Nestling peacefully on the banks of the River Mira (from which it derives its name), the pretty whitewashed town of Odemira is an alluring hideaway set in a prime spot some 20 kilometres (13 miles) inland from the picturesque Alentejo coast.
Granted its official charter by King Afonso III in 1256, it has been subject to a succession of occupations over the centuries, first by the Romans and later by the Moors who built an impressive castle right in the centre of the town they called Wadi Emir.
A verdant place full of flowers, trees and fertile shrubs, Odemira is the ideal base for travellers looking to explore this enchanting part of south-western Portugal, while for others it serves as a convenient junction when heading for the region’s long, sandy beaches, most frequently in the hot summer months.
There’s much to see in Odemira despite its small size. Besides the impressive fountain in the main square, the main points of interest include the churches of Salvador and Santa Maria built in the 14th and 16th centuries, respectively.
Located at a high point on the edge of town, one of the best-preserved windmills in the Alentejo stands as a working display of the traditional methods used to process the region’s wheat and corn in days gone by.
Odemira is also well-known for its pottery workshop where visitors can witness the skilful production of earthenware and other local handicrafts.
Besides being the source of the River Mira, the large Santa Clara reservoir nearby is a popular water sports centre with beaches and safe bathing guaranteed for adults and young children alike.
Visitors should also take time out to see the Águas Natural Park in the nearby Boavista dos Pinheiros area of Odemira where some lovely regional-style buildings tastefully installed amidst a typical Alentejan landscape can be appreciated.
Where to Go in Southern Portugal
As mentioned, some of Portugal’s best beaches can be found a short drive to the west of Odemira, most notably Zambujeira do Mar, a vibrant seaside resort with a generous selection of excellent fish and seafood restaurants to enjoy alfresco.
Touring the local area around Odemira is an effortless pastime on the region’s country roads, offering visitors the chance to combine the delights to be found of the Alentejo coast with some of the many treats that await in the lesser-known western Algarve.
Set at the mouth of the Rive Mira, Vila Nova de Milfontes (the place where the Carthaginian general, Hannibal, famously took shelter with his ships around 200 BC) is a popular seaside town with good lodgings and several fine restaurants just 28 kilometres (17 miles) to the north-west of Odemira.
Further north lies Sines (birthplace of the intrepid explorer, Vasco da Gama), a large port town with a long history and a plethora of tourist attractions.
A large swathe of this whole area is encompassed within the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, a protected expanse of land and shoreline covering around 90,000 hectares in total.
Travelling south from Odemira (indicated on the Google map below), Odeceixe is one of the first places you come to in Portugal’s sun-baked Algarve region, with the road continuing down to a series of other interesting places, including Aljezur.
Continuing down to the buzzing beach town of Lagos offers visitors unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Monchique hills to the east.
Need more sightseeing ideas for your next visit? Listen to the Portugal Travel Show, the podcast for people planning a trip to sunny Portugal…
