Vila Nova de Milfontes
Vila Nova de Milfontes is a parish in the Odemira municipality of Portugal. It is cornered between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mira River, in the Sudoeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
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[edit] History
The village dates from the year 1468, founded by the King D. João II. The first inhabitants were prisoners sentenced by minor delicts and fifty years after the village establishment the population was no more than ten families. The village was frequently attacked by pirates and a fortress was built in 1602. The fortress is commonly called Saint Clement's Castle.
[edit] Tourism
This small village with a 5,000 resident population has a great demand during holidays due to its fine beaches with clear water and natural beauty. Moreover, the surrounding area offers ecological tourism, paragliding training, a small safari park and beautiful hideouts with small waterfalls.
[edit] Beaches
There are several beaches near the Village being the most popular:
- Malhão
- Praia da Franquia (also known as "Praia do Rio" (River Beach))
- Furnas
- Aivados
- Ribeira da Azenha
- Foz
[edit] Miscellaneous
Locals joke that the town is of the three lies;
- Vila (village) - On the founding of the "village" there was less than the thousand inhabitants required to claim the state of village.
- Nova (new) - The estuary has for centuries provided shelter from the Atlantic for fishing fleets.
- De Milfontes (of a thousand fountains or springs)) - There has never been a thousand fountains or springs.
Vila Nova de Milfontes has a beautiful estuary that gives shelter to several species of birds and marine life. Moreover, wild boars and foxes can be found in the surrounding woods.
There is also an aquaculture centre nearby in Moinho da Asneira.
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