Attractions and Places To See around Atalaia - Top 20

The three cod drying areas of Alcochete have been closed and abandoned for over four decades. With one exception, the land was sold to companies whose activities have nothing to do with curing or selling the "faithful friend." Since the municipality was interested in the added value of future businesses, the local Master Plan (PDM) began in 1997 to allow these spaces to be used for tourism and leisure activities. There are already plans to build hotels.

This was a former cod factory founded in the 1950s, ‘Seca do Bacalhau’ meaning ‘Dry of Cod’ in Portuguese. It’s a large site with a lighthouse, water tower, fish farming area, and living quarters for the workers. There was a documentary made of the women workers who worked there, mostly in slave like conditions (As raparigas da Murtosa e a seca do bacalhau). It’s quite a sad site really knowing the history. The site was heavily vandalised and open to explore, I didn’t dare to go up the inside of the lighthouse though. It’s the scale, history and setting which make this site interesting.

The Praia Fluvial dos Moinhos, located in charming Alcochete, is an idyllic retreat for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its natural charm and picturesque setting, it is the ideal place to let your mind wander and unwind. Surrounded by lush greenery and framed by the majestic Tagus River, the beach offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Its extensive sands, lined with leafy trees, create the perfect setting for an afternoon of reading or a family picnic. In addition, the Praia Fluvial dos Moinhos offers a variety of water sports, such as canoeing and paddle boarding, allowing visitors to explore the tranquil waters of the Tagus River in a unique way. The more adventurous can also opt for a hike in the surrounding hills to explore the beautiful trails and discover unforgettable views. The site also has a barbecue area and tables for outdoor dining and other facilities to ensure maximum comfort and convenience for those who visit. It is not difficult to imagine spending an entire day here, enjoying the pleasures of nature and the crystal clear waters of Praia Fluvial dos Moinhos.

The municipality of Alcochete is located on the southern bank of the Tagus Estuary and is part of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, benefiting from privileged access to the capital via the Vasco da Gama Bridge, as well as access to the North Motorway, IC 32 and the connection to the A2. The name Alcochete derives from the Arabic word “Alcaxete”, which means “oven”, an allusion to the riches resulting from the combustion of the wood abundant in the pine forests of this region. Human presence dates back to prehistoric times to ancient times, a fact proven by the archaeological remains found. Economic activity linked to fishing, river navigation and salt production was, at one time, the main driving force behind the municipality’s economic development. With the decreasing development, from the mid-20th century onwards, of road connections and the loss of economic importance of the River Tagus as a means of communication, these activities began to decline. Its proximity to the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve, considered one of the most important wintering areas in Europe for several species of water birds, makes it an important place to visit and is, in itself, an attraction for nature lovers. In addition to its rich landscape, Alcochete has a fascinating cultural heritage. The Festa do Barrete Verde and das Salinas, held annually in August, is one of its highlights, as it pays tribute to the forcado, the campino and the salineiro, illustrious figures who make up the identity of the municipality.

he delightful old town of Alcochete is located on the south bank of the River Tagus, in close proximity to the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve. The ideal day-trip destination for visitors staying in Lisbon, its foundation dates right back to the 7th century after the Moors conquered Lisbon and its name derives from the Arabic word for kiln, as several have been found in the local area. The journey across the river is a delightful one, running past some of the older parts of the capital such as the Alfama before heading off into the great Tagus river basin. The ferry arrives in Montijo, followed by a 5-kilometre bus or taxi ride north to Alcochete. Evidence of human occupation in Alcochete and its environs dates back to the lower Paleolithic period, while the Roman presence in the area mostly extended along the banks of Ribeira das Enguias where traces of several ancient potteries exist, most notably at Porto dos Cacos in Herdade de Rio Frio where the production of amphorae (ceramic containers used to pack and transport fish preserves) have been unearthed. Alcochete was an important royal retreat, with both King João I and King João II spending long periods here for rest and relaxation. More importantly, King Manuel I (creator of the Manueline architectural style) was born here and in 1515 (twenty years into his reign) he granted Alcochete its town charter at a time when Lisbon and was beginning to prosper during Portugal’s great Age of Discovery. Founded in the mid-16th century, the Church of the Misericórdia was part of the palace where King Manuel I was born on the 1st of June 1469. Today, it houses the Museum of Sacred Art whose collection includes many old paintings and some rare archaeological finds.

Small wooden bridge prohibited to motorized vehicles. You can admire one of the arms of the Tagus and its magnificent landscapes. This bridge connects the small town of Sarilhos Pequenos which means small problems, to the town of Sarilhos Grandes which means big problems.

The "secadouro de Alcochete". Between 1930 and 1970, cod were dried there. Cod is a fish caught in cold northern waters such as Newfoundland. Portugal in the 1920s imported all the cod consumed. In the 1920s, Portugal experienced hunger. To remedy this problem, the former dictator Salazar had Portugal fish its cod and dry it industrially in Portugal. The secadouro de Alcochete was one of those places. Salazar popularized cod.

Great view. I recommend.