Milfontes Guide

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Vila Nova de Milfontes Lighthouse

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This is one of the most emblematic places in Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Milfontes lighthouse is located at the end of the Marginal Avenue. From this site you can enjoy a panoramic view that covers Mira Mouth, Furnas beach, the imponent Atlantic and of course, Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Walk from the town to Vila Nova de Milfontes lighthouse is a long tradition rooted in the local population and is certainly a small tour that is worth undertake.

If you start the tour from the historic town center you can get to know much of its historic heritage and landscape: Nossa Senhora da Graça Church, Barbican and São Clemente Fort and finally Marginal Avenue, which offers fantastic insights into Mira Mouth.

The River Mira Mouth is constantly changing and a watchful eye allows you to see all the little differences that arise overnight, transmitting more beauty to a landscape that is always fascinating.

In the viewpoint of the Vila Nova de Milfontes Lighthouse was erected, in 2009, the statue “Archangel” a structure that intend to transmit an ecological message and was awarded with the “Utopia” award.

Aerial photography courtesy of Zupa Sky.  Zupa Sky is a company specialized in aerial photography using drones.

 Zupa Sky

Website: http://www.zupa-sky.pt/

E-mail: geral@zupa.pt

Phone: 968530133

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Nossa Senhora da Graça Church

Fotografia da Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça

Nossa Senhora da Graça Church, also known as the Mother Church, dates back to the XVI century. It belonged to the Order of Saint James of the Sword, which can be attested by the cross engraved near the main entrance.

However, there are some people that say that the original church is even older, possibly of the XV century, the date of the holy water font which nowadays is still a part of Nossa Senhora da Graça Church asset.

With a turbulent past, this Church was partially destroyed several times either by natural phenomena such as the 1531 earthquakes or by corsair attacks.

It is necessary to emphasize, among the changes over the centuries, the construction of the tower bell, during the XIX century. In 1959, Vila Nova de Milfontes Church suffered it last major intervention, in order to modernize their facilities.

However, Nossa Senhora da Graça Church retains some of its old features, such as the Main Altar Arc and its Facade.

Annually, during August, Nossa Senhora da Graça Church is the starting point of the fluvial procession, which carries the images of St. Sebastian and Our Lady of Grace trough Mira Mouth waters.

 

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Porto das Barcas – Vila Nova de Milfontes Soul

porto das barcas vila nova de milfontes

Porto das Barcas, also known as “Portinho do Canal” is Vila Nova de Milfontes fishing port. For many locals and visitors, this is one of the sites that best preserves the local soul and authenticity.

So, if you intend to have a direct contact with the Alentejo coast essence is imperative that you visit this site.

Despite its peculiar aspect, Porto das Barcas remains the largest fishing port in Odemira municipality and plays an important role in the locality economic promotion.

On site, in addition of the two restaurants that offer true gastronomic delights, there is a viewpoint that provides the contemplation of the ocean.

There are those who swear that Portinho do Canal sunset is unrivaled in Portugal. There is something in the atmosphere of this place that combines perfectly with the afternoon twilight, offering you an experience that really deserves to be lived.

When you visit Vila Nova de Milfontes don’t hesitate to visit this unique locality corner.

Aerial photography courtesy of Zupa Sky.  Zupa Sky is a company specialized in aerial photography using drones.

 Zupa Sky

Website: http://www.zupa-sky.pt/

E-mail: geral@zupa.pt

Phone: 968530133

 

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Franquia Beach – Calm Waters

praia franquia milfontes

The Iconic Beach of Vila Nova de Milfontes

Franquia beach is the most widely known beach in Vila Nova de Milfontes. Its privilege location at Mira Mouth guarantees you superb conditions for practicing water sports, such as canoeing and windsurfing.

This beach not only offers all the conditions to enjoy a great beach day, but is also the perfect stage to watch the immense beauty of Mira Mouth and its surroundings.

Its short distance from Vila Nova de Milfontes center, its easy access and its waters tranquility, make it very popular among families with children.

From Franquia beach is possible to observe São Clemente Fort, formerly Vila Nova de Milfontes guardian, and Mira River entry and across the river, Furnas beach.

This beach has a beach facility, Quebramar Beach Bar, which at night also functions as a bar, organizing some of Milfontes most famous parties. So, Franquia beach is not only a place you must visit during the day, but also a spot you must visit during night.

