There are still hidden gems in Portugal, even at the height of the tourist season. Villa Nova de Milfontes is one of them. Do not get me wrong, it is not empty. Just that it is not well known to foreign tourists. There were many Portuguese families visiting in August and popular restaurants needed a reservation, especially at the week-end.

Overall, the atmosphere felt pretty relaxed and emptier than the Algarve. Importantly for us, the food was great too, with many Alentejo specialities and fresh seafood to choose from. We included our favourite family-friendly restaurants in Villa Nova de Milfontes in the video as well as an indication of average prices.

Villa Nova de Milfontes sits at the mouth of river Mira and the Atlantic Ocean so there are many beaches to choose from. The beaches on the river side were a bit more sheltered from the wind and the water slightly warmer. Still, do not expect Mediterranean water temperatures. We found that we could go inside for a quick swim at 19/20 degrees Celsius but the kids found it a bit too cold and were mainly playing on the beach. Apart from frolicking in the sand, our son loved canoeing as well as the local boat rides.

If we have to choose one stop of our Portugal trip that exceeded our expectations, then this would be it. The small village atmosphere, the food, the people, the beaches are the perfect holiday mix. It is difficult to share this place as I would not want it to become more popular or change in any way. It is a hidden gem still, at least for foreign tourists, an I hope it remains one for some time to come.

Leave us a comment or if you have any questions, drop them under the video. Safe travels!

CGK