church with history that draws in religious pilgrims. The original structure dates back to the late 13th century, ordered to be built by a Greek princess. The explorer Vasco da Gama later ordered it be rebuilt in a grander fashion. It’s believed that both parties were interested in building the church as a gesture of thanks for their safe travels.
In 1922, Capela de Nossa Senhora das Salvas was declared a national monument. Inside, visitors can view The Treasury, which displays jewels and other relics that have been offered to the image of the Virgin.
Localização: Largo Nossa Sra. das Salvas 2, 7520-196 Sines, Portugal
Capela de Nossa Senhora das Salvas
9. Centro Cultural Emmerico Nunes
Former hospital turned into a cultural centre
Ideal para: Foto, Casais, Grupos
The Centro Cultural Emmerico Nunes is housed in what used to be a hospital, a white building with bright blue trim, nearby Mercy Chapel and the Parish Church. The cultural centre features rotating exhibitions of art in many different formats, all in the hopes of forming an open dialogue with expression of a variety of ideas.
What might you expect to see in Centro Cultural Emmerico Nunes? Photography, historic artefacts, short films, debates and musical performances outside or in the chapel. Conveniently located in the historic district, it is easy to fold a visit to this cultural centre in with a day full of sight-seeing.
Localização: R. do Muro da Praia 1, 7520-152 Sines, Portugal
Abre: Daily from 2 pm to 8 pm
Telefone: +351 26 987 0220
Centro Cultural Emmerico Nunes
10. Bruxa do Mar Brewing
A friendly place to grab a pint
Ideal para: Alimentação, Viagens alternativas
Get a taste for local craft beer at Bruxa do Mar Brewing in Porto Covo, Sines. Enjoy your favourite styles of beer (IPAs, lagers, blonde ales and porters) made with local Portuguese ingredients.
Beyond sitting down for a cold one, Bruxa do Mar Brewing offers educational brewery tours, exclusive tastings and even workshops from time to time. That’s because the owners are passionate about sharing their brew knowledge with tourists and locals alike. And don’t be surprised if you see these brew masters out in the wild with a booth at a local festival.
Localização: Zona Industrial Ligeira 2 Lote 122 Edifício C6, 7520-309 Sines, Portugal
Abre: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Telefone: +351 96 335 6483
Bruxa do Mar Brewing
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