Jo’s Monday walk : Odemira, in the Alentejo

Rua Serpa Pinto in Odemira

Rua Serpa Pinto in Odemira

Curiosity often gets the better of me.  When I discovered, on my visit to Vila Nova de Milfontes at the mouth of the River Mira, that ‘Ode’ means river and that the small town of Odemira is situated a small way inland … well, I was curious.  The intention had been to follow the coast back down to the Algarve, sampling beaches along the way.  Well, we definitely did that, but a small side trip to Odemira was called for.

One of the attractions, mentioned in my ‘Rough Guide’, was a riverside walk.  That sounded appealing.  I also knew that there was a boat trip connecting Odemira with Vila Nova de Milfontes, but sadly that wasn’t practical on our way south.  There’s always time for a little stroll though.

This bridge was a good start!

This bridge was a good start point!

There were a few clouds, but not too many

There were a few clouds, but not too many

It was quite easy to park, on rough ground down by the river, and cross over the bridge to this peaceful little path, which we had all to ourselves.

No shortage of empty benches
And just around the bend, another bridge
Now which one of Jude's bench challenges would this one fit?

Now which one of Jude’s bench challenges would this one fit?

It's a nice enough view, isn't it?

It’s a nice enough view, isn’t it?

The path follows the river closely
With plenty of spots to linger
But that rowing boat is just out of reach!
Under the red road bridge
To this interesting structure
And there the path ends
Sorry, Jude- not a person in sight!

Sorry, Jude- not a person in sight!

The riverside walk was shorter than I had expected, so there was plenty of time to saunter around the little town.  It seemed to me so typically Portuguese.  A mix of dilapidation and renewal.  There was scaffolding up at several of the larger buildings.  Freshly white-painted grandeur nudged sadly peeling properties, still awaiting their turn.  In the small, ‘sell everything’ shops, life continued as it must have for generations.  Just off the Praca da Republica, the main square, the coffee habit was indulged.  Shopping could wait.

Such a typical Portuguese street!

Such a typical Portuguese street!

Coffee now, shopping later!
Freshly painted
Still waiting!
An elegant fountain

The elegant town fountain

Before I know it, I’m passing a new-looking sculpture in a small square and a handful of modern shops.  Rather incongruous, but part and parcel of Portugal today.  In very little time I’m back at the river bank and the lovely bridge.  Too soon?

A modern square

The modern square

Our walk today was not at all taxing so feel free to stop en route for coffee.  You’ll easily find an appealing cafe.  I hope you enjoyed joining me. Later this week I’ll do a round up of those west coast beaches in the Alentejo, and then it’s full speed back to the Algarve.

If you’re in the area, Odemira is on the N393.  Travelling south from Vila Nova de Milfontes, you hopefully can’t miss it.

walking logo

Time to share this week’s walks.  Thank you very much everybody.  I’ve had a wonderful response.  If you’d like to join in there are a few hints on my Jo’s Monday walk page.  Just click on the logo.  I never turn anyone away.  Why would I?  Let’s get walking!

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You know I love to start with Drake.  This week he has some incredible views :

Austrian upstairs

And Geoff was quick off the mark too.  Blue skies in Tooting Bec?

Capital Ring : Tooting to Earlsfield

Our lovely Jude was lakeside walking this week.  There’s a bench, of course!

Park Life

Amy and Jude are sharing park life this week- thousands of miles apart.  Great minds! :

Monday Walk : Zilker Park

Jackie took me to Bantry Bay.  Some distant damp day memories for me :

Junkboat Travels: Monday Walk 

Did I ever tell you that I love squirrels?  Thanks, Becky!

Chipmunks, squirrels and a groundhog!

And how did Becky know I’ve always wanted to visit this place?

A Walk in the Cinque Terre

DON’T miss this one, or its sequel, from Pauline :

The magic of a dream come true 

The Buddha Walk at the Crystal Castle

Don’t you love it when they breathe new life into a place?  Many thanks for sharing, Kaz :

Travel Album: Distillery District, Toronto

There are few pleasures in life better than sharing with Meg :

Eurobodalla beaches: Congo beach south

And the landscape on this one is equally stunning!

Ancient Stone

Lastly, I’m extremely honoured to have this guy join us. He’s living a lifestyle many would consider idyllic (with the odd misadventure along the way)

Tampak Siring : Bathing in the Sacred Springs

Hope I haven’t missed anybody?  This past week was tricky but I’m still here.  The sun’s shining so you know what I’m going to do after coffee, don’t you?  Happy walking everyone!  See you next week?

139 comments

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  8. I am quite happy to come along on a short riverside walk. Sometimes those sweaty hikes over rough ground and incomprehensible stiles are so overrated 😉 What did you do with all the people though? Was this during siesta time? Love the curved bridge and the red bridge and I will join you in a coffee as long as we can have one or two of those delicious Portuguese tarts (Pastel de nata). Cool benches too!

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      2. Ooh, thank you! I’m watching Restoring Britain’s Landmarks and playing with Alentejo beaches. Must be time for a glass of wine. Join you in a minute. 🙂

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    1. It’s a pleasant spot, Becky, but not one that I would beeline for. Satisfied my curiosity but not really a recommend. The beaches though- that’s a different matter! 🙂 🙂 Thanks for your company (and the squirrel).

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      1. Glad you like the squirrels – I’ve done a squirrel only post since!!
        Thanks also for the extra info, I’ll add it to the ‘if we’re passing’ list then!

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      2. Obviously I share places in the best light that I can, without being misleading. Everywhere has something beautiful if you look, doesn’t it? And most people will never actually go there except on my blog, so they may as well look their best. But if I know someone might go out of their way to visit.. that’s a little different. But surprises are good too, aren’t they? Are you back from the States yet? I’ll be checking round the blogs later. 🙂

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    1. It was purely curiosity and the prospect of the riverside walk that took me there, Anabel. It wouldn’t make top 10 on anyone’s list, but I’m glad I went. 🙂 Many thanks for your company. Coming right over to see the walk.

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  20. You do the shopping and I’ll take care of the coffee drinking… 😀 😀 😀

    Wonderful walk here, so inspiring – white’n blue fits the buildings so well – charming red bridge too… 🙂

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