Praia da Franquia
Praia 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.
Praia das Furnas
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.
Praia do Farol
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.
Praia do Burdo
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.
Praia do Malhão
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.
Almograve
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.
