Vila Real de Santo António | Hospitable Access to Southern Portugal.

Vila Real de Santo António is a splendid, hospitable access to Southern Portugal, a very lively, sunny town located along the Eastern coast of the stunning Algarve, one of the most attractive coastlines of Europe famous for its incomparable beaches, a mild climate all year, magic colours next to a thousand more of superb attractions making since a long time ago that region, a fascinating Top destination among the trendiest in the International tourist panorama.

That Portuguese centre of approximately 19,000 inhabitants in the district of Faro  lies in a very strategic position on the western mouth of the Guadiana river, a beautiful, fluvial  borderline facing the town of Ayamonte in Andalusia bordering with its very pleasant neighbourhood of Monte Gordo the stunning municipalities of Castro Marim and Tavira.

Embracing in its southwestern boundaries the territory of the marvellous Parque Natural de Ria Formosa, a spectacular nature reserve extending from Loulé to the fabulous, sandy beach of Praia da Manta Rota facing the scenic Cacela Peninsula undoubtedly those further highlights make that place a magnificent open gateway to visit several destinations of an incredible beauty.
 
The municipality has three Parishes apart itself it includes the mentioned Monte Gordo and Vila Nova de Cacela at a very short distance from the Spanish frontier along a relevant road leading to the province of Huelva, another superb attraction introducing you the enchanting Costa de la Luz well known for its unique, sandy beaches, incomparable landscapes next to a rich, historic patrimony.

The astonishing images of that Atlantic coastline eternally shows in all its splendour a more than attractive post cards of Portugal thanks to wonderful tonalities consisting in emerald waters lining golden, sandy stretches overlooked by a green vegetation scattered on its gentle hills above agglomerations composed charming, white houses and the immediate impact with that land is simply great at first sight.

The local littoral packed by tiny bays, striking small coves next to a big presence of stupendous, sandy dunes which form all together a very scenic frame capturing the attention of everyone in a while for that varied, picturesque scenery. 

Despite that coastal section has not high, rocky spurs or those incomparable cliffs, landmark of the western side of the region the view is equally beautiful.

Just some metres from the Ocean you will delighted by other natural attractions as fascinating pine and oak forests next to scattered bushes  which are an additional, attractive aesthetic accent creating images which could be immortalised in a magnificent Impressionist painting.
 

Highlighted by many hours of light during a day that is another special attraction next to a mild climate with approximately 300 days of sunshine a year with excellent temperatures but never too hot thanks to the cool Atlantic breeze of the Ocean.

 
Evenings and nights in Vila Real de Santo António are greatly ventilated delighting the stays of every tourist with a total absence of humidity, a very appreciated feature by all those who love to spend a lot of time outdoor.

Next to that worth a special mention the uncontaminated atmosphere which makes since a long time ago that seaside town a climatic destination of relevance.

 

One of the most captivating aspects highly visible in every corner of that centre is that immediately coming in its boundaries.

You will notice a very captivating environment highlighted by charming white houses, a typical tonality inherited by the old Moorish rulers who settled that land since the early 8th century for approximately five centuries when that region was called Al-Gharb from which derives the present denomination Algarve.

Colourful painted doors and shutters some of those very charming buildings are decorated by handmade tiles and also that related to a traditional, rooted local architecture is absolutely bewitching.

That enjoyable view is an immediate invitation to discover metre by metre that site including in its more remote winding alleys where you will discover a considerable, historic patrimony consisting in Churches, attractive buildings erected in different periods for the joy of  all those who are fans of art and fine architecture.

The immediate Algarvean hilly inland is another enchanting presence, part of a great scenery typically composed by schist and olive groves occupying most of the territorial area of the interior boasting landscapes highly inspiring.

The rural extra radius of  Vila Real de Santo António is perfect for all the fans of outdoor activities such as as mountain bike, cycling on road, cycle tourism offering wonderful opportunities to enjoy very significant itineraries across an environment packed by lovely surprises.

You will discover remote villages, quaint hamlets of extreme fascinations tiny agglomerations which have totally preserved the typical architecture and traditions of the past.

Many are the chances to plan several excursions in the interior discovering the beauty of  the wonderful Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana, a magnificent, protected nature park with a magnificent biodiversity which range from hilly territories to large plains or a lush Mediterranean vegetation with a rich flora and fauna, a very suggested destinations for passionate trekkers and photographers.

The nearest region of Alentejo is another more than recommended place to visit, a land characterised by striking hilly plateaus highlighted by rows of vineyards, very pleasant towns such as Serpa, Castro Verde, Beja which also offer an important historic patrimony.

The resort developed a lot in the last decades offering nowadays a  great network of very comfortable Hotels, accommodations providing excellent facilities, the major part of them strategically located in proximity of inviting beaches in addition perfectly situated with a very easy access to the most important communications.
 

