Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal

“These are the enjoyments which set riches at scorn, and make even a poor man independent.”
-Buckthorn, Tales of a Traveller, Washington Irving

I hopped off of my bicycle and landed my feet upon the good earth at Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal. I have been here for the past two and a half weeks, and I am beginning to think that my feet are stuck. The jagged Atlantic coastline calls to me each morning, and, of course, I must oblige it with a stroll down to the beach. The Rio Mira guides my walk through the old city and out to the ocean with the gently rolling current.

Abandoned ship on the beach of Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal

It is here that I rest on the shore. Sometimes I run. Sometimes I talk to Mira, Sometimes I look at all the naked people on the beach. And sometimes I just do nothing.

This town is beautiful. . .. and empty. In August, the city can boast a population of over fifteen thousand; in the winter this number goes down two thirds. So I walk the empty streets and thoroughly enjoy being in a place with a crisp sea breeze, fresh air untainted by any city, and miles of coastline to walk in perfect solitude.

Odd looking soil pattern on beach during low tide.

I think I like Vila Nova de Milfontes. I think I really like Portugal.

I live on under fifteen dollars a day here, and I eat really well and sleep comfortably. I also have a 24 hour free internet connection at the Casa Amarela guesthouse.

What could be better?

Photograph of fishermen’s port in Vila Nova de Milfonte, Portugal

Photo of typical house in rural Portugal

Empty streets of Milfontes during afternoon siesta

Wade from Vagabond Journey.com
Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal
November 16, 2007

More photos of Portugal at Photographs from the Open Road