Vila Real de Santo António

 

On the banks of the River Guadiana, which separates it from neighbouring Spain, you'll find the town of Vila Real de Santo António, a former fishing village where quiet tourism now rules.

It's a laid-back place, with warm beaches and a charming pedestrianised old centre.

If you want to escape the towns that get too crowded in summer, and you'd rather have a quiet beach than a big night out, Vila Real de Santo António could be the perfect spot for you in the Algarve. See hotels in Vila Real de Santo António.

What to see in Vila Real de Santo António

Town centre

After the great earthquake of 1755 the town was left in ruins, so it was designed and rebuilt from scratch by the Marquês de Pombal, just like the centre of Lisbon.

Its main square, which today bears the name of the man who designed it, Marques de Pombal, is lined with shops, restaurants and cafés.

Special events, concerts and craft fairs are held around this square throughout the summer months.

 

Shopping

Vila Real de Santo Antonio is famous for its excellent-quality textiles.

Spaniards from nearby towns have been crossing the border for years to buy bed linen and towels, the extra-soft kind that last forever.

Wander through the centre and you'll see the range of designs and prices on offer.

There are well-known chain stores too, along with traditional shops that stay open late into the night during the summer months.

Culture

Right next to Praça Marquês de Pombal you'll find the Centro Cultural António Aleixo which once served as the market and today hosts exhibitions and events.

You can also visit the Museu Galeria Manuel Cabanas, where you'll see the work of this painter and woodcut artist, one of Vila Real de Santo António's most distinguished figures. It holds the largest collection of woodcuts in the country.

Boat trips on the River Guadiana

From here you can take the ferry across the River Guadiana to reach Ayamonte in Spain. The road bridge north of Castro Marim is quicker, but this crossing is far more enjoyable.

Another river trip worth recommending is the one that leaves from Vila Real and runs the length of the eastern Algarve, passing through all sorts of scenery on its way to the town of Alcoutim and its river beaches.

Beaches in Vila Real de Santo António

The beaches of Vila Real de Santo António are a few degrees warmer than those in the rest of the Algarve, which makes them ideal for families with children.

• Praia de Santo António (reached on foot or by tourist train / lifeguards / a few facilities)
• Monte Gordo (easy access / lifeguards / facilities)
• Manta Rota (easy access / lifeguards / facilities)
• Lota (easy access / lifeguards / facilities)
• Praia de Cacela Velha (no facilities, no lifeguards, reached across the Ria Formosa)

Hotels in Vila Real de Santo António

Vila Real de Santo António is the last town in the Algarve before you cross the border into Spain. Its hotels and beaches draw visitors all year round.

It is a quiet town with warm-water beaches and a small, pleasant old centre that is home to a marina and plenty of restaurants.

It is a forty-five minute drive from Faro Airport and three hours from the capital, Lisbon.

Reasons to choose a hotel in Vila Real de Santo António

• Quiet beaches with warmer water
• Boat trips out at sea or along the river
• Golf

 

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Best area to stay in Vila Real de Santo António

The old centre has a handful of places to stay, though the most popular ones are those beside the beaches at Manta Rota, Monte Gordo and Cacela Velha

 

Click to see hotels laid out on the map

You can see all the hotels in Vila Real de Santo Antonio here.

Recommended hotels in Vila Real de Santo Antonio

Monte Gordo Hotel Apartamentos & Spa

Hotel Navegadores

Hotel Baía De Monte Gordo

Hotel Apolo

Hotel Apartamento Foz Atlantida

Hotel Alba

Eurotel Altura

Alcazar Hotel & SPA