Vila Nova de Milfontes in Portugal
Vila Nova de Milfontes in Portugal turns out to be a beautiful little town. Its location within a gorgeous estuary setting where Atlantic waves crash in the distance is quite something.
Our visit in late April comes as part of a longer tour across Portugal in general. As usual, our touring is free-style, with little in the way of planning and just happening upon places along the way.
In the centre of the town is a large mixed parking area where motorhomes can stay overnight, so we find a slot amongst the mainly local vans already here. We’re unsure if this is an official parking or just somewhere which is tolerable off season.
Nature reserves and white sands – Vila Nova de Milfontes in Portugal
This laid back town with authentic white wash buildings has an abundance of charm. It’s home to some nice little shops with a good vibe for a morning stroll.
Walking to the far end of the town brings a more remote feel. Here, there’s fine views across the Atlantic, where waves crash onto white sandy beaches stretching along the coast.
The stillness of the estuary where the River Mira meanders below is a sharp contrast and a stunning one.
Nature reserves surround the coast and boardwalks line the sands. It’s an area of hiking trails and fine views.
A quaint ferry boat, similar to a taxi service ferries passengers across the estuary to the opposite side of the water. It looks such a pleasant way for those on board to explore and makes us want to grab a rucksack and take a look too!
Wild and wonderful coast
For us it’s time to drive on along the coast. The scenery reminds us a little of parts of Australia. Access roads lead to glorious beaches, often on dirt tracks which are worth the effort. They lead us to remote corners of vast stretches of Atlantic coast, seemingly beaches which stretch forever.
Sand dunes and headlands are often all there is between us and the ocean. There’s little else between the green scrubland where the dunes and white sand beaches meet turquoise waters.
It’s windy and the waves are large. The chill in the air means coats are on and shelter in a sunny spot brings a welcome occasional warmth.
Driving on to Porto Covo
Before driving on to Porto Covo, it’s time to stop for a walk in nearby Iha do Pessegueiro. Here we come across an old fort with beaches leading on to Porto Covo itself and it’s all rather beautiful.
Especially lovely are the wild flowers just coming into bloom along grassy banks. There’s something so wonderful about spring, when everything is coming alive again after a long winter.
Then we continue onwards in the camper to Porto Covo, which is really lovely. This town of white wash buildings sits beside ocean cliffs where rolling waves crash onto the coast. There’s an opportunity to look out across deserted beaches, bringing fine views too and great wave watching!
Time for a drink
We’re driving to the middle of town, finding a parking area amongst half built hotel complexes, which look as if they’ve been left standing long ago.
The town is atmospheric, with outdoor tables lining the long Main Street with plenty of people enjoying a drink. There’s a quaint main square and small harbour with fishing boats sheltering. Out at sea it’s a different story.
In the distance waves crash along the coast, there’s a high swell bringing seaspray from the windy conditions. It’s a good place to watch the waves.
An opportunity for a drink and nibbles in a sheltered spot on the main street bring an end to another enjoyable couple of days. This west coast Portugal adventure has been quite different to The Algarve and being in off season means it’s been really quiet so far.
We’ll be continuing the drive north towards Lisbon, along this Portugal coast and look forward to what’s in store.
