Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim have no shortage of beaches. And there are beaches and waters to suit all tastes. There are some with easier access and favourable for those who don't want to go to a lot of trouble to cool down when the temperature rises. Or beaches for those who need to escape the chaos of the cities - in a word: tranquillity.
But the beaches of Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim are not all the same. One of them has one of the ugliest buildings in the Algarve, but is many people's favourite. Another was once considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
From Praia Verde to Monte Gordo, from Lota to Cabeço, there's plenty to choose from. If on a hot day you want to travel to one of these Algarve municipalities, this article will help you choose the best beach in Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim - for your personality or mood.
Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim beaches
Praia de Santo António (St Anthony's Beach)
Praia de Santo António is the closest beach to the city. This is one of the least frequented beaches in Vila Real de Santo António (VRSA) - compared to Monte Gordo or Manta Rota, for example. It's a beach with calm waters, protected by dunes and undergrowth and with a long stretch of sand.
There is a so-called ecological path, the "Caminho dos Três Pauzinhos", where you can reach the beach on foot, by bicycle or on a train. The train leaves every half hour and stops, for example, in front of the Tennis Club (next to the VRSA Lighthouse) or near the Volunteer Fire Brigade in June, July or August.
Official access to Santo António beach is via a wooden walkway between Monte Gordo beach and the Guadiana river. You can also reach the eastern part of the beach by following the Guadiana River parallel to its mouth, but there is little parking there and there is no surveillance.
If you cycle, you can get there easily. The alternative beach access is suitable for those who prefer to go alone or as a couple. The official access is adapted for families.
It's one of my favourite beaches in Vila Real de Santo António.
Council: Vila Real de Santo António
Recommended beach for: families / couples
Beach for those looking forproximity to Spain and (relative) isolation
Hotel in Praia de Santo António
To sleep in VRSA, an excellent option is the Grand House - Relais & ChateauxThe level of comfort is high and the views are irresistible.
A cheaper option is the Villa Marquez, which has a panoramic terrace overlooking the Guadiana River.
Monte Gordo Beach
I went to Monte Gordo for the first time many years ago. There I camped at the campsite, had dinner and went to the beach. I remember not liking Monte Gordo at the time. Many years later, I still don't like it.
However, as I know that there are different opinions and that Monte Gordo Beach is extremely popular - especially with families - I've included it in this list.
It's less than 10 minutes from Vila Real de Santo António to this beach. The beach is long (over a kilometre) and very busy. Concessionaires compete for every grain of fine sand on the beach. The water, of course, is clean and warm.
One of the advantages of holidaying in Monte Gordo is that you can park your car and only pick it up on the day you return home, as everything is within walking distance - shops, supermarkets, the casino and, of course, the beach.
The beach has (lots of) bathing facilities, toilets and several restaurants (with inflated prices). This is one of the favourite beaches for families because of the safety of the calm sea.
If you're looking for night-time entertainment in this part of the Algarve, then Monte Gordo is the right choice. It's not, however, "my thing".
Council: Vila Real de Santo António
Recommended beach for: families
Beach for those looking forvariety of restaurants, proximity to shops and nightlife
Hotel on Monte Gordo Beach
In Monte Gordo there are good solutions for overnight stays, such as the Quinta Da Rosa Linda, which is close to the beach, has a swimming pool, but is far from the noise.
Ocean's Gallery is a flat with the best guest reviews. It is just 100 metres from the beach.
Cabeço Beach
Praia do Cabeço, in Castro Marim, is a less explored beach, given that it is located right next to Monte Gordo and between it and Praia Verde.
The beach is surrounded by the Vila Real de Santo António National Coastal Dunes Forest and has a link to the cycle path. So this is a good option if you're looking for some seclusion. Praia do Cabeço is a beach with calm (and warm) waters, a restaurant and ample space (in a free dirt car park) for parking.
The beach is guarded by lifeguards in summer and has a restaurant. At the access to the beach, by the roadside, there are sometimes fresh produce sales (fruit).
Council: Castro Marim
Recommended beach for: couples
Beach for those looking for: tranquillity close to the chaos of Monte Gordo
Hotel in Praia do Cabeço
Verde Praia is a beach house 7 or 8 minutes' walk from Praia do Cabeço. It has air conditioning, a garden and you can even make your own barbecue. Farol da Cortesia is another option in the area.