That Portuguese coastal centre despite currently has in the Tourism Industry its main activity, traditionally born a long time ago as a small fishing village and that secular tradition has left a marked, seafaring spirit more alive than ever.

Many local families continue to be protagonists after centuries of history, taking generation by generation all what the ancestors transmitted offering nowadays the best catch to many markets, different catering establishments delighting with those great, fresh, sea products a multitude of people.
 
You will find in that town a good number of typical restaurants offering the most delectable local cuisine leaving in the air the most fragrant, delicious smells of a very characterful culinary art,  popular products as sardines, tuna, cod boast a very high reputation in the entire European Continent and much more you will be in land with an iconic, tradition about fine wines.

All that makes that site also a destination for tourists who love to combine next to pleasant sunny holidays wine tasting routes highly interesting.
 

Vila Real de Santo António is a bustling town characterised by friendly, nice people always ready to welcome a tourist in the best way, very talkative, kind inhabitants for that you will feel as at home enjoying a stupendous atmosphere since the beginning of your stay.

What is also very interesting is that strolling its charming narrow streets you can find animated places but just a few metres away also some peaceful and relaxing corners ideal to stop for a while breathing all around you a magic air which will enchant you.

That Southern European geographic area has always been since a long time ago a considerable cross point of ancient civilisations, starting with the Phoenicians.

That active population settled that Portuguese coastline since the 8th century BC creating in the nearest Tavira one of their most flourishing centre but also establishing along that littoral an organised network of harbours serving their busy trades between the Middle East and the Iberian Peninsula.

They entered in contact in that period with the Tartessians who replaced those former colonists forming different centres with a very active, cultural life.

The historic chronological stages continued with the occupation of Carthage since the 5th century BC when that North African power developed in the Algarve one of its most important strongholds  in Europe.


As a solid military, commercial and strategic base those settlers founded Portus Hanibalis, the current Portimão, a city which was in that time among the wealthiest existing in the continent.

The Carthaginians faced later an eternal enemy Rome in those epic Punic Wars which sanctioned the victory of that Italic Empire in the 2nd century BC with the spread of the Res Publica Romana, the Roman Republic in the entire Iberian Peninsula.
 

Those rulers continued using those places as the predecessors and the village became part of a very relevant maritime trade with in addition the elevation of a fortified section in the area of Cacela.

A massive colonisation was highlighted by the settlements in the vicinity of the present resort by very influential Patrician families, the Latin became the official language, all the centres including the smallest had an organised political system with considerable artistic movements arose next to a notable, commercial business with the motherland.

The decline of the Imperial Rome with its consequent fall with the loss of the domains in the old Lusitania was due to several invasions by Vandals and pirates who infested that land which probably lived since then the darkest historic period of its history.

The current municipality as well as all the rest of Southern Portugal became a place pretty unsafe place living many years highlighted by continuous incursions, looting, desolation, times marked by devastation, instability also in 5th century when the entire region was controlled by the Visigoths.

All that change in 711 with the landing of the Moors with the Umayyad conquest of the old Hispania renamed Al-Gharb, territory at west of Al-Andalus, name of the Muslim Iberian Peninsula.


In that period those new rulers introduced a new system of irrigation with a studied plan of waters delivery,  pioneer of the current with the implantation of fig, almond, carob and orange trees among others.


The processes of cultivation immediately generated a successful production in addition there was a re-valuation of fishing activities replacing the old vessels with boats of major capacity, much more resistant establishing an appropriate fleet, pioneers of the barcos pesqueiros which made the fortune of the Nation in the following centuries.

The Arab-Berber occupation was furthermore well known for  the elevations of imposing walled, high defencive bastions, surrounding all the centres and strong fortresses called Ribat.

Those fortified structures hosting the political power were elevated re-using the foundations of the strongholds left by the Romans as one in Cacela, erected in 713 during the rule of Abdalazize ibne Muça, a military leader who led the occupation, son of the Governor of Ceuta.

Another change of notable resonance was in the local architecture transmitting concepts consisting in low, white buildings, some of them with beautiful patios adorned by beautiful plants with walls embellished by decorated handmade tiles with layouts loyal to the highest sense of geometry, a topic pretty rooted in the Moorish culture.
 

The rulers of the present town were linked to the group of Banu Darrâj, one of the oldest Arab tribes related to the Prophet Mohamed, settlers who developed several routes by sea with an intense trade with the Maghreb.

Including on road were established important communications re-using the ancient road traced by the Romans connecting the region to its interior but also to the Spanish territory of the Extremadura and much more to Andalusia which was in those centuries a stronghold of the Arab-Berber culture with Seville, Cordoba, Granada as focal points ruled by influential Caliphs.

Historically the defeat of the Moors against the Portuguese Knights related to the Catholic Reconquista led by Paio Peres Correia, master of the Order of Santiago in 1240 was an event which opened a new historic chapter with several changes highlighted by a laborious reconstruction which endured almost  until the late 15th century with the fall of Granada, last Moorish bastion in the Islamic Hispania.

