The Alentejo region of Portugal extends from the unspoilt beaches of the West coast over plains, through vineyards and cork oak forests, and on to the rugged hills of the Spanish border. To the South it is bordered by the Algarve and to the North by the River Tagus. The region is split into 5 sub-regions and has Évora as its capital city. The Alentejo is a region of vast open countryside with undulating plains and rich fertile soil. The North Western parts consist of fertile grasslands while further south the landscape becomes warmer and flatter; the vast plains become less inhabited and sunnier with the only shade being provided by the olive and oak trees. The coastline to the South West offers the magnificent Atlantic beaches on the Costa Azul. With very few exceptions, all the major towns are mainly reliant on agriculture, livestock, and wood. The region produces several types of typical cheeses, wines, and smoked ham and sausages. Marble, granite, cork, olive oil, and mining industries are other important activities in the region.
Vila Nova de Milfontes is a parish in the municipality of Odemira, on the West coast of the Alentejo. The name translates as ‘New Town of a Thousand Springs’, which led to the village being known as ‘3 lies village’, as it is old, is a village rather than a town, and has no springs! The village dates from the year 1468. It was frequently attacked by pirates so a fortress was built in 1602, which still stands today. The current population is 5,000 and the sleepy village finds itself in great demand during holidays due to its fine beaches with clear water and its natural beauty. The surrounding areas offer ecological tourism, paragliding, a small safari park, and beautiful country walks featuring waterfalls. Vila Nova de Milfontes is also home to a beautiful estuary that gives shelter to several species of birds and marine life, and wild boar and foxes reside in the surrounding woods.
This stunning region is easily accessible from the Algarve and from Lisbon, and has plenty to offer to visitors on holiday or just passing through.
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