Low and colourful houses where its simplicity is its greatest triumph.

Wander the narrow streets lined with whitewashed Alentejo houses topped off with colourful bars, lacy curtains and windows framed in blue, yellow or bordeaux

Built at the beginning of the 16th century, it has undergone several interventions and changes, only remaining the façade and the arch of the main altar of its original construction.

It belonged to the Order of Santiago da Espada whose cross is engraved over the door.

Built during the reign of D Filipe II in 1599-1602, in the military architecture and mannerist style.

Designed to protect the river’s entrance from pirates and to safeguard the product trade made along the Mira River.

In Largo do Barbacã you will find the monument alluding to the first attempt of Portugal – Macau air travel. The pilots Brito Pais and Sarmento Beires, departed from Vila Nova de Milfontes in a Breguet XIV Bn2 aeroplane, starting their onward journey to Macau. However, they crashed in India on May 7th and had to buy a new two-seater aircraft. The plane eventually reached the skies above Macau on June 20, but bad weather prevented a landing.

Underneath Largo de Barbacã you will find the pier from which you can take a ferry across the Mira River and enjoy the beautiful river beaches on the other bank

Near the lighthouse, at the roundabout, confronting you is the statue of the Archangel. A warrior angel who lifts over his head, a world that melts and perishes.

According to its author, Aureliano de Aguiar, it is an ecological appeal. – A cry, an alert to the planet that is falling apart. The pain or the anger and the desire to save (or throw?) the earth that was degraded by human hands “.

This 3.5m statue, all in reused iron, was awarded the Utopia prize, promoted by the Portuguese Nucleus of Fantastic Art, in 2008

August 8th – The feast in honour of the patron saint of Vila Nova de Milfontes, Nossa Senhora da Graça, with the river procession being the highlight of the celebrations.

Along the Marginal that connects the fort to the lighthouse of Vila Nova de Milfontes, you will find the beaches of Franquia and Farol, separated by a rocky spur. They are river beaches, near the mouth of the Mira River, and as such provide calm waters with small waves, ideal for children.

Its proximity and easy access make these beaches the most sought after for those who come on holiday to Vila Nova de Milfontes and prefer to walk to the beach.

Voted “Best River Beach” it is located on the south bank, near the mouth of the River Mira where the sand strip is more expansive. It has a riverfront and a seafront. Like the Franquia and Farol beach, it offers excellent conditions for water sports such as canoeing, stand-up paddle and sailing.

To get there, you can either go by car through dirt access until you reach a well-defined parking lot or take the ferry in Vila Nova de Milfontes.

At the end of Farol beach, you will find a series of stacked stones. What used to mark trails is now built to appear on Instagram.

In times past, in the mountains, it was common to safeguard hikers and shepherds to stack stones to delineate trails. These heaped stones were called “Mariolas in Portuguese” and were especially important on foggy days or when the tracks were covered with snow.

Nowadays they have taken on a new proportion. You can find several articles on “Rock balancing – The art of stacking stones for meditation”, associating this practice with Zen, art and meditation. However, the final part of the same practice does state that “it is necessary to be aware of the impact caused on the environment, with the need to return the stones to the original space”, seems to be easily overlooked.

Nevertheless, since your there, why not lunch magnificently in the Choupana Restaurante?

To the north of Praia do Farol, hiking about 200m along the coastal trail you will find Patacho Beach. What makes this beach especially attractive and worthy of this walk through the dunes, is the Klemens ship that ran aground there, 20 years ago. Sailing from Holland to Portimão, on a day of calm sea and pleasant weather it ended, without anyone understanding why by stranding at Patacho Beach. At low water, you can still see what remains of this 17-meter ship.

The Portinho do Canal is located 2 km north of Vila Nova de Milfontes and is a small traditional fishing port that has existed since the end of the 19th century. It is one of the oldest ports on the Costa Vicentina.

5 km north of Vila Nova de Milfontes is a long sandy beach that merges with the dune cord. The quality of its waves makes it very popular with surfers. The northernmost part of the beach is classified as a naturist beach.

Away from the urban area, it is reached by a dirt road.

Aivados beach fans compete in best beach popularity, like fervent football fans and their club, with those of Malhão Beach. Its trait is the extensive strip of sand and its waters, very popular with surfers and fishermen.

Access is via a good dirt road. Organized parking