The former fishing village was known in those times as Santo António da Arenilha lived those operations of mutations led by the Christian Sovereigns focused to establish new territorial subdivisions a relaunch of fisheries but all that at the beginning had some difficulties due to a considerable depopulation.

The advent of a new era in the 16th century corresponding to the period immediately after the end of the Middle Ages with the redevelopment of new towns, former counties with an innovative system of fortifications established to defend the land by possible, future invasions largely changed the profile of the Algarve.

The Independence of Portugal from Spain in the 17th century was another highlight which marked the history and destiny of the current municipality.

During the times of that independent  Reign with capital Lisbon probably that centre started to live a second cycle of golden ages with several projects which transformed a humble centre in a flourishing town since the18th century.

The historic development of the former village took place in 1773, a more than relevant stage with protagonist Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo well known as Marquis of Pombal,  first Count of Eiras and Secretary of State in the Kingdom of Portugal during the reign of King  José I. 

That emblematic character also covered the position prime minister with a large autonomy of decisions delivered by the Monarch playing an important role for the birth of a sort of novel which made the fortune of the present Vila Real de Santo António.

That influential, noble man who took several, political responsibilities in the Goverment decided to create an important fishing town close the Spanish border focused to compete with the Spaniards who had in that area very important centres as Ayamonte located on the opposite bank of the river Guadiana well known for a very active harbour since the 16th century.
 

Historically that geographic point was epicentre in the late 17th century of several disputes sjust some years later the birth of the Kingdom of Portugal, all that because the Reign of Spain continued to claim many lands of Alentejo and the Algarve regions  previously part of its domains and furthermore because that famous Portuguese Independence was never accepted by that Royalty.
 
Other different reasons highlighted those diatribes as the loss of Spain of a very strategic gateaway on the Atlantic and a further were the operations managed by the Marquis of Pombal which became an obstacle for the fishing activities of that powerful Iberian Kingdom.
 

In that period the only centre of Portugal which could operate on that coastal territories was Castro Marim which was not despite a considerable development able to face alone the power of that nearest country which also largely controlled the mouth of the Guadiana river.


The Spanish side was much more organised along that tiny but very strategic peninsula in which apart the mentioned Aymaonte  there was the current Isla Canela close to the famous Isla Cristina next to other villages which all together formed a network of considerable relevance due to the partnership created by many Spanish fishermen who had formed a very efficient, big fleet.

That Portuguese Minister after several meetings in Lisbon informed  King  José I about his projects to establish a town near Castro Marim supporting it with a new emergent activity devoted to fisheries and the Monarch without hesitations commissioned him the start-up of that plan.

The first operations managed by that leader protagonist of a new era changing the local aspect was the development of roads connecting the coast to the interior followed by the constructions of first groups of houses in an area which due to  a tumultuous past characterised by previous of wars against the Arabs and that of the Independence was pretty unpopulated.

Since the beginning of its history that new settlement was created for desire of that Marquis to challenge the Spaniards as in a chess match establishing that centre as a sort of productive sentinel starting to have a considerable revenue in terms of fishing but also becoming a defencive bastion of the territorial waters forbidding every intrusion in terms of catch.

Fishing in that period was one of those relevant economic activities with large perspectives of expansion along the Algarve dominated in that time by the mentioned Isla Cristina which was known in that period as s La Higuerita.

That site was already the core of an important business linked to tuna fishing which was exported in the entire Kingdom, in addition the skilled Andalusian fishermen of that centre reached with extreme easiness with their numerous boats the Portuguese coasts coming back to their harbours with a rich catch of fish including sardines.

For all that born on the former, humble Santo António da Arenilha, the new emergent Vila Real de Santo António, including that Statesman  founded a bag of tuna which since its inception was very important for the local economy.

 With a developed, considerable fleet the Portuguese fishermen in sort of operation of fishing shifts covered the waters of that corner of the Ocean during an entire day avoiding the access to their Spanish rivals with the support of those from Castro Marim from another side at the estuary of the Guadiana river.

All that was meticulously, successfully planned because since then born the myth of that place which was pioneer when later arose others new national realities.

Apart that which was the main aim to give a pretty young Reign an important economical revenue led by a strategic plan  an important aspect was the urban and architectural arrangement of that new town which took as example the Capital Lisbon, a design which was in its kind it was a sort of masterpiece. (I wrote a post about that magnificent city if you are interested) 

The project and construction of Vila Real de Santo António consisted in perfect replica of a regular quadrilateral, urban layout very similar to that famous district of the Capital of Portugal called Baixa Lisboeta or Baixa Pombalina, the lower city of the major centre of the Nation.

