The town offers a calmer experience as, the city centre, is not as close to the most sought-after tourist destinations of the Algarve.

Step into a journey and explore the amazing neoclassical architecture of Vila Real de Santo António. Later, take a refreshing dip at the municipality’s amazing beaches.

A young city

Contrary to other Portuguese cities, Vila Real de Santo António is a young city, being founded in 1774 by the order of Marquês de Pombal, one of the most important statesmen in Portugal at the time. The town was designed after the massive 1755 earthquake that shook Portugal, leaving marks of devastation, especially in the South of Portugal.

Marquês de Pombal was responsible for Lisbon’s reconstruction, but as the founder of Vila Real de Santo António, he was also in charge of constructing the new Portuguese town. Therefore, the design of both cities’ downtowns is similar, with parallel streets that lead to a magnificent square in front of a river.

The downtown was built in record time, with modular design principles, bringing an elegant and simple landscape that is still preserved and that culminates in the amazing Praça Marquês de Pombal, a square paved with the famous Calçada Portuguesa in black and with stripes around an obelisk. The square is surrounded by café terraces, and is the perfect place to start exploring Vila Real de Santo António.


Modern and Cultural

Vila Real de Santo António’s architecture has amazing neoclassical features, with the usual Algarve white façades, always with some colourful adornment. Going for a walk in Avenida da República is the right place to enjoy not only a stroll next to the Guadiana River but also the landscape that allows people to see Spain parallel to the neoclassical buildings.

It is in Vila Real de Santo António that is also possible to appreciate the work of António Aleixo, a local poet. The Centro Cultural António Aleixo is located in the old market building, hosting art exhibitions, concerts and events that promote the artistic activity of the city. For those who appreciate history, it is possible to visit the city’s Historical Archive and learn about Vila Real de Santo António’s development, and the influence of Marquês de Pombal in the city’s construction and urban planning.

The greatest beaches

The region of the Algarve will always be known for its amazing beaches, which can also be found in Vila Real de Santo António municipality. The Praia de Santo António is relatively uncrowded compared to other famous beaches in the west part of the municipality. With calm and pristine water, this golden sand beach may be accessed by walking through the Mata Nacional das Dunas Litorais de Vila Real de Santo António.

Going west, in Vila Real de Santo António, will take people to one of the most renowned Algarve beaches, Praia da Manta Rota. Located in Cacela Velha, still in Vila Real de Santo António municipality, the beach is visited by thousands of people every year, coming from Portugal and even abroad. Usually crowded, during the summer, without ever losing its beauty and charisma, Praia da Manta Rota is a must-go for those who would like to visit Vila Real de Santo António.


Finding the border

The Guadiana River is the natural border that separates Portugal from Spain, in the southern part of both countries. Therefore, it is possible to watch both countries at the same time during a boat trip along the river. When on board people may discover hidden gems from both countries, namely little towns placed by the river margins.

How to get there

Access by public transport to Vila Real de Santo António is not complicated. Besides having access by car, it is possible to arrive at the city by public transport. The bus companies in Portugal have routes that may end or pass through Vila Real de Santo António, with economical prices, when tickets are bought in advance. The Algarve railway finishes in Vila Real de Santo António, making it possible to arrive at the city by train, however, the route will always start and end in Faro, so it is necessary to change to another train in case the final destination is not Faro, or any other station during the trip.

Calm, cultural and adventurous

Whichever your goal is, Vila Real de Santo António is the perfect city for people to enjoy whatever they want. Exploring amazing places, next to a river, then going to the beach, while keeping in mind that history must be explored in the city centre, will definitely make the holidays as amazing as they ought to be.

Author

Deeply in love with music and with a guilty pleasure in criminal cases, Bruno G. Santos decided to study Journalism and Communication, hoping to combine both passions into writing. The journalist is also a passionate traveller who likes to write about other cultures and discover the various hidden gems from Portugal and the world. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos