Vila Real de Santo António Guide: 4 of The Best Best Things to Do

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Vila Real de Santo António, often simply referred to as Vila Real, is a gem nestled at the southeasternmost tip of Portugal’s Algarve region on the Portuguese-Spanish border. With the serene Guadiana River to its east and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean to its south, this charming town finds itself as a vibrant confluence of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Founded in the late 18th century, Vila Real de Santo António was constructed almost in its entirety after the tragic 1755 earthquake that decimated significant parts of Portugal. Designed on a grid pattern, much like the grand boulevards of Lisbon, the town’s architecture and layout were ahead of their time. This thoughtful urban planning is best epitomised in the town’s central square, the Marquês de Pombal, where an elegant obelisk stands as a reminder of the town’s reconstruction era.

But Vila Real is more than just its historical significance. Its enviable location on the banks of the Guadiana makes it a gateway to Spain, fostering a unique blend of Iberian influences. Wander its streets, and you’ll witness a harmonious interplay of Portuguese tiles and Spanish tapas bars, a testament to the shared heritage and camaraderie of the two neighbouring nations.

Its location next to Spain is ideal for those that want to visit both Spain and Portugal in one trip. You can get a ferry from Vila Real de Santo António to Ayamonte or take the car across the bridge. Huelva is just 44 minutes by car while Sevilla is 1.5 hours and Jerez is 2.5 hours away.

There are also plenty of beautiful Portuguese towns to explore as well. Faro, the Algarve’s capital city, is less than an hour’s drive or just over an hour by train, while other towns, like Castro Marim, Tavira, and Olhão, are even closer. It’s also just a short drive to the southern part of the Alentejo. The Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana is less than an hour’s drive, while the town of Beja is just a little over 1.5 hours away.

Fallen in love with the Eastern Algarve? Take a look at these properties in Vila Real de Santo António.

Useful Resources for Your Trip to Vila Real de Santo António

Here’s our top tips and tricks for getting the best deals for your trip to Vila Real de Santo António. 

  • Accommodation: Booking.com and Airbnb are the two most comprehensive websites for finding hotels, hostels, apartments, and other types of accommodation in Vila Real de Santo António. 
  • Car Rental: Discover Cars and Rental Cars are the two most useful sites for booking local car rental. 
  • Airport transfers: There are taxis and Ubers at Faro Airport, but you can also pre-book an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups
  • Tours & Things to Do: Both Get Your Guide and Viator list lots of local tours and activities in Vila Real de Santo António. 
  • Luggage Storage: Luggage Hero and Bounce are two great sites for finding places to store your luggage in Portugal. Be sure to read our article on luggage storage options in the Algarve for a full list of options. 
  • Public Transport: Cp.pt is the main website for trains in Portugal. For longer distance buses, see Rede Expressos. Flixbus.pt often has cheap tickets between cities in Portugal. 
  • Flights: Skyscanner and Google Flights are the two most useful websites for finding flights to Portugal. The nearest airport to Vila Real de Santo António is Faro Airport. 

Featured accommodation in Vila Real de Santo António

There are only a few accommodation options in Vila Real de Santo António itself: the majority of hotels are located in nearby Monte Gordo.

  • Grand House – 5-star boutique hotel accommodation in a beautifully-restored building that dates back to 1926.
  • Guadiana River Apartment – Stylish self-catering accommodation that’s situated along the riverfront and close to the historical town centre.

Is Vila Real de Santo António right for me?

The town of Vila Real de Santo António is picturesque, small, and quiet. It’s not a beach resort town, and it doesn’t have many bars or much in the way of entertainment. For many people, however, this is exactly what they’re looking for.

Vila Real de Santo António doesn’t have the easy beach access that many visitors to the Algarve want: the nearest beaches, Praia de Santo António and Praia de Monte Gordo, are 3-4 km from the town centre. It’s walkable, and just a few minutes by car, but, for some, it’ll be just that little bit too far away.

vila real de santo antonio park promenade

Vila Real de Santo António makes up for it with its riverfront area, which has a beautiful promenade that’s lined with trees and benches where locals sit and wait for their fishing lines to get a bite.

For those visiting the Algarve without a car, Vila Real de Santo António is somewhere that’ll be easy to visit. It has its own train station, which goes to Faro and even as far as Lagos on the West Coast. From Faro, it’s also easy to get to other parts of the country like Lisbon and Porto by train.