Near Franquia beach is possible to find a sandy zone, specially prepared to practice beach soccer and beach volleyball. In this beach, you can also rent a canoe, to know better the mira river waters.

This beach has the following support structures: bathrooms, parking, showers, lounger and sunshades rental. During the summer tends to be difficult parking, so vacationers should choose whenever is possible to walk to the beach.

This beach has a lifeguard during the summer and it has a Red Cross Service Station traditionally.

 

Beach With Blue Flag!

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São Clemente Fort: 4 Centuries of History

forte de são clemente milfontes

São Clemente Fort (patron of maritime causes), also known as Milfontes Castle, was built between 1509 and 1602.

Its construction was ordered by King Philip II of Portugal in order to protect the location of the constant attacks from the moorish pirates – during the second half of the fifteenth century, Milfontes was constantly attacked by pirates from North Africa.

Like other military buildings of the same period, São Clemente Fort is a project of an Italian engineer, Alexandre Massaii. This architect was also responsible for building the Fortress of Pessegueiro Island and the reconstruction of Sines Castle.

São Clemente Fort: Private Property

After losing military and strategic importance, São Clemente Fort was put up for sale at a public auction and was purchased in 1903 by Valerius Stinger, an infantry captain.

Six years later changed hands again, becoming the property of Francisco de Jesus Goncalves.

For four decades, its new owners neglected the conservation of space, until in 1940 the fort was acquired by Dom Luís Manuel de Castro e Almeida.

In Don Luis possession, São Clemente Fort was then restored and became a rural tourism space sui generis. In practice, the fort was one of the first spaces for habitation tourism across the country.

Popularly known as “Milfontes Castle”, the building was classified as a Public Interest Real State by Decree 95/78, published on September 12, 1978.

With the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park creation, saw again its importance recognized, being considered Cultural Heritage.

Besides its historical importance, the building stands out for its prime location that offers a stunning view over the Mira mouth.

Despite its importance, the São Clemente Fort is currently for sale.

 

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Milfontes Dock: A New Life

cais de milfontes

If you search in the Internet for “Milfontes dock” you will most certainly find pictures of the old dock. With all its cracks and its antiquated look, the old dock is missed by all who grew diving there, or those who have spent hours fishing there.

But like everything in life, it`s age dictated that the time had come to say goodbye to the old dock, and today, Vila Nova de Milfontes has a new dock. May not have the charisma of his predecessor and may not be the guardian of the memories of thousands of people, but nobody can deny that it is functional and modern.

The strength of the new Milfontes dock is its location. Looking to the left, our eyes see all the Mira River`s blue, with the Bridge highlighted in skyline. To the right, our eyes can follow the Mira course entering the sea.

A few meters away you can find the restaurant “A Fateixa”, one of the most renowned restaurants in Vila Nova de Milfontes regarding to grilled fish and other delights from the seabed preparation.

Although it isn`t one of the most obvious places when you think about the most important sights of the city, the truth is that the Milfontes dock should be part of the itinerary of any visitor.

 

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Farol Beach – Only One Beach, Two Different Landscapes

praia do farol em vila nova de milfontes

Right next to Franquia beach, is located Farol beach. Between the two beaches there is a jetty that, when the tide allows, enables transitions from one to another. This way, you can enjoy a few moments in the calmer waters of Franquia beach and move then to Farol beach, which has other attributes. Walking between these beaches is a deeply rooted habit among tourists who visit Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Due to its location, closer to the jetty, this is a beach where sometimes it has strong currents, so you needed to have some caution and especially follow the directions provided by the lifesavers on site.

Farol Beach – Where Mira Touch the Atlantic

Like Furnas beach, on the other side of the river, Farol Beach has a river front and a sea front. The sea front is characterized by the presence of rocks and the formation of large ponds during low tide, where children can have fun with tranquillity.

At the north end of Farol Beach there are conditions to practice Surf and Bodyboard, so it is common to see some practitioners of this sport in the water.

Here, too, is located a restaurant with a prime view, Choupana. It is said, that is the ideal local to eat a grilled fish, without taking the eyes from the sea site. Its excellent location also invites you to relax during the late afternoon, enjoying the fantastic setting of the sun, which is itself a show worthy of relief.

This beach has a small car park with a capacity of a few dozen cars.

