Monte Gordo
Monte Gordo is a beach resort in the Algarve, just 4 km southwest from Vila Real de Santo Antonio and across the River Guadiana from the Spanish town of Ayamonte.
The pleasant, seaside town has a population of a little over 3,000 inhabitants.
Monte Gordo is a resort popular with both Portuguese and Spanish holiday-makers. Its main draw is a superb 2 km-long stretch of sandy beach and the warmest waters in the Algarve.
The town is now a popular holiday spot for families who can enjoy water sports, tennis, beach volleyball and, of course, the casino, built in 1934.
Before the 1974 Carnation Revolution the resort was popular with both the Portuguese and Spanish elites drawn by the casino and the town's beach. Ingrid Bergman was one famous visitor.
The beach slopes gently into the sea and is considered one of the safest beaches in the Algarve for children.
A large campsite - Parque Municipal de Campismo - is set among the pines behind the beach, providing a budget alternative to the large hotels on the sea front.
One historic church of note is the Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Dores.
Avenida Infante D. Henrique is a pedestrianized avenue ideal for walks in front of the ocean.
Further west Cacela Velha has a castle, closed to the public, and pretty white-washed houses. The beach is reached by a short boat ride in season and receives few visitors.
Vila Real de Santo Antonio Tourist Offices
Vila Real de Santo Antonio
Centro Cultural, Rua Teofilo Braga (Tel: 281 542 100)
Castro Marim
Rua Jose Alves Moreira 2/4 (Tel: 281 531 232)
Monte Gordo
Rua Infante Dom Henrique, adjacent to the Casino de Monte Gordo) (Tel: 281 544 495)
Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday; 9.30 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5.30 pm; other days of the week 9.30 am to 7 pm.
Getting to Monte Gordo & Vila Real de Santo Antonio
Air Travel in Portugal
There are abundant scheduled, charter and no-frills flights to Faro from all over Europe. Faro is the nearest airport to Vila Real de Santo Antonio about 60 km away. Portugalia and TAP Fly from both Porto (via Lisbon) and Lisbon. There are TAP flights to Lisbon and Frankfurt and Easy Jet and Ryanair flights to multiple destinations throughout Europe.
Train Travel in Portugal
Monte Gordo is 50 km east of Faro and 20 km east of Tavira.
Monte Gordo Station is one stop west of Vila Real de Santo Antonio Station just five minutes on the train.
There are local trains on the Algarve Line (Linha do Algarve) west to Albufeira, Almancil, Loule, Lagos and Portimão via a change at Faro Station (40 minutes). Trains from Vila Real de Santo Antonio run to Tavira (30 minutes) and Olhão (55 minutes) and terminate at Lagos Station in Lagos.
Car Travel in Portugal
From the west, take Route 125. From Spain, get onto N125 going west.
Bus Travel in Portugal
Regular local buses shuttle out to Monte Gordo from Vila Real de Santo Antonio.
There are buses to Vila Real de Santo Antonio from Lisbon and Sevilla in Spain. The bus to Faro passes through Olhão. The EVA bus service to Sevilla passes through Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Ayamonte and Huelva. There is presently one bus a day leaving from Vila Real de Santo Antonio's bus station on Avenida da República at 9.35 am arriving at Sevilla's main bus station in Plaza de Armas at 1 pm (Spanish time).
There are local buses from the bus terminal near the ferry crossing to Ayamonte from Vila Real to Alcoutim, Castro Marim, Manta Rota, Mertola, Monte Gordo, Olhão, Odoleite and Tavira.
Monte Gordo & Vila Real de Santo Antonio Hotel, Apartment, & Hostel Accommodation
There is a wide range of accommodation available in the both Vila Real de Santo Antonio and Monte Gordo. The following is a recommended selection, listed from high-end to budget.
Grand House - Relais & Chateaux is a palatial hotel on a riverside location in the Vila Real de Santo Antonio township, with a view across the Guadiana River to Spain. What was a grand old home built in 1926 was fully refurbished in 2019, with all the mod cons and interior design by the eminent Portuguese designers, White and Kaki. Gets rave reviews for everything from cleanliness to staff hospitality. Enjoy, too, the Beach Club and Spa Suite. Superb dining as well.
Hotel Navegadores is a four-star hotel which has been completely renovated. Facilities include a covered swimming pool as well as a, restaurant, health club and spa complete with sauna, Turkish bath and pool.
Hotel Vasco da Gama was the first grand hotel constructed in the Algarve in 1960. Somewhat past its best but still full of character, the three-star hotel offers two outdoor pools, a seaside terrace, restaurant and a bar with live performances.
The Villa Marquez Apartments offer self-contained living for reasonable rates, right in the heart of Vila Real de Santo Antonio. These fully refurbished, tasteful, and very spacious modern quarters have everything you need for an independent stay. There is air-conditioning throughout, with a kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and bathroom. Sole drawback: no elevator for 2nd and 3rd floor guests. But guests love the location, the quietness, cleanliness and up-to-date amenities.
Alojamento Baixa Mar guesthouse is a budget accommodation that offers the luxury of a riverfront view on Vila Real de Santo Antonio's big, broad Av. da Republica. Notwithstanding the very reasonable rates, each guest room has a balcony overlooking the river and marina, and there is the convenience of stores and restaurants all around, just a short stroll away. The cleanliness and warm hospitality of this guesthouse get rave reviews.
Book Hotel Accommodation in Monte Gordo & Vila Real de Santo Antonio
Hotels in Vila Real de Santo Antonio Portugal - Booking.com
Hotels in Monte Gordo - Booking.com
Hotels in Monte Gordo Portugal - Agoda
Hostels in Portugal - Booking.com
Eating
Wow Sushi on Avenida Infante Dom Henrique comes highly recommended for its seafood but can also provide vegetarian and vegan meals on request.
Also recommended are the Blue Parrot on Rua Alcacer Quibir and Dona Bela on Passadiço da Praia de Monte Gordo for Portuguese cuisine including some excellent seafood.
Maharaja Patiala Tandoori Restaurant on Rua Goncalo Velho offers authentic Indian food.
Drinking
There are a number of expat bars in Monte Gordo including British, Irish and Dutch pubs.
Moby's Bar on Rua Bartolomeu Perestrelo is a British-style pub of long standing with Sky Sports and a friendly vibe.
Bistro-Bar Latté on Rua 5 de Outubro offers both food and drinks with outdoor seating and vegetarian options available.
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The average high June temperatures for Portugal is between 22 degrees Centigrade and 26 degrees Centigrade.
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Algarve Resorts
Other places to visit in the Algarve region of Portugal include Albufeira, Alcoutim, Aljezur, Alvor, Cabanas, Cacela Velha, Faro, Ferragudo, Fuseta, Lagos, Loulé, Monchique, Olhão, Portimão, Praia da Rocha, Sagres, Silves, Vilamoura and Vila Real de Santo Antonio.
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