Nestling quietly on the banks of the River Mira, the sleepy
town of Odemira is situated 20 km inland from the picturesque
Alentejo coast.
It was granted an official charter in 1256 by King Afonso III,
and throughout the centuries was inhabited by the Romans and
the Moors, who built a castle in the centre of the town they
called Wadi Emir. What to see. 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. 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.
