Odemira

Odemira (pronounced [ɔðɨˈmiɾɐ] ), officially the Town of Odemira (Portuguese: Vila de Odemira), is a town and a municipality in Beja District in the Portuguese region of Alentejo. The population in 2021 was 29,538, in an area of 1,720.6 square kilometres (664.3 mi2), making it the largest municipality of Portugal by area, but one of the least densely populated. It is famous for its wild beaches and for being home to a significant immigrant community, comprising 28.2% of the municipality's population as of 2021. The village of Zambujeira do Mar is home to the Festival do Sudoeste, one of the biggest rock festivals in Europe. The municipality of Odemira has two large economic activities, tourism and export-oriented agriculture. It is home to major operations of national and international agricultural companies such as Driscoll's and Vitacress. The present mayor is Hélder António Guerreiro, elected by the Socialist Party in 2021. The municipal holiday is 8 September.