Vila Nova de Milfontes

Once Upon a Time in Vila Nova de Milfontes

1. It was a village and not a town
2. It is not new, since it was founded in 1486 by D. João II
3. It does not have a thousand fountains, although it is said that in remote times there were in fact immense springs of fresh water dispersed throughout the region

This small fishing village is considered by many to be the Princess of Alentejo. It is one of the parishes belonging to the municipality of Odemira and is part of the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina.

It grew and developed near the mouth of the River Mira as a river port. It has become a very interesting commercial route for the sale of certain regional products, such as cereals, firewood, honey, wine, coal and cork.

In addition, it is in a privileged situation due to its proximity to the Rio Mira/Mira River and the Sea, offering a diversified offer in terms of water sports. But … that’s not all!

Because it is inserted in a Natural Park endows the Village with unique characteristics, with common spaces that demand to be preserved and many others yet to be discovered.

Therefore, it combines an urban environment with a natural heritage. It is a space full of restaurants that go with the typical Alentejo cuisine, of accommodations that reinforce the most picturesque, and nightlife that instigates the interaction between locals and visitors.

All this, without ever forgetting the richness of nature, with absolutely stunning scenery along the coastline.

Vila Nova de Milfontes: Places to discover

Largo do Rossio: For a long time, it took on the role of town square, having performed over the 40s some relevant functions, including: daily market of fish and vegetables, butcher, post office and headquarters of the people’s house with a medical center.

Forte de São Clemente: It is located in Largo da Barbacã/Barbacã Square and was built during the reign of D. Filipe II, between the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century. It has military architecture, and it was built in order to defend the village and the coast.

This defense was especially important against pirate attacks, thus protecting the looting of products traded from the Rio Mira/Mira River.

Estátua dos Aviadores: Also in Largo da Barbacã/Barbacã Square it is possible to find a monument that marks the first air travel from Portugal to Macau in 1924. The starting point of this trip was in our Vila.

Praia da Franquia AND do Farol: It is a place with not much swell, being ideal for boat trips, canoeing and stand-up paddle trips. You can still see Praia das Furnas/Furnas Beach on the other side of the Rio Mira/Mira River.

At the beginning of Praia da Franquia there is a small pier where you can take a ferry boat to the other bank. It should also be noted that these beaches received the Gold Quality distinction from Quercus – National Association for Nature Conservation.

Rio Mira: It is considered the cleanest river in Europe and extends through the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina. It crosses the entire municipality of Odemira and empties into Vila Nova de Milfontes.

It constitutes a training space chosen by Olympic canoeing athletes because, in general, the water is calm, with practically no waves.

Portinho do Canal: This is the largest fishing port in the municipality of Odemira and is located about 2 km north of Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Rota Vicentina: It crosses the town and integrates an extensive network of walking routes along the southwest coast of Portugal. It has a set of trails and paths properly signposted, making a total of 450 km between the cities of Santiago do Cacém and Cabo de São Vicente.

The Historic Path, the Fishermen’s Trail and various Circular Routes are part of the Route. Evidencing the authenticity of rural culture and a coast that remains wild today.