Green Beach
Between Praia do Cabeço and Praia da Alagoa is Praia Verde. It's one of the most beautiful in the Algarve and, for me, the most beautiful in Castro Marim.
This is a beach for the upper middle class and you can tell by the type of services in the neighbourhood. From a boutique hotel to the Praia Verde Club. Or the restaurant (Pézinhos na Areia) at the top of the hill with its sublime views. An excellent place to end the day - after the beach.
As with the other beaches in Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim, the water is warmer than in the rest of the Algarve. It's only four kilometres from Altura and is surrounded by dunes and pine trees. The view when you reach the beach is not to be missed either.
The beach is almost 500 metres long, but there is plenty of space - even outside the concessionaires. Access is via a paved road and there are plenty of places to park near the beach entrance or about 200 metres away. It is supervised in summer, has a Blue Flag and bathing support services.
Praia Verde is halfway between Praia do Cabeço and Praia da Alagoa, in the municipality of Castro Marim.
Council: Castro Marim
Recommended beach for: couples
Beach for those looking for: landscapes and some luxury
Hotel in Praia Verde
Verde Praia is a beach house that is a 5-minute walk from Praia Verde and a little further from Praia do Cabeço. It has air conditioning, a garden and you can even make your own barbecue.
Farol da Cortesia is another option in the Praia Verde area, as well as the guesthouse Pé na Areia.
Alagoa Beach (Altura)
As you enter the beach, you'll find a heart welcoming you. Praia da Alagoa, or Altura Beach, is a beach in the municipality of Castro Marim.
The water is warm, which can attract jellyfish. On the beach, there are playing fields and plenty of space (about a kilometre of beach) so you don't (have to) listen to the conversations of the (many) neighbours.
It has direct access to the centre of Altura, a large car park and is an accessible beach, making it a favourite for those travelling with children and having to take the house behind them.
Council: Castro Marim
Recommended beach for: families, citizens with reduced mobility
Beach for those looking for: accommodation near the beach
Hotel in Praia da Alagoa
Apartamento Altura is the ideal option for those who want to stay close to Praia da Alagoa. The accommodation is on the beachfront, has a garden and a private beach area.
Lota Beach
It was at Praia da Lota that many fishermen sold their fresh fish several decades ago. Now the beach is occupied by holidaymakers looking for a place in the sun.
As a matter of fact, when you reach the sandy area, you'll also come across several artisanal fishing boats. It's like a living reminder of the times when this place was used to sell the fresh fish that the labour dragged in from the sea. The labour still goes on today, but the sale of fish has moved to another location.
It is a long stretch of sand bordered by the mouth of the Ribeira de Álamo. Praia da Lota has a Blue Flag and is watched over by lifeguards. Bear in mind that the car park next to the beach is tiny. So choose to leave your car as soon as you can find a space next to the houses.
Praia da Lota is quieter than Praia da Alagoa or Monte Gordo (of course!), with warm water and few waves. The wooden walkway gives access to other beaches in the parish of Vila Nova de Cacela.
Council: Vila Real de Santo António
Recommended beach for: families
Beach for those looking for: accommodation near the beach
Hotel in Praia da Lota
400 metres from Manta Rota Beach and 500 metres from Lota Beach, the Pérola do Oceano development has an outdoor swimming pool and air conditioning. Another good option is the Manta Guest, with rooms offering sea views.
Praia da Fábrica (Factory Beach)
The last mention of Vila Real de Santo António's beaches goes to Praia da Fábrica, in Cacela Velha. It was once considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful beach in Vila Real de Santo António. However, this unique beauty made her popular, too popular.
What was once a quiet spot is now a parade ground for holidaymakers, it's difficult to park and almost impossible to find a place in a restaurant. The beach can only be reached on foot (at low tide) or by boat (paid trip). I wrote this article about Cacela Velha that you really must read.
Council: Vila Real de Santo António
Recommended beach for: couples
Beach for those looking for: beautiful landscapes
Hotel in Praia da Fábrica
Just a few metres from Cacela Velha Beach, you'll find the Fábrica Beach Apartments. 2 km away is the Pensão Agrícola, which, in addition to its modern décor, has a swimming pool and terrace.
Map of the beaches of Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim
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