The south west tip of Portugal and coast to the north are contained in a
natural park of outstanding beauty, a wild and wonderful area, mostly unspoiled
and some small towns of character.
We returned to a few of the places we love there and found some new
ones.
The estuary town of Vila Nova de Milfontes is a favourite. The Atlantic
tides rise and fall in a way familiar to British people exposing and covering
the sand.
Just to the north we spent two nights amongst surfers from various
countries in a beautiful cliff top parking at Praia Milhao. The magnificent
beach was almost deserted except for a few surfers and sunbathers. It is one of
many unofficial naturist beaches in Portugal.
Driving inland through the unspoiled green scenery with grazing cows,
and eucalyptus trees we came to Sao Luis. Further south the capital of this
part of Alentejo is Odemira, a hilly town through which passes the Mira River.
A shallow draught vessel can navigate this river 40 km to Vila Nova. I would
love to make that journey in a small boat.
Further south the Ribeira (River) de Seixe,
forms the border between the Algarve and Alentejo. Praia do Odeceixe is a wonderful
place where the river winds around the beach to the sea. Here we met Barbara
from Switzerland making slow “Camino” with two donkeys from France.
Aljezur is the main town of this region and we came twice to
the little publicised Saturday market where fresh produce and cakes are sold. Worth a visit.
We also met up again with Josef at Vale da Telha, and enjoyed
a pizza out with him and his visitor Valerija, and the next day a visit to the
amazing headland at Lagos.
We had already spent time at Praia das Furnas and nearby Salema.
This is truly a special area and we are always reluctant to
leave here.
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