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.

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.

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.

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.