Vila Nova de Milfontes is one of the prettiest towns in the Alentejo region. Just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find a cobbled centre filled with whitewashed houses. The town has a local and low-key atmosphere, even in the height of summer when holidaymakers flock to bask on the beautiful beaches, surf rolling waves and explore the 17th-century fort.
Things to do in Vila Nova de Milfontes
Take your pick of sandy beaches, some on the Atlantic coast and others on the sheltered Mira River estuary. Calm water and soft sand make the riverside Praia da Franquia one of the most popular beaches in Vila Nova de Milfontes. Bask in the sunshine or rent a kayak and paddle around the estuary. Prai do Farol is perched on the tip of the estuary and is another family favourite.
Praia das Furnas overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is patrolled by lifeguards in the summer. Escape the crowds on Praia do Carreiro das Fazenda, a wild and remote stretch of sand studded with granite boulders. Rolling waves make it a surfer stronghold.
Vila Nova de Milfontes is a gateway to Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. The park stretches along the Portuguese coast for more than 100 kilometres and protects some of the most beautiful seascapes in Europe. Rugged cliffs frame the sandy beaches and provide a habitat for nesting birds, including rare sea eagles. The park is also one of the only places in Portugal to see otters. Look for the playful mammals basking on the rocky shoreline.
There’s plenty to discover off the beach in Vila Nova de Milfontes. Stroll around the lively town centre and browse artisan shops and galleries housed in traditional whitewashed buildings. Enjoy lunch at a sidewalk café and explore St. Clement Fort, a 17th-century castle built to defend the town against pirate raids.
Getting around Vila Nova de Milfontes
Vila Nova de Milfontes is compact and easy to get around on foot. The resort is in the Alentejo region, a 2.5-hour drive from Lisbon and three hours by bus. Humberto Delgado Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.