Things to Do

Walk along Avenida da República

Vila real de santo antonio promenade

Vila Real de Santo António’s Avenida da República provides a scenic backdrop for those wishing to immerse themselves in the town’s riverside charm. As you amble along this iconic avenue, you’re greeted by stately facades, including the elegant Grande Hotel Guadiana, which harks back to the grandeur of bygone eras. The town’s bustling harbour is a stone’s throw away, offering a myriad of maritime adventures from river cruises to ferry trips across the border to Spain. Yet, even if you’re not setting sail, the riverside walk on the traditional Portuguese pavement is an experience in itself, affording stunning vistas of the Guadiana and the neighbouring Spanish terrains. And for those seeking a culinary or retail respite, the waterfront is dotted with a delightful array of restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. Time your visit right, and you might even stumble upon the vibrant antique fair held during the summer months, showcasing some of the Algarve’s most treasured finds.

Praça Marquês de Pombal

Praça Marquês de Pombal in VRSA

Situated in the heart of Vila Real de Santo António, Praça Marquês de Pombal stands as a testament to the town’s rich history and cultural significance. Named after the influential Marquis of Pombal, who spearheaded the reconstruction of Lisbon after the devastating 1755 earthquake, this square forms the core of the city’s layout. Characterised by its traditional Portuguese cobblestone designs and flanked by elegant neoclassical buildings, the square offers a picturesque setting that exudes a timeless charm.

As a central hub, Praça Marquês de Pombal bustles with activity, playing host to local events, vibrant markets, and a myriad of cafes and restaurants, where visitors can soak in the atmosphere while enjoying local delicacies.

Take the ferry to Spain

For those seeking a quick international adventure while in Vila Real de Santo António, the ferry to Spain offers a delightful and convenient escape. Departing from the town’s harbour, the short journey across the Guadiana River transports passengers to the charming Spanish town of Ayamonte. It’s an ideal day trip opportunity, allowing travellers to experience a touch of Spanish culture, cuisine, and architecture, before returning to the Portuguese shores by evening. The seamless blend of two distinct cultures within a short ferry ride is a testament to the rich tapestry of the Iberian Peninsula.

Go to the beach

sun loungers on Monte Gordo beach

While Vila Real de Santo António boasts its own unique allure, a sun-soaked beach day is just a stone’s throw away in the neighbouring town of Monte Gordo. Known for its vast golden sands and warmer waters, Monte Gordo Beach is a favourite spot for both locals and tourists alike. Reaching this beachside haven from Vila Real de Santo António is straightforward.

Those who prefer a leisurely journey can take a pleasant 30-minute walk along the scenic route parallel to the coast. Alternatively, regular bus services run between the two towns, making it an efficient option for families or those with beach gear in tow. Additionally, taxis are readily available and offer a quick, hassle-free journey to the sun-drenched shores of Monte Gordo. 

Of course, Monte Gordo isn’t the only nearby beach, even if it’s one of the most popular. These are several other options:

  • Praia de Santo António: Situated on the eastern extremity of the Algarve, Praia de Santo António beckons with its pristine stretches of sand backed by undulating dunes. It serves as a tranquil haven for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, and the surrounding area offers scenic walking trails to immerse oneself in nature.
  • Praia Verde: A little further west is Praia Verde, aptly named for its backdrop of lush green foliage and trees. This serene enclave offers an idyllic respite, and even during the peak of summer, it retains its tranquility without being overrun by visitors. 
  • Praia de Cacela Velha: From the quaint village of Cacela Velha, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the shimmering beach of Praia de Cacela Velha and its adjacent lagoon. Venturing down, one can truly appreciate its natural beauty up close and bask in its captivating charm.

Getting to Vila Real de Santo António

  • Flying: The nearest airport to Vila Real de Santo António is Faro Airport, which is around 50 minutes by car. Seville Airport is also quite close: around 90 minutes by car. If you don’t plan on renting a car, an airport transfer or taxi is the easiest and most convenient way to get from Faro Airport to Vila Real de Santo António. Several companies, including Welcome Pickups, offer airport transfers from Faro Airport to Vila Real de Santo António, and the journey time is usually around 45 minutes.
  • Train: There is a train between Faro and Vila Real de Santo António, with many journeys per day, and the journey takes around 65-70 minutes. Tickets can be bought from cp.pt, and discounts are available if you book in advance. Note: the train station at Vila Real de Santo António is around 1 km from the main town centre.
  • Bus: There is a bus between Faro and Vila Real de Santo António, with multiple journeys per day. Tickets and timetables can be found on Vamus.pt
  • Driving: The journey from Faro to Vila Real de Santo António takes around 50 minutes. Lisbon is around 3 hours by car.