That notorious metropolitan area corresponds to a large space around the iconic axis Rua Augusta connecting the famed square Praça Rossio to the other very famous called Terreiro do Paço facing the Tagus River flanking the long boulevard Avenida Infante Dom Henrique forming all together a sort of huge borough beneath the hill of the Castle of St. George.

The current centre was arranged in a perfect orthogonal urban grid centred on the square Praça Marques de Pombal, name in honour of that figure with a large walk side separating the central agglomeration from the river Guadiana.

The project was meticulously designed in Lisbon by the Casa do Risco which was characteristic of the period illustrated and recommended as a value-based planning organisation and volume which explains the geometric layout of its streets.

The Marquis of Pombal who managed the process of the development took in consideration the local waterway river as the Tagus, the established Avenida da República as a boulevard compared to Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, Rua 5 de Outubro, as a little replica of  the mentioned Rua Augusta  forming with that design a sort of small Lisbon Baixa  with  a large square corresponding to a little twin of  Praça Rossio which took the name of that leader.
 

Despite that former Prime Minister managed operations, the design was by the architect Reinaldo Manuel dos Santos who undoubtedly made a superb masterpiece using spaces, symmetry, fine arrangements in a masterly way, all was perfectly combined including with the entire architectural layout arose year by year around that municipal hub.

That figure was well known to be a notorious military engineer but also very talented in the development of great urban executions and including Ecclesiastic complexes works in Lisbon. 

It is enough to mention some of his masterpieces as the prestigious, stylish Avenida da Libertade, that superb, central boulevard in the Portuguese Capital, the magnificent Basilica da Estrela you can admire today in that city considered one the finest and most stylish Baroque jewels of the 18th century elevated in the beautiful district of Lapa.

 

The first stone was placed on 6th of August 1774, very quickly many buildings were erected, in the same year were completed a good number of constructions among them Customs House, the barracks and the elevation of  a Church.

Further houses were elevated as the project indicated reflecting the architectonic style of the former lower Lisbon based mainly on prefabricated elements which were then applied on site making more uniform and rapid the construction.

All that happened in just five months, a record considering the period, the first new settlers who reached the local fishermen families were mainly farmers living in the countryside who came numerous from many corners of the region to re-populate an emergent site which in that period reached a population of almost 5,000 inhabitants.

Those works ended approximately two years later in 1776 with a total interruption one year before due to the sad earthquake which devastated a large part of Portugal.

In the late 19th century Vila Real de Santo António   prosperously lived golden ages thanks to the consolidated fisheries activities furthermore was also established an important port for ships transporting a large variety of minerals coming from mines discovered in the interior in Santo Domingo.

All that undoubtedly gave that centre fame, prestige, its name reached all the national borders also in terms of technology because in 1886 it became the first town in the Algarve to have gas lighting.

The most contemporary times of the municipality were highlighted as a fishing centre of high reputation while in more recent years it was transformed in a notable seaside resort, a strategic access to Southern Portugal but also a destination which offers notable, cultural proposals.

You can start visit from that emblematic square, Praça do Marques de Pombal  consisting in the main gate to start to explore the historic centre in a very easy way.

That ample urban space is the core, heart and vital point of the entire community  on which lies the Camâra Municipal, the Town Hall, an obelisk surrounded by a cobbled floor dedicated to King Jose I who permitted the works and the birth of the centre.

The buildings erected around that site complete a very harmonious environment without bizarre or peculiar structures giving that place a remarkable aesthetic image. 

In that scenic square is situated the Igreja Madre de Nossa Senhora de la Encarnación, the Church dedicated to Our Lady of the Incarnation erected in the 18th century, a further attraction which deserve a visit.

The exterior of that charming white Religious construction is very simple but boasting beautiful marked lines with a front side highlighted by defined outlines, an ample, fine rectangular window placed above a portal greatly surrounded by a stylish frame. 

The upper section is highlighted by a large sloping roof on which was placed a cross in the centre is flanked by two pinnacles with an pediment established over an oculus in the main facade.

 

The interior is very interesting, it retains a good number of images as one depicting the Virgin of Our Lady of the Incarnation, a masterpiece by the sculptor Machado De Castro, one the main attractions next to relevant Baroque and Rococo works mainly dated the 18th century.

Another attraction is certainly the presence of a series of splendid windows inserted in the 40's established around a Chapel and the altar, a work by Joaquim Rebocho in perfect harmony with the older architectural details present in the apse and in the presbytery.
 
Avenida da República, Republic Avenue is a further highlight of Vila Real de Santo António consisting in a large, busy, pedestrian boulevard along the river Guadiana with on its course some interesting antique shops, cafes and bars.

That very lively artery is an ideal place for shopping often finding something of nice, especially tiles, clothes excellent handicraft and I suggest you it also for a pleasant stop to enjoy a break having an aromatic coffee or a glass of fine wine.

