I recently travelled back to the UK to attend the beautiful send off for my dear mum. I have my brother to thank for arranging most of this. Although sad that she is no longer in my life, it was a lovely celebration of her life. At 93 my mum was ready to join my dad.
~ 1933 – 2026 – Jean May Ward ~
Seeing all my relatives, cousins, aunts and uncles come together was a wonderful experience. They all had separate tales to tell about my mum. Remembering her in such a way felt so special.
Visiting Vila Nova de Milfontes
We decided that it would be a good time to have a break from the stress of the last few months. So it was that we flew to Milfontes and The Algarve to relax and rejuvenate before parting. As he is now living in Milfontes, myself, my brother and his wife stayed at the house he is renting.
Milfontes is situated on the Alentejo coast. It sits where the Mira River meets the Atlantic coast. The estuary provides lovely calm beaches, great for families. The beach itself is ideal for surfers. It’s definitely a good place to visit for a quiet, non-touristy holiday.
Below are photos from his rooftop
Walking around on the first day I fell instantly in love with the quaint cobble stoned streets and pastel coloured houses. I could even hang washing out from my window. Milfontes has a calmness about it and the pace of life is slow.
Exploring the village and other surrounding towns
There was a fort just down the road – The Fort of St. Clemente. I am partial to forts, castles and any old buildings really. This one was extremely grand – in its day – sadly not open to the public.
Built by King Phillip II of Portugal to fend off marauding pirates. It overlooks the River Mira and the Atlantic Ocean.
Monument to the Aviators
This monument commemorates the 1924 Pioneering flight from Lisbon to Macau, led byu Brito Pais and Sarmento Beires. The first flight crashed in India, fortunately the crew survived but the plane didn’t. Not to be deterred, through Government and public donations they were able to make a second journey. They almost made it, landing just 800 metres away in China. They sailed onto Macau to a triumphant arrival.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graca
Time for lunch and my long awaited grilled sardines and a glass or two of Vino Verde.
In the evening we drove up the coast to watch the fabulous sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
The next day we drove to Sao Luis and then back to the coast. Graham was being very patient driving through the villages, when all he wanted was to dive into the water. As nice as it looked it was far too cold for me!
Sao Luis Church
There were many derelict properties in this village, but we noticed some were being readied for renovation. Maybe the council had received a grant.
We were tempted to put an offer in for this one and open up our own boutique hotel.
These two men had just laid down some food for all the stray cats that were living inside this old building.
Time for the beach and a drive across the Mira River to the coast.
Walking along the cliff top we spotted a few ospreys’ nests. This was the best I could do with my S24. It looks like an extremely large nest.
We finished the day at a beach bar overlooking the sea and seeing how long people stayed in. Enough just to cool down!
…. off to The Algarve soon …
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It sounds like a lovely send off for Mum, Ali. To be honest, 93 is more than enough for most people, but we never really want to say goodbye xx
Milfontes is lovely. We were there for a birthday trip of mine, quite a few years ago but nothing much will have changed. Just a few more renovations. It’s a glorious coastline but my birthday is in November and the wind was icy. Why we live on the Algarve, I guess, but we don’t get the lovely sunsets xx
Thanks for your comments Jo. I enjoyed walking around and just soaking up the sun. Well I know from last year how cold it gets.
Sorry about your mum Ali, I lost mine 2 1/2 years ago and know how difficult it is. We stayed in Milfontes too. We didn’t expect it to be so cute and stayed longer than planned. Maggie
Thanks Maggie. Yes I loved it there, so much to see
Sounds like a good sendoff for your mum, And Milfonte Looks rather nice
Thanks Sue. Yes it’s a beautiful little town
Occasions like that are always bitter-sweet. It’s tough to say goodbye but at the same time there’s something special about the way families come together at such times and the happy memories that are exchanged. It was a good idea though to get away somewhere relaxing afterwards, and it seems your brother has chosen a beautiful place to live in! I love the blue and white churches and that Liberdade sculpture is amazing 😲
thanks for your kind words Sarah.
Portugal was wonderful. So glad we had that time together
Sad to learn of your Mum’s passing Allie but I’m sure she enjoyed a long and happy life with all her visits to Australia over the years. Your Portuguese holiday looked really nice to look forward to afterwards.
Thanks so much Marion. Portugal was fabulous
What a beautiful post and photos, Ali! The Portuguese coast is so scenic, and your photos prove that. We stayed in the Algarve a few days about eight years ago. Your photos brought back great memories. Sorry for your mum’s passing. May she rest in peace!
Thanks so much for your kind words Egidio
Sorry to hear about your Mum. It looks like you found a nice way to spend the time and find comfort each day.
Thanks Carol, yes it a nice break
Although I came away thinking we had two different mums!
Your Mum will be happy seeing you enjoying your best life travelling. Glad you were able to see her off. Are you back home?
Thanks Teresa
Yes back now
Getting ready to sell our house
Stressful indeed!
Where are you moving?
No idea at the moment we haven’t sold yet in two weeks
Good luck Ali.
I’m so sorry about your mom. What a tender visit Milfontes must have been with your heart full of her life, love, and legacy with you
Thanks so much Meg..it was quite awful at the end for my brother but he enjoyed our break