Beach With Blue Flag!

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Aerial photography courtesy of Zupa Sky.  Zupa Sky is a company specialized in aerial photography using drones

Zupa Sky Contacts

Website: http://www.zupa-sky.pt/

E.mail: geral@zupa.pt

Phone: 968530133

 

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Malhão Beach: Wild Beauty

praia do malhão milfontes

Five kilometers north of Vila Nova de Milfontes you will find a natural wonder called Malhão beach. This beach stands out for its vast sands, that allows you to relax far away from the crowds that invade other beaches in the country.

The access to this beach is by dirt tracks, which with the lack of signalling can transform your discovery on a great adventure. Some people complain of these accesses, but for others the difficulty in getting there is part of the charm of the beach Malhão.

The size of the beach Malhão is such that even in the height of summer there is always room to spread your towel with tranquillity.

Its waves are great for surfing and bodyboarding, and it is common to see an significant number of boards in the water. It should be noted that surf schools in Vila Nova de Milfontes elect this beach as one of their “classrooms” par excellence, so if you want to learn to surf, this may be the ideal beach.

Malhão Beach Division

We can consider that Malhão beach is divided into three parts. The northern part consists of a large sandy area with dunes of considerable dimensions. In this area is tolerated the practice of nudism.

In the southern part it is also found a sandy area with considerable dimensions, delimited by a rocky hillside.

Finally, between the northern part and the southern part we find small beaches, more sheltered from the wind trough rock formations.

Although it is considered a wild beach, the beach Malhão is supervised during the summer period and has a first aid station of the lifeguard team responsibility present on site.

Aerial photography courtesy of Zupa Sky.  Zupa Sky is a company specialized in aerial photography using drones.

 Zupa Sky

Website: http://www.zupa-sky.pt/

E-mail: geral@zupa.pt

Phone: 968530133

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Furnas Beach: River and Sea in Only One Beach

praia das furnas milfontes

On the River Mira left bank, near Vila Nova de Milfontes you will find Furnas beach. From Milfontes, the access to this beach is a little more than 5 minutes, by simply cross over the bridge over Mira and move ahead until you find the respective signal, and then turning right. When you reach the place, parking tends to be easy, and there are several demarcated parking areas.

Furnas beach River offers excellent conditions and unique surroundings hard to beat. With a river front and a sea front, this beach offers the best of both worlds.

All of this region inserted in the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park provides a great natural beauty.

Furnas Beach River is well appreciated by families with children. Its calm waters allow a quietness difficult to match in a sea beach.

Furnas Beach Sea offers all the quality that is hallmark of the Alentejo coast beaches: an excellent beach of golden and thin sand and with excellent water quality.

Both beaches are widely used for water sports such as canoeing or windsurfing.

Furnas Beach: A Portuguese Wonder

It is necessary to stress that Furnas Beach has received since 2008 awards such as “Blue Flag” and “Praia Dourada”, being also an “Accessible Beach”. This means that it offers good conditions for persons with reduced mobility to access the beach.

At the height of the heat, the restaurant that is also the beach facilities proves to be a great resource, inviting you to have a relaxing lunch, where local delicacies should be the main protagonists.

In September 2012, the Furnas Beach won his category (Beaches Rivers) in the election “7 Wonders – Beaches of Portugal”, making it a Wonder of Portugal. Another reason that justifies a visit to this nook blessed by nature.

Beach With Blue Flag!

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Aerial photography courtesy of Zupa Sky.  Zupa Sky is a company specialized in aerial photography using drones.

Zupa Sky Contacts

website: http://www.zupa-sky.pt/

E-mail: geral@zupa.pt

Phone: 968530133

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Pátio Vitória – Enjoy Milfontes In Tranquillity

pátio vitória vila nova de milfontes

Pátio Vitória – Vila Nova de Milfontes

The Pátio Vitória is a small accommodation unit, family-run company dedicated mainly to receive guests that seek tranquillity.

This accommodation offers bedrooms and apartments in limited numbers, focusing their offer in providing a personalized service.

With a great location, right near the Mira River Mouth and other attractions in Vila Nova de Milfontes, Pátio Vitória promises to please those looking to enjoy not only good days on the beach, but also everything the city has to offer.

In terms of accommodation type, the following options are available: Bedrooms, Apartments (T0 and T1).