That attractive hallway starts from the northern side of the municipality running towards south highlighted by a long waterfront where was established the Porto de Recreio do Guadiana, the local harbour with a Marina hosting approximately 350 boats from where you can also take a ferry reaching in a very short time the Spanish shore.

That boulevard represents the main riverside promenade of the town offering a great view towards Ayamonte, the Marismas de Isla Cristina in Spanish territory it is also highlighted by the charming Jardim da Avenida da Republica, a very pleasant garden, notorious meeting point of locals,

Along that iconic avenue you can see the forrmer  Alfândega or Aduana Maritima, the old Customs office established  in a long, low white building with an appealing red roof, a site which also  also hosted the headquarter office of the Sociedades das Pescarias, the fishing association formed by the partnership of several families of local fishermen.

The Centro Cultural António Aleixo is another important higlight, a cultural centre hosted in building with an ample doorway , wide windows and a scenic dome on the roof established to pay homage to the memory of the poet namesake born in Vila Real de Santo António. 

That character emigrated for a period in France returning to his motherland fixing his residence in Loulè, a lovely city in Faro district not far from Albufeira.

The second floor houses two exhibition halls, the main room has an area substantially greater than the other one hosting a pretty, large space containing of all kinds of art, such as painting, sculpture, including areas prepared for temporary photography events.

The other section is mainly devoted to a permanent exhibition displaying works by Manuel Cabanas, a talented wooden engraver but also painter, for that reason the gallery contains his works and it bears his name. 

That artists was well known to be a strong opponent of the dictatorship in the country during the times of António de Oliveira Salazar who ruled Portugal for over three decades, a fervent, charismatic patriot well known in the entire Algarve.

The Freguesia of Monte Gordo, one of the neighbourhoods of the town is since a long time ago a notable symbol of the municipality despite it was originally a very humble settlement inhabited by people of low social class mainly devoted to sardine catch selling them to the major markets of the coastline.

The relevance of that district increased very much in the last decades due to the boom of Tourism, representing the pioneer of the incoming and Hospitality industry because in its boundaries was elevated in 1960 the Hotel Vasco da Gama the first official accommodation established in the town.

Monte Gordo is undoubtedly a very pleasant place boasting a splendid, huge pine forest, a magnificent golden sandy beach with an excellent reputation, easily accessible, providing many facilities, highlighted by the constant presence of a Blue Flag confirming the excellent status of the water lining that beautiful stretch also characterised by excellent maintenance and cleanness services.

The central area of that quarter is composed by beautiful gardened areas with palm trees, a lush Mediterranean vegetation, in addition an ideal place to enjoy relaxing walks once you left the beach after sunbaths or at the end of your days dedicated to water sports.

The famous Casino de Monte Gordo is of course a landmark of that area well known all around the Algarve for its fame and history. 

Built in 1934 to replace the nearby Casino Peninsular which suffered several restorations, changes and remodelling the idea to erect a new one as the present had since the beginnng a notable appeal calling numerous visitors.

That notorious building is situated in a very lovely environment near the beach at the end of the street Rua Pedro Álvares Cabral, an important road which runs from north to south crossing the entire neighbourhood.

It meets the busy boulevard Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, a large urban artery boasting a very charming modern pedestrian beach promenade consisting in a sort of prolongation of the coastal road established south of the town.

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Dores is the Parish Church of that neighbourhood dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows,  a white building  developed on a rectangular plan with a high facade beneath a big gable roof and beautiful framed portal.

In that area you can enjoy an excellent number of restaurants and bars serving a delicious, local cuisine considered one of the places of the resort among the best for eating out perfect to taste the best fish and seafood of the town, so if you like that kind of food, it is more than suggested to have a meal satisfying your  palate.

Vila Nova de Cacela is the very interesting hilly neighbourhood of Vila Real de Santo António, it was historically a place used by Phoenicians and Greeks navigators, later occupied by the Arab-Berber Medina, originally called Quast-al Darrâj because founded by Ibn Darradj al-Qastalli, leader of a noble family who governed the local lands, a centre which according historic documentations was established in the 10th century.

Linked to that the neighbourhood celebrates an annual event called Noites da Moura Encantada which translated means Nights of an enchanting Moorish woman, a cultural appointment highlighted by street fairs, music and exhibitions to pay homage to the Arab-Berber heritage.

According to archaelogical excavations around that settlement there was a large agricultural area confirmed by the discovery of seven corn pit used for storing grain and other products.


That place boasts the presence of historic Fortaleza de Cacela, a former fort overlooking the mouth of the Ria Formosa, an imposing defencive structure built in the 16th century over a Ribat elevated by the Moors on a scenic hill, a position chosen for its strategic views towards every cardinal point.

The construction you can see today is characterised by strong stone walls developed on a trapezoidal perimeter with a turret as check point on a corner with a rectangular framed doorway facing a spacious square highlighted by a series of palm trees arranged in symmetrical way in front of the main entrance.

