Welcome to Sines!

Sines is a municipality located exactly in the centre of the southwest coast of Portugal. Sines, the municipal seat and the historical birthplace of Vasco da Gama, is a small coastal city where culture is a priority. Porto Covo, situated between the sea and the plains, is a picturesque village surrounded by some of the most beautiful and best-preserved beaches in Portugal.

Part of the Southwest Alentejo and Vincentine Coast Nature Park, the southern part of the municipality includes sea ambiances, dune systems, streams and hills, providing an exciting landscape experience.

The 30 kms of beaches have it for all, but the beaches of Porto Covo are unique. The whole coastline of the parish is rich in small cozy sheets of fine sand and clear water, separated by large rocks that seem as if they have been deliberately placed there, to create a feeling of intimacy and seclusion.

São Torpes is a paradise for the region’s surfers. Its surf schools are open all year and offer lessons for all ages and levels. Almost the whole district is suitable for rod fishing, with S. Torpes and the coast north of Sines being the favorite areas. There are a wide variety of locations to choose from for diving and underwater fishing. Sailing and kayak lessons are also available in Sines. Pessegueiro Island and other seaside areas can be visited by boat.

Events and history are among Sines’ strongest points as well. 

The 15th century navigator Vasco da Gama was born here and you can discover the ancient part of the city having as stopping points the monuments associated to his life.

FMM - Festival Músicas do Mundo is the most important world music festival in Portugal. This annual festival is held at the end of July, against the backdrop of the Castle’s historical scenery, as well as in other venues in the city and Porto Covo.

The new Centro de Artes de Sines [Sines Arts Centre] is a must-visit. Its innovating architecture makes it a notable contemporary monument in Sines and one of the best examples of contemporary Portuguese architecture.

The local cuisine and rich restaurant offer is celebrated in a festival held in early summer, by the sea.