Pátio Vitória offers private parketing, an asset especially during the Summer.

 

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Areias de Milfontes Apartments – One Step to the Beach

areias de milfontes apartamentos - milfontes

Areias de Milfontes Apartaments

The accomodation unit Areias de Milfontes Apartments is an excellent choice for those who want to stay near the Franquia Beach and Farol Beach.

Situated just 150 meters from the beach, the Areias de Milfontes Apartments allow guests to take full advantage of the excellent Vila Nova de Milfontes beaches.

In addition to the proximity to the beach, Areias de Milfontes Apartments also offers fast and easy access to the village center and its shopping area.

In terms of accommodation, this unit offers apartments with capacity for 2, 4 or 6 people.

All the apartments have amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom and barbecue.

 

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Mar e Sol Hotel – Discover Milfontes

Fachada do Hotel Mar e Sol em Milfontes

 

Mar e Sol Hotel – Stay Close to Everything

The Mar e Sol Hotel is located Vila Nova de Milfontes Main Avenue, and thus has a privileged location.

Near the hotel you can find a vibrant trade, which offers several possibilities: shops, restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops and supermarkets.

All that is needed to make your stay in Vila Nova de Milfontes even more enjoyable is within short steps.

The hotel itself has a restaurant, where the emphasis is on traditional food.

The Mar e Sol Hotel has single and double bedrooms completely equipped with private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and TV.

Capacity: 16 Bedrooms.

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Mateus Apartments – In the Center of Everything

apartamentos mateus vila nova de milfontes

Mateus Apartments – In the Center of Everything

Mateus Apartments are located in Vila Nova de Milfontes and are close to various services, such as restaurants and supermarkets.

In this family-run accommodation, guests can choose between rooms, which include a private bathroom, with TV and kitchen use, or alternatively choose an apartment that can accommodate the whole family and friends.

Those looking for just a room but do not want to give up the access to a kitchen, or who want an apartment with all the conditions for their stay in Vila Nova de Milfontes will certainly appreciate the conditions that Mateus Apartments offer.

Mateus Apartments are open all year.

 

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Orbitur Sitava Milfontes Park

Parque de campismo Orbitur Sitava Milfontes

 

Camping Orbitur Sitava Milfontes

Campsite with a privileged location, situated just 600 meters from the famous beach Malhão and approximately 5 kilometers from Vila Nova de Milfontes. The park has 30 hectares with plenty of shaded areas.

The Orbitur Sitava Milfontes Park is one of the most famous in the country, due to the excellent conditions it offers in terms of infrastructure, but mainly due to its excellent location, between Vila Nova de Milfontes and Porto Covo and also within a short distance of Pessegueiro Island immortalized by Rui Veloso`s voice.

Several amenities: snack bar, supermarket, restaurant, recreation room with TV, tennis court, jogging path, games area, playground and pool.

The sanitary blocks provide hot water always, wash tanks and washing machines.

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Moinho da Asneira – Zen Atmosphere

Vista do Resort Moinho da Asneira

Moinho da Asneira – Zen Atmosphere

We are in Vila Nova de Milfontes, in Portugal Southwestern, where the magnificent River Mira`s estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean, over twenty-five years.

We had no doubts in establishing ourselves in Milfontes, with its wonderful beaches, with its 3.000 hours of sun and a minimum annual precipitation rate. Here, very rarely we suffer from too high or too low temperatures.

Bungalows and villas were built on the hillside, protected from the north and west winds, all of them with terraces and balconies headed south with view to the large River`s Estuary, where every day unfolds the permanent spectacle of the continuous tidal movement.

Here the temperature rarely exceeds 28 Celsius degrees, allowing you to comfortably enjoy your meals on your terrace for more than 300 days in a year. Here we still live with open doors, because the only access to Moinho da Asneira is a walkway that it is between a lagoon and the River Estuary

The zen atmosphere and natural beauty make this resort a hidden secret of good quality and price, and is suitable for all those who want to escape the crowds and that know how to enjoy the tranquillity that they can`t found elsewhere.

Moinho da Asneira maximum capacity is 45 people.

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The Guide of Vila Nova de Milfontes

This guide was developed from the innermost desire to promote Vila Nova de Milfontes, a town that deserves to be discovered throughout the whole year, offering its visitors a range of features that really make it a unique destination to go to.

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