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12 of the Best Beaches in Vila-nova-de-milfontes
If you are visiting Vila Nova de Milfontes then it is pretty much a given that you are a fan of beaches. Which is great news as VN Milfontes is a beach-goers paradise with, as the cliche goes, something for everyone.
The coastline around VN Milfontes is somewhat typical of the Alentejo Atlantic coast. Somewhat rugged with dramatic cliffs punctuated with wide beaches of golden sand. These wild beaches, such as Praia do Malhão or Praia de Almograve, are great for surfing or those wanting to get away from it all but may not be the best choice for families with younger children.
There are however a number of beaches within walking distance of Vila Nova de Milfontes itself including a couple of sheltered riverside beaches. These have all the facilities including lifeguard services but will be very busy during the summer. You can find some solace from the summer crowds by taking a ferry across the river to the wide sands of Praia das Furnas which wraps around the mouth of the river and provides some great surf for all abilities.
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- Vila Nova de Milfontes
Ben JeayesPraia da Franquia is one of Vila Nova de Milfontes main beaches. Tucked away from the coast on the northern bank of the River Mira, this is probably the most sheltered beach in the area. This makes it a great family beach, as do all the facilities such as a lifeguard service and beach cafe / bar etc. Praia da Franquia also benefits from being located close to the town.
Given its sheltered aspect water sports such as windsurfing and canoeing are particularly popular here.
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- Vila Nova de MilfontesHurtuv | BY-SA
The beach of Praia das Furnas sits across the river Mira from Vila Nova de Milfontes. It could be considered two distinct beaches as it wraps around the coast with one side facing into the calm waters of the Mira estuary and the other into the powerful waves of the Atlantic.
Furnas beach is something of a haven from the crowds that inundate Vila Nova de Milfontes in the summer. Although it is just a quick ferry trip across the water or 10 minute drive from the little resort town it is...
- Vila Nova de MilfontesD.Majerus | BY-SA
Farol is the Portuguese for "lighthouse" and this is where the Praia do Farol gets its name. The beach wraps around the sandy headland at the mouth of the Mira River which is home to Vila Nova de Milfontes' somewhat underwhelming lighthouse.
The beach is reasonably sheltered from wind and waves on the river-facing side, perhaps a little more exposed than neighbouring Praia da Franquia. As you travel around the headland the beach becomes...
- Vila Nova de Milfontes
Set about 10 km to the south of Vila Nova de Milfontes is the low-key, little resort of Almograve. The coast around here is fairly rugged with high cliffs and rocky basalt outcrops jutting out into the might of the Atlantic.
The beach at Almograve is one of a number of beaches in the area but is by far the biggest and best known. At low tide a wide crescent of golden sand is revealed which is almost separated by a set of rocks towards the middle of the beach. As the tide comes in the...
- Vila Nova de MilfontesVitor Oliveira | BY-SA
Praia do Burdo is a pretty little sandy cove located a few kilometres to the north of Vila Nova de Milfontes and to the south of Malhão beach. It is quite secluded, being a considerable distance from the nearest road. The beach is also backed by steep cliffs making accessing it difficult.
- Vila Nova de MilfontesJ Ladeira
The Praia do Malhão is wide open sandy beach just over 5km to the north of Vila Nova de Milfontes. Set within the Southwest Alentejo Natural Park development here is prohibited so this is as wild and unspoiled beach as you will find on this coast.
This beach will appeal to beachgoers seeking a relatively remote spot with plenty of empty space not those expecting all the facilities close at hand. There...
- Porto CôvoVitor Oliveira | BY-SA
This sandy stretch is situated a few kilometres to the south of the popular resort of Porto Covo. With its backdrop of sand dunes and scrubland beyond it has a fairly wild feel to it. This is somewhat contradicted (or maybe reinforced) by the large, abandoned 16th fortress that overlooks the beach.
The name, Ilha do Pessegueiro, refers to the island which lies a couple of hundred metres off the beach. Translated as "peach tree island" this is somewhat misleading - yes, it is an island...
- Porto CôvoFilipe Ramos | BY-SA
The closest beach to the centre of Porto Côvo, Praia dos Buizinhos is small but perfectly formed. Backed by a semi-circle of cliffs and with lots of rocks just offshore this is generally one of the most sheltered beaches in the town.
Despite being right by the village there isn't actually much in the way of amenities on the beach itself. There is also no lifeguard, although it is generally safe to stay in the shallows here.
As mentioned, Praia dos Buizinhos is small and this is...
- Porto Côvo
Praia Grande (big beach) is the main beach of the little Alentejo resort of Porto Covo. In keeping with such a pretty village the beach is equally charming with a wide stretch of golden sand backed by high cliffs.
Here at Praia Grande the Atlantic Ocean appears particularly blue and clear. It also picks up all of the swells meaning the waves here are often good for surfing. To keep things safe there is a seasonal lifeguard service to watch over the bathing area.
Unsurprisingly...
- Porto CôvoVitor Oliveira | BY-SA
The smallish cove of Praia da Cerca Nova is located just around the northern headland of Porto Covo's main beach. In fact on a low tide it is possible to walk around on the sand.
Despite its proximity to this popular holiday spot Praia da Cerca Nova never gets as busy as its bigger neighbour. This is not to say it is going to be empty in August - it isn't. But given the limited parking or extra 10 minutes walk to get here it is a pleasant escape...
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Vila Nova de Milfontes travel guide »
The small town of Vila Nova de Milfontes is the most popular resort on the Alentejo coast. Positioned on the sheltered waters of the Rio Mira estuary the town is only a stone's throw from the Atlantic coast and any number of...