Mira

In a region of vast stretches of sand framed by pine-woods and fields of corn, Mira was founded by the Romans and later inhabited by the Moors, who called it Mir or Emir, from whence its present name came.

It has an interesting parish church dating from 1690, with a fine painted ceiling and decorated with glazed tiles.

The county is mainly known for the village of Praia de Mira (beach of Mira), a stretch of coast surrounded by a wooded reserve, the National Wood of the Dunes of Mira, which has been becoming popular as a calm seaside resort.

The pretty village used to be called Palheiros de Mira (barns), because of the typical fishermen's houses: a simple construction of wood over high stakes to guard against flooding and the erosion of the sand.

Praia de Mira nestles between the sand dunes and the Atlantic, on one side, and the tranquil lagoon of Barrinha (good for boating, swimming and water sports) on the other, and is proud of its typical fishing boats, painted with bright colours and with a high prow.

Amateur fishermen will also find a large choice: barbels and carps, among other freshwater fish, at lagoons and streams, and sargus, rock-bass, sea-breams and grey mullet at sea.