Marine Forests Festival 2026 – Vila Nova de Milfontes

The 4th edition of the Marine Forests Festival returns to Vila Nova de Milfontes from May 13-22, 2026, bringing ten days of activities dedicated to raising awareness about marine conservation and the active discovery of the Alentejo's coastal and marine environment. Located just 20 km north of Zambujeira do Mar, this festival offers a unique opportunity for tourists and locals to explore the fascinating underwater world of the Vicentine Coast.

Marine forests, formed by organisms such as algae and other species that structure coastal ecosystems, play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity, producing oxygen, and capturing carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation and ocean balance. This is precisely the message the festival seeks to convey through a diverse and accessible programme.

The programme spans ten days and includes environmental awareness activities, marine environment discovery workshops, scientific knowledge-sharing sessions, and gastronomic experiences, such as themed seaweed lunches organised by Rota das Algas. These initiatives are designed for both adults and families, making the festival an educational and engaging experience for all ages.

The festival is promoted by CCMAR – Centre of Marine Sciences of the Algarve, in partnership with Colégio Nossa Senhora da Graça, Odemira Municipality, and the University of the Algarve, with support from various entities linked to marine conservation and sustainable tourism.

Vila Nova de Milfontes, with its stunning beaches at the mouth of the Mira River and its privileged location within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, provides the perfect setting for this event celebrating the richness of marine ecosystems. Visitors can combine festival participation with hikes along the Rota Vicentina, beach visits, and exploration of local gastronomy.