Historically for lack of funds it fell in decay, left in a state of abandon for a long time, in addition in the 18th century it suffered further damages due to the notorious sad earthquake dated 1755.

Between 1770 and 1794 iy was totally re-built largely using the former foundations  with a complete reconstruction of the walls taking a new image which loyally respected the former design and in 1897 it was used for military purposes hosting a military headquarter of a Brigade. 

Another iconic symbol of that district is the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção also known as Igreja Matriz, the mother Church, a Religious construction dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the Assumption, also known as Cacela-Velha, the old Church of Cacela.

Built in 1518 over the rests of a medieval structure dated the 13th century, that Sacred temple had during its history several restorations especially after the terrible earthquake which caused many damages to its entire layout.

Due to that terrible event it was rebuilt 40 years later on an irregular rectangular plan, the exterior boasts a fine facade, a very charming portico in Renaissance style, in addition you will notice the splendid presence of carved relief busts depicting the Saints Peter and Paul.

The sides of the frontal section are provided by big pilasters adorned by pitchforks, heads of angels, dragons, bows and quivers making it a masterpiece also in terms decorative art.

The interior is equally beautiful, arranged on three naves separated by stylish stone columns with splendid capitals adorned by strings forming splendid, sinuous arcades, great works in terms of fine aesthetic with a very balanced architectural arrangement especially in in correspondence of the apse highlighted by a wonderful Baroque altar.  

Very relevant is an iron fence decorated with figures at the edges of St. Joseph, The Virgin Mary, St. John the Evangelist, St. Mary Magdalene, a work considered a jewel of sacred art  highly appreciated for its fine lines. 

That Church also hosts a cultural event called Clássica em Cacela, an appointment devoted to classical music thanks to the excellent acoustic of its the interior.

In that neighbourhood you can admire some scenic low white houses with light, blue doors and outlines and a very important Centre of art focused to promote the traditional, local culture of the region housed in the former Manta Rota Casino also hosting the Museum Nucleus Cacela. 

That Institution displays in its rooms a chronological history of different civilisations wich colonised that area especially devoted to the Roman and Moorish periods while other sections host temporary exhibitions at the Escola Santa Rita, a School  which often organises cultural events. 

Praia Cacela de Cacela Velha is the local beach, in 2009 was declared as one of the best in Europe, a maginificent long white, sandy stretch offering great panoramic views towards the fortress, Ilha Tavira and Ilha de Cabanas.

Another magnificent local attraction the presence in its boundaries of stunning beaches, the most famous is definitely Praia de Monte Gordo very famed for its length, a long, wide stretch of golden sands, pretty famous since the 50's when it started to be one of the main destinations for many locals.

That beach is very well equipped with excellent services, showers, concessions of rent umbrellas also very famous for the traditional and picturesque presence of many vendedores de Bolinhos, vendors of typical Portuguese cookies.

In summer it is a favourite destination for many people, including several Spanish citizens coming from the nearest province of Huelva crossing the border to reach that  Paradise very appreciated for its soft, golden fine sand lining clean waters. 

A further great feature is that It is easily accessible and in its immediate proximity you can find a good number of bars enjoying a cool drink anytime you want.

Another simply wonderful is definitely Praia de Santo António located in proximity of the mouth of the river Guadiana with an impressive extension of approximately 10,0 kilometres. 

A very pleasant feature of that marvellous long, sandy stretch is that it is flanked by the Floresta Nacional, the National Forest, a wonderful, wide nature protected area packed by pines boasting in addition picturesque sandy dunes which give that environment a very special charm.

That local marvel was awarded with a deserved Blue Flag since a long time ago, it has a great level of maintenance, cleanliness, its bright sands are absolutely spectacular and as further detail, it is the last beach in that corner of Eastern Algarve before to reach Spain.

Very suggested is also Praia dos Trés Pauzinhos, the beach of the three rocks which is shorter than the previous but equally wonderful.

It starts from a former dock, accessible by a footpath, despite its limited length is one of the favourite by locals, it provides service of vigilance boasting in addition an ecological trail called Caminho dos Tres Pauzinhos with access to bicycles and pedestrians, very loved by a multitude of people because it also offers fantastic views towards the town.

Praia da Lota is a further one I recommend youm apart its scenic beauty it is very special for its history. 

You will notice once there the presence of a big number of fishing boats on its surface, in the past that place was the famous headquarter of the old fleet developed by the Marquis of Pombal organised during the development of the former village.

The tradition of the local fishermen continued to place their vessels in that site reminding those times as a sort of historic memory reminiscent that event which represented a sort of myth in its kind.

In addition it was also used for a period as place for a fish market, the atmosphere all around that heaven is very peaceful, the quality o itsf sand and waters is excellent and it is flanked by two others very attractive such as Praia da Alagoa and Praia da Manta Rota.
 

