Top 15 Activities to Experience in Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal

A town constructed in a single endeavor following the devastating earthquake of 1755, Vila Real de Santo António is an impressive example of 18th-century urban planning.

Established by royal decree, it features a “rational” design characterized by a well-defined grid of streets converging on a prominent square.

This locale was necessitated by the Guadiana River, which has historically separated the southeast of Portugal from Spain since the 13th century.

The relationship between the two nations has not always been harmonious; the fortifications and edifices scattered throughout Vila Real serve as reminders of a turbulent past.

Let us delve into the most notable attractions in Vila Real de Santo António:

1. Núcleo Pombalino

The narrative of Vila Real de Santo António commences with the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake.

A settlement had existed nearby, across the river from Ayamonte, but this was obliterated by the tsunami that followed the disaster.

Consequently, a decree was issued in the 1770s to establish a new town from the ground up, employing the anti-seismic Neoclassical architectural style influenced by the Enlightenment.

In Portugal, this architectural style is known as Pombaline, named after the prime minister responsible for the country’s reconstruction.

Vila Real de Santo António was developed from the ground, adhering to a strict grid pattern featuring 18th-century townhouses with dormer windows, modest single-story residences, and public structures such as the Customs House (Alfândega).

2. Praça Marquês de Pombal

Every Pombaline town features a grand central square, and Vila Real de Santo António is no exception.

Praça Marquês de Pombal hosts concerts and processions during the city festival in June, as well as celebrations for the patron saint Nossa Senhora da Encarnação at the close of August.

The principal architect of the royal court, Reinaldo Manuel dos Santos, designed the square with meticulous precision.

Each side boasts elegant whitewashed buildings of uniform height, adorned with terracotta roofs, while the ground features a “calçada portuguesa” pattern radiating from the central obelisk.

This monument beautifully complements the rationality of the square’s architecture; standing at 50 palms high, it harmonizes the height of the surrounding houses (30 palms) with that of the church (80 palms).

3. Praia de Monte Gordo

Originally a small fishing settlement, Monte Gordo has transformed into a prominent holiday destination, with new high-rise buildings emerging annually.

Nonetheless, it remains one of the few locations along the Algarve where Portuguese tourists may outnumber visitors from abroad.

The resort’s primary beach features a captivating expanse of white sand and clear waters during the summer months.

The water temperature here is notably warmer than in other areas of Portugal, owing to the Mediterranean influence.

When the tide recedes, it is common to see fishers pulling nets along the shore, harvesting clams used in the delicious seafood stew known as cataplana.

4. Farol de Vila Real de Santo António

Situated in the southern part of Vila Real de Santo António, the lighthouse, established in 1923, is the final structure before the sand dunes and maritime pines. The sandy terrain posed some challenges, which were addressed by constructing the building on reinforced concrete foundations, a notable innovation at that time.

The lighthouse remains operational, guiding maritime traffic along the river and coastal waters with a signal visible for 26 nautical miles.

Visitors can experience the lighthouse up close on Wednesday afternoons by ascending the stairs or utilizing the lift.

Standing 40 meters tall, the views of the ocean from the top are breathtaking, allowing one to observe the Castle of Castro Marim, the inland mountains, and a small portion of Andalucía.

5. Igreja Matriz

The highlight of Praça Marquês de Pombal is the town’s sole church, which commenced construction in 1774 and was completed within two years.

Reinaldo Manuel dos Santos also crafted the design for this building, showcasing simple Neoclassical lines, and it is slightly set forward compared to the other facades on the northern side of the square.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the lateral chapels and the Rococo retables.

Additionally, be sure to admire the stained glass windows in the chancel and baptistery, created by the artist Joaquim Rebocho in the 1940s.

6. Cacela Velha

Just minutes from the center of Vila Real de Santo António, Cacela Velha is a charming village located on a low cliff overlooking the easternmost point of the Ria Formosa lagoon.

This quaint settlement, characterized by whitewashed homes, has been inhabited since Phoenician times and was reclaimed from the Moors by the Knights of St. James in 1249. It features a square with a solitary tavern, a 16th-century church, and a small fort from the same era, continuing to guard the cliff top.

With the fragrance of citrus and almond trees in the air, one can enjoy the shimmering waters of the lagoon while gazing at the beaches of the barrier island.

7. Praia Verde

Located a couple of kilometers along the coastal N125 from Monte Gordo, Praia Verde offers a similar allure.

This beach is ideal for those willing to exchange resort amenities for a natural setting, and it holds the Blue Flag designation. The name “Praia Verde” reflects the landscape, with just a few villas and a couple of restaurants nestled among the dunes, juniper, and pines.

From here, the tower blocks of Monte Gordo are visible on the horizon to the east, and that is about it.

As a Blue Flag beach, Praia Verde features lifeguards during the summer season, and visitors can also rent sun loungers and parasols.

8. Castelo de Castro Marim

Every civilization that traversed this region left its mark on this hill overlooking the marshlands.

After the Moors were expelled in the 13th century, the castle as it stands today underwent reconstruction.

Following Portugal’s loss of Ayamonte on the opposite bank of the Guadiana, Kings Afonso III and Denis I commissioned renovations in the 1270s, which are commemorated by two separate inscriptions from that period.

Allocate time to visit the Renaissance chapel, the small museum housing ancient artifacts, and most importantly, the panoramic views from the castle walls.

9. Centro Cultural António Aleixo

This historic hall, serving as Vila Real’s cultural center, has a diverse history.

Originally constructed as a barracks before its conversion into the town’s market.

In more recent years, it has been reimagined as a space for exhibitions, featuring two main galleries.

The larger gallery is utilized for temporary exhibitions of paintings, sculpture, and photography, while the smaller room honors the local 20th-century artist Manuel Cabanas.

His woodblock prints are displayed in an engaging assortment within the space.

The entire venue is named after António Aleixo, a poet of national distinction active during the first half of the 20th century.

10. Ayamonte

Visitors may cross into Spain and reach the town of Ayamonte situated on the left bank of the River.

Since 1991, an imposing suspension bridge facilitates this crossing, although previously the only convenient means to traverse the border was via ferry.

This ferry service still operates 24 times a day during the summer, providing a more enjoyable mode of transit.

One can wander through the interconnected narrow streets of Ayamonte, relax at a bar in one of the squares, and savor tapas such as boquerones (anchovies in vinegar) or chipirones (fried baby squid). Additionally, observe the fishing boats as they navigate in and out of the marina, and visit the Renaissance Church of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias, housing a stunning 17th-century statue of the town’s patron saint.

11. River Cruises

One should seize the opportunity to navigate up the Guadiana for a few hours, drifting through a valley filled with pines, olive trees, and almond groves.

Several operators provide cruises from Vila Real’s marina, allowing guests to select the package that best suits their preferences.

Some cruises offer a festive atmosphere with alcohol, while others cater to families and moor at riverside beaches for swimming.

It is quite surreal to realize that you are traversing the border between two countries and time zones, while making frequent stops at charming, whitewashed villages.

12. Isla Canela

On the Spanish side lies a beach resort on a tidal island, just a short distance downriver from Ayamonte.

Isla Canela is an intimate paradise featuring dunes, a golf course, beach bars, and 5.5 kilometers of sandy shores.

These beaches significantly expand when the tide retreats, creating large pools perfect for children to enjoy.

The beaches extend far into the ocean, while the brisk winds and energetic surf make it an ideal location for water sports enthusiasts.

Kitesurfing is particularly popular at Isla Canela, and there is a marina equipped with a sailing school for those interested in learning.

13. Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