An escape into peace and beauty...

The Coast and the St. Vincent Coast are very beatiful, which is recognized at national and international level by conservation legislation. Of the 200 bird species and 750 plant species quite a few are special from this protected region. Also, the rocky coast with sandy interruptions is characteristic for Portugal.

VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES, one of the oldest ports of Europe.

The Rio Mira like all rivers in Portugal has a wide river mouth, because of the quantities of water passing in a short time. The port of Milfontes has been used by Carthaginians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs. Transhipment to London and the East Sea Ports took place in the old days and common transport was per River (to Odemira and beyond) until 70 years ago.For protection against Algerian Pirates a castle has been constructed. Only recently a large bell has been found at the “Blue House”, which warned the population to seek protection in the castle when pirates were spotted at the Ocean. Nevertheless, a few times the population of Milfontes has suffered by the hands of the pirates. Strong men could be used as rowers and attractive women were taken away for horizontal services to Algeria, whilst those too young or too old did not survive the visit.

Well these days V. N. de Milfontes is again invaded, now by holidaymakers during the summer months, who quite safely can enjoy the sandy- and river-beaches, for which this place is well-known.

MOINHO DA ASNEIRA (named after its tidal mill)

2 KMS from the ocean facing a curve of the wide estuary, a previous owner started single-handed to construct a tidal mill around 1760. It took him a while; his neighbours doubted its completion and called it Moinho da Asneira. The word “asneira” is a friendly expression for a childish mistake. Like most of the owners of this place, he was not a fool and the mill did function until after the Second Wold War.

Interesting is that immediately after the first curve of the Rio Miro, thus just in front of our guests, shelter was found for ships at times of storm at the ocean.

In an old document also, Hannibal and Hamilton are mentioned, that they found refuge for their fleet here and since then, Anibal became a Portuguese name for boys.

So far the history, but these days our destination is unique for those who can appreciate “Peace and Quiet” with its beauty and wonderful climate thanks to the river, which keeps us cool in summer and warm in winter.