Vila Real de Santo António also hosts some interesting events and one of them is the Feria da Praia, a very old fair dating back 1774.

It takes place along Avenida Da República offering a little of everything with a multitude of stalls displaying clothing, cookware items, toys while the central square Praça do Marques de Pombal is reserved for gastronomy with stalls selling fruit, meat, cheeses and wine.
 

That Feria is a market pretty popular in all the region including very well known in Andalusia with many visitors coming from that Southern Spanish community enjoying shopping with chances to find  articles of good quality and not very expensive.

It is a very lively and coloured market in which you can often buy very interesting things such as shirts, scarves, gloves and some excellent handcrafts products among others.

The 2nd Sunday of September is celebrated in the town the beautiful procession of Nossa Senhora das Dores, Patroness of the town accompanied by meticulously decorated fishing boats in the bay.

That event is lived with an intense, fervent participation, the local community always waits for that appointment with extreme impatience, an event related to a notable Religious devotion, passion highlighted by a very vibrant atmosphere.

The resort is a place very appreciated by many visitors who can have a large variety of opportunities to enjoy several outdoor activities, apart water sports that magnificent coastal centre offers very suggested places to visit in its immediate vicinity with great radial excursions as those previously mentioned and much more.

In the interior not far you can reach in a very short time the Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana, a nature park with a surface area of 69700 hectares inaugurated on 18th November 1995 subdivided in 30 spaces.

That territory crossed by the Guadiana river is considered one of driest of the entire Portugal, you can see different kinds of reptiles, a multitude of species of birds and it well known to be a creche for young fish.

In its norhern side you can admire the wonderful Cascada do Pulo do Lobo, a wonderful waterfall, its name translated means wolf's leaf because it said that only a wild animal as a wolf when chased coud leap over that spectacular gorge.

That natural wonder inspired a famed Portuguese writer, José Saramago, 1998 Nobel Prize in Literature who wrote  : " river boils between harsh walls, the rushing of waters, hit, flow and wind gnawing a millimeter per century per millenium, a nothing in eternity."
 
That marvellous parkland offers unforgettable landscapes in a territory packed by olive groves, charming hills reachable by picturesque wild paths leading to splendid plateaus in a beautiful valley rich of surprises.

That is Paradise very suggested for trekkers who apart walking in a very captivating, rural territory can reach some summits offering stunning panoramic views, a great destination also for enthusiastic photographers.

That place is very recommended for those who love cycling, especially mountain bikers with  brilliant chances to move in a while from a road to dirt trails, many are the mixed routes with climbs, descents, long straights, steep sections with some interesting bends.

Another chance to fill your days of holidays during a stay is that one to continue along the coast discovering other beautiful corners of the Algarve starting from the nearest  Altura, a Freguesia of the municipality of Castro Marim.

I strongly suggest you that place, it boasts a fantastic golden beach lining emerald, clean waters, ideal for those who love water sports such as diving, snorkeling windsurfing in peace and tranquillity ad also ideal also for families. 

In its proximity there are some very good restaurants offering a varied list of delights, one of them is the Restaurante das Mares situated on the beach well known for its extraordinary, fresh, exquisite fish, seafood and Bacalhau, the iconic cod.

That place is also suggested for golf lovers thanks to the presence of fantastic golf course at Eurotel Golf & Beach Resort in a magnificent environment, so a further opportunity if you love to practise that trendy sporting activity at the top level.

Another destination I recommend is Tavira, a superb centre boasting fantastic beaches next to a considerable historic, monumental patrimony nicknamed the City of 37 white Churches  continuing later with a visit to the Parque Natural de Ria Formosa which is certainly a further, superb attraction you can not miss.(I wrote a post about that other splendid place)

That wide nature park is a fabulous Paradise which shows in all its stunning splendour a very varied territory packed by dunes, lagoons with a notable presence of flora and fauna.
  
Several are species of birds living there all year, other migratory volatiles come numerous 365 days a year, a great destination for those who are fond about bird watching.

Once there you can also admire a large number of plants ranging from typical Mediterranean, exotic, continental among others.

If you are a photography lover it is great to immortalise several different environments moving in a while from coastal sections to humid areas or from to dry hilly surfaces to sandy dunes. 

You can also enter in one of the several scattered forests and in a very short time from them reaching lagoons, for all that and more, that magnificent parkland is considered one of the natural jewel of Southern Portugal.

Great are the chances to reach Spain in a very fast way crossing the suspension bridge which rises over the Guadiana River dividing those two countries or taking a boat from the town landing at Ayamonte with approximately every half hour a boat providing navigation in one of the two senses.

An efficient network of Bus services which covers the entire Algarve, the EVA transport is another brilliant opportunity to visit the area. 

The Ria Formosa Route is the main line which serves the municipality taking passengers from the municipality to Faro and vice versa, in addition the town also has a shuttle service to the mentioned nearby Spanish town of Ayamonte with a frequency of approximately one bus every hour.

As historic information linked to the most recent era before the entry of both countries in the European Union in the 80's and in more contemporary times in the Schengen Treaty the port was located in Alfândega corresponding to the international border. 

I recommend you during your stay a great extension to the nearest Spain, the Iberian Costa de la Luz is simply wonderful with stupendous bright long beaches; you can stop in Isla Cristina, Isla Canela or Islantilla where you can also find a fantastic Golf Club or also in La Antilla. (I wrote a post about that place in the case you are interested) 

All those resorts are very attractive, ideal to enjoy sun, sea, water sports, in addition if you love seafood those places are very famous to boast the best prawns of the entire country, the notorious Gambas Blancas de Huelva, a superb delight so it could be a great occasion to try them combining a fantastic coastline to gastronomic tourism.

Another suggestive excursion is crossing the river with many opportunities to discover the fascinating charm of the wild, wonderful Sierra de Huelva which offers very captivating landscapes.

You will be delighted by astonishing corners consisting in marvellous rocky spurs, scenic cliffs with a picturesque scattered vegetation formed by pines, bushes, images absolutely outstanding to remember for a long time.

In addition that area is well known for its Jamones de Pata Negra, delicious hams with a supreme reputation, you can plan very interesting routes if you are interested to know more about that iconic delight, visiting producers, tasting them, having a chat with experts who will transmit you the history, processes of curing, classifications, best provenances and much more.

Local cuisine loyal to the oldest traditions is simply superb offering a large panorama of delicious dishes mainly based on fish and seafood of extraordinary reputation, true icons of the region.

The famous Cataplana de Algarve is a tastefully fish or seafood stew prepared with potatoes, herbs, spices, tomatoes, peppers, highly appreciated for the always fresh sea products used in its preparation.

Excellent are the emblematic, Sardinhas Assadas, grilled sardines of incomparable quality, true symbol of the country.

The Atun grelhado, grilled tuna is another more than delectable plate loved by a myriad of people just like the famed Bacalhau, superb cod prepared in several styles, a Portuguese emblem and pride.

Other great products are razor, clams, mussels, oysters used in different kinds of casseroles but also served in complete starters or cooked in sauce.

If you are a rice lover do not miss to try the delectable Arroz de Marisco, a delicious seafood rice simply divine or as variant do not miss the Arroz de Peixe, always prepared with the best catch of the day.

The area offers a wide selection of fine wines of great level such as Balsa, Vida Nova, Tapada da Torre but also those from Alvor area are simply sublime. All them are of a relevant level very smooth, palatable with texture, very savoury, many of them highly versatile.

The grapes of that region of Portugal take the advantage of perfect climatic conditions with a warm sun shining all year, no frequent rains next to a cool Atlantic breeze meeting the other one coming from the local hills where the vineyards are cultivated at a right altitude, all that is the result of products simply outstanding.

All that combination is very favourable, those robust, resistant grapes produce selected wines suitable for different kinds of food,  whites reds, rose you will find in that area a wide range of considerable level totally ready to satisfy the most demanding palates.

if you are planning a trip to the Algarve and concretely spending a stay in Vila Real de Santo António I added some links and suggested Hotels.A pleasure to give you more suggestions if you need further information so do not hesitate to contact me.

The nearest airport is International airport of Faro which is approximately at one hour driving or in alternative in the case you land in Spain and you want to visit the capital of Andalusia Seville, San Pablo Airport is approximately two hours away driving via Huelva.

That second alternative could be a great option developing a very interesting idea tailor made tour with a stunning Fly & Drive from there taking that marvellous city as a stupendous start point discovering during a route leading to the Atlantic coast the very scenic Andalusian interior reaching  the beautiful Algarve enjoying a stupendous itinerary.

Vila Real de Santo António is a fantastic, hospitable access to a wonderful land, thanks to its mild climate all year, its beauties and friendly inhabitants it is a perfect destination to choose without hesitations enjoying  many great sites in a very fascinating region.

Definitely that resort is a splendid, unique key which offers the visitor the chance to open several doors, a great hallway to Southern Portugal with a multitude of wonderful attractions enjoying a fabulous stay in that more than enchanting Eden called Algarve. 

Francesco Mari

Recommended Accommodations in Vila Real de Santo António / Monte Gordo

Aparthotel Duna Mar Monte Gordo

Aparthotel Calema Monte Gordo

Hotel Alcazar& Spa

Hotel Apolo

Hotel Vasco Da Gama

 

Useful links

www.vilarealuncovered.com
www.hotelalcazaralgarve.com 

www.hoteldunamar.com

www.aparthotelcalema.com

www.apolo-hotel.com
www.vascodagamahotel.com
www.visitalgarve.pt