Sines Guide and Weather, Portugal |
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On the coast just south of Lisbon lies Sines; a small fisherman’s village. It used to depend enormously on fishing, having maintained the colours, the culture and charm of a village with this lifestyle. Its long history is marked along the cliff, where the castle and the Revelim fortress stand; both originally built as a form of protection but now two of Portugal’s most beautiful viewpoints. The various small churches face the sea and overlook its majestic natural theatre. The blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean have always acted as the stage where the life of Sines has taken place. It is a standing example of Portugal’s close relationship with the ocean and the culture born out of it. It is said that the famous Portuguese discoverer, Vasco da Gama (1468-1524), was born here. Follow his steps through the streets and buildings where Vasco da Gama lived. One of the Castles’ towers holds the House of Vasco da Gama, with a multimedia presentation showing his life in Sines and the discoveries he made that changed the world; a contemporary exhibition held within historic walls. Don’t miss out on the Archaeological Museum, with all the remains found in this region, some left by the Romans and the Carthaginians. The newly built Arts Centre was designed by the prize-winning Atelier, Aires Mateus and contains the Municipal Library and historical archives, a concert hall, an art gallery and an auditorium. The most fantastic music spectacle, however, is during the last weekend of July, when the whole town receives the World Music Festival. Some of the most important names of world music, jazz and blues perform within the walls of the castle. A multicultural crowd gathers here to enjoy the spirit this festival brings into town. The Sines Carnival is another show of colours and imagination, demonstrating the Portuguese satirical spirit and immense creativity. The unparalleled beaches that line the coast of Sines are stunning and unique in their own way. The São Torpes beach distinguishes itself by the noticeably warmer water. Nearby is the little village of Porto Corvo. The Marquês de Pombal square here is a standing example of popular Portuguese architecture, with whitewashed walls with a bright blue thick line outlining the building. Visit Praia Grande for its long sandy stretch surrounded by golden rocks. The cool blue waters throw up waves that attract people to practice all kinds of water sports, as surf, body-board, windsurf, fishing, diving and canoeing. For a full experience, take a calm boat trip to the nearby Pessegueiro Island and discover the secrets of the Portuguese coast. Sines is the land that invites you to enjoy the best the sea has to offer; a wonderful seafood gastronomy, wonderful boat trips, daring water sports, calm walks on long sandy beaches and an immense history that has marked the ways of the world. Visit Sines for all this and all the more you can make of it.
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