A coastal municipality, known for its beaches, forests, and agriculture, the population was 12 465 inhabitants[1] in an area of approximately 124.03 square kilometres (47.89 sq mi).

[3] At that time, on 28 August 1514, the king bestowed to Gonçalo Tavares, the first seigneur of Mira, privileges to develop the region.

[3] In 1644, by royal concession, King D. John IV of Portugal transfer donatário title to the Casa da Rainha referring to the older concession, bestowed further rights to his successor, Manuel de Sousa Tavares (from the 1758 Memórias Paroquiais).

[3] Administratively, the municipality is divided into 4 civil parishes (freguesias):[4] A centre for artisanal fishery, and aquaculture, Mira's economic activities also rely on agriculture, forestry and tourism.

In 2007, the Galician fishing company Pescanova, headquartered in Redondela, Spain, announced its intention to build several sea bass aquaculture plants in Mira.