Facts:
| Region: | Alentejo |  |
| Sub-region: | Alentejo Litoral | |
| District: | Beja | |
| Inhabitants (2001): | 5 900 (City); 26 106 (County) | |
| Parishes (17): | Bicos, Boavista dos Pinheiros, Colos, Longueira - Almograve, Luzianes-Gare, Pereiras-Gare, Relíquias, Sabóia, Santa Clara-a-Velha, Santa Maria (Odemira), São Luís, São Martinho das Amoreiras, São Salvador (Odemira), São Teotónio, Vale de Santiago, Vila Nova de Milfontes , Zambujeira do Mar | |
| Area: | 1 719,73 km² | |
| Municipal holiday | September 8 | |
| Coordinates | 37º35'N 8º38'W | |
| Municipality: | Câmara Municipal de Odemira, Praça da República, 7630-131 ODEMIRA | Onclick pic to enlarge |
Sights:
Besides the fountain in the main square, the main points of interest include the churches of Salvador and Santa Maria. Located at a high point on the edge of town, one of the Alentejo’s best-preserved windmills stands as a working display of the traditional methods used to process the region’s wheat and corn. Odemira is also well-known for its pottery workshop, where visitors can witness the skilful production of earthenware and other local handicrafts.
- Damião, or Damiano from Odemira, is one of the prominent personalities of the region. Born in the fifteenth century, this man became known as an important chess player responsible for the conception of two strategies like the "Gambit of Damiano" and the defence of Damiano or "Portuguesa".
- Nearby: Besides being the source of the River Mira, the large Santa Clara dam nearby is a popular water sports centre and summer bathing area. Visitors should also see the Águas Natural Park, where the typical Alentejan landscape and regional-style buildings can be appreciated. Some of Portugal’s best beaches can be found a short drive west of Odemira, most notably Zambujeira do Mar and Almograve further north.
- Pictures from the "Feira medieval 2006"
Seaside:
Odemira is famous for its beaches. The coastline is the perfect alibi for excellent pleasurable and relaxing moments.
Integrated on the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, protected natural area of Southwest Alentejo and Vicentina Coast, the beaches of this county continue to be the most known and appreciated places to visit by holiday-makers. From Malhão beach, further up north, to Zambujeira do Mar, along the coastline small creeks are slashed and protected by hillocks and slopes of intense colours. If some of them are frequently visited, especially the ones near Vila Nova de Milfontes or near Zambujeira - at least during July and August, and weekends - others, to which nature has made the access difficult, remain real paradise. The beach of Almograve, ten kilometres south of Vila Nova de Milfontes, deserves special attention due to its evident generous natural landscape. Here the fauna and flora meet in perfect harmony, where fountains of drinkable water spring out spontaneously along the shoreline, Near the coast there is still an obligatory stopover in Sardão Cape, promontory d ominated by a beautiful Lighthouse, with a terrace from where it is possible to see an unforgettable ocean's view.
To visit, there are also the fishing harbours in Vila Nova de Milfontes, Lapa de Pombas, Entrada da Barca and Azenhas do Mar which confirm the main occupation, along time, of waterside people.
Alentejo > Travel guide > Beja > Odemira
Information
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