On the left bank of the Mira River, close to Vila Nova de Milfontes, sits a beach that brings together the best of both worlds: freshwater and the Atlantic Ocean.
Praia das Furnas is one of the most popular spots on the Vicentine Coast, combining a well-preserved natural setting, Blue Flag status and space for families, water sports and long days in the sun.
Praia das Furnas, a Costa Vicentina classic
In 2012, Praia das Furnas, on the left bank of the Mira River, was named “Best River Beach” in the 7 Wonders of Portugal’s Beaches awards. Fourteen years later, this unusually located beach on the Vicentine Coast retains its appeal and flies two Blue Flags: Furnas Rio and Furnas Mar.
The award guarantees lifeguard supervision, adapted access and food facilities. The sandy beach is wide, while the surrounding scenery combines reddish cliffs with dense vegetation. Since 2021, there has also been a dog beach area, placing it among the few official beaches south of Lisbon with a dog-friendly zone.
Activities at Praia das Furnas and on the Mira River
Set within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, the beach retains an almost untouched environment, where dunes, cliffs and native vegetation help protect the region’s biodiversity.
With this setting, it can be hard to stick solely to swimming, sunbathing or paddle games by the sea. There is plenty to do:
- Water sports: kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the Mira River, with local companies providing equipment hire and beginner lessons. Sailing and windsurfing are also possible.
- Boat crossing: a link between Vila Nova de Milfontes and Praia das Furnas, which is fun for children and an alternative to arriving by car.
- Walking: the Rota Vicentina has short trails suitable for families, with views across the cliffs and the Atlantic.
- Nature watching: close contact with the Natural Park’s biodiversity, including birds, dunes and native vegetation.
Flavours of the Alentejo Coast
After a day split between river and sea, the experience continues at the table. The food of the Alentejo Coast brings together the best of the Atlantic with the traditions of the Alentejo interior.
As a village by the sea, fresh grilled fish is a regular sight on menus, alongside caldeiradas — Portuguese fish stews — and seafood rice, reflecting the area’s closeness to the ocean.
The region’s identity does not stop at the coast, though. Dishes from inland Alentejo also make their way onto the table, including açordas, a bread-based soup, migas alentejanas, made with bread, garlic and olive oil, and black pork and lamb stew, all keeping the rural food tradition alive.
For dessert, Alentejo’s signature appears in sericaia with Elvas plums and traditional convent sweets. This meeting of sea and inland flavours defines the area’s food culture.
What to see in Vila Nova de Milfontes beyond Praia das Furnas
For anyone staying a little longer, the area has other experiences beyond the beach:
- Explore central Vila Nova de Milfontes: stroll along the riverside promenade beside the Mira River, visit Forte de São Clemente and browse the local shops.
- Visit Milfontes Castle: for a privileged view over the river mouth and the Atlantic.
- Discover other beaches on the Vicentine Coast: such as Praia do Malhão and Praia do Almograve, each with its own feel.
- Get to know inland Alentejo: places such as Odemira and São Luís are nearby, where the pace slows, and the rural setting takes over.
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