SANTIAGO DO CACÉM
Santiago do Cacém, a small town in the District of Setúbal, Alentejo region and sub-region of Alentejo Litoral, with a resident population of about 7,600 inhabitants. It is the seat of one of the largest municipalities in Portugal, with an area of 1060 km² and around 30.000 inhabitants, subdivided into 11 parishes.
The municipality is bordered to the north by the district of Grândola, to the northeast by Ferreira do Alentejo, to the east by Aljustrel, to the south by Ourique and Odemira and to the west by Sines and has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the only municipality in the whole Alentejo that contains 2 cities, and even more interesting, it has 3 villages: Cercal do Alentejo, Alvalade do Sado and Ermidas-Sado.
Its name, Sant' Iago de Kassem, derives from the Moorish Governor Kassim and the Order of Santiago.
The coast of Santiago do Cacém is about 15kms from the city, it has an extension of 9 kms and in it we can find the most spectacular beaches.
The municipality is bordered to the north by the district of Grândola, to the northeast by Ferreira do Alentejo, to the east by Aljustrel, to the south by Ourique and Odemira and to the west by Sines and has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the only municipality in the whole Alentejo that contains 2 cities, and even more interesting, it has 3 villages: Cercal do Alentejo, Alvalade do Sado and Ermidas-Sado.
Its name, Sant' Iago de Kassem, derives from the Moorish Governor Kassim and the Order of Santiago.
The coast of Santiago do Cacém is about 15kms from the city, it has an extension of 9 kms and in it we can find the most spectacular beaches.
CULTURE
Miróbriga Ruins
At the Miróbriga Ruins you can admire buildings from the past, such as the temple, the baths, and the single-arched bridge.
Historic Area
In the historic center you must pass by the old Firemen Headquarters, Misericórdia Church, the pillory, and the Paços do Concelho building, now the Caixa Agrícola Foundation, where you should stop for a drink in the Pátio, then the Condes de Avillez Palace, the famous Casa das Heras, and the Matriz Church.
Museum
The museum, formerly a prison, now tells a little of Santiago's history. Its archaeological collection contains representative pieces from the Paleolithic to the medieval period, and, as a gift from the inhabitants, it holds a vast ethnographic display.
Experiences
Badoca Safari Park
A unique experience in the middle of Alentejo Litoral, Badoca Safari Park shows the life of wild animals in natural habitat such as zebras, giraffes, buffalos or wildebeests. Without a doubt a unique experience for the little ones.
Black Pig
The Black Pig theme park provides a different kind of visit for the whole family. Younger kids can enjoy the safaris in the cork oak forest, meet the farm animals, and older kids can enjoy the most award-winning gin in all of Europe.
Santo André and Sancha Lagoons Natural Reserve
It is located in the southernmost area of the Tróia-Sines Coastal Arc and its biodiversity is of a high wealth. Birds are the most important faunistic group, since the reserve is located in an important migratory corridor.
Activities
Surf
The beaches on our Alentejo coast are known as excellent for extreme sports, for the experienced or for those who want to learn to surf.
Off Road Camp Yamaha
this is a memorable experience for kids and adults alike. At Off Road Camp it is possible to do off-road motorcycle baptisms, you just have to know how to ride a bike.
Riding
For nature and horse lovers, riding lessons or horseback rides on the beach are a unique activity.
Rota Vicentina
From Santiago to Vale Seco, the Vicentine Route is full of unique landscapes in the Alentejo's "montado". The route starts at the Santiago parish church. If you wish, do only a small part of the route, it is worth the experience!
Shopping
Casa da Cultura and Gomes Grocery Store (Comporta)
The Casa da Cultura features several national brands and artists, while the small Mercearia Gomes transports us to the past, where there is a little bit of everything.
Sobrestórias (Santiago do Cacém)
A small store of national products, which promises to tell stories of what is best made in the country.
Handicrafts in Porto Covo
Local handicrafts can be found in every store in this small village.
Beaches
From north to south, the beaches of the Alentejo Coast never let us down. Here are our favorites, a list of the best beaches, so you can plan your trip to Comporta, Porto Covo and Zambujeira. Enjoy!
Comporta, Galé and Melides
São Torpes, Porto Covo and Pessegueiro Island
Vila Nova de Milfontes, Almograve and Zambujeira
Gastronomy
The gastronomy of the Alentejo Coast is rich in its diversity of dishes, with its main focus being seafood, fresh fish, and meats.
Seafood
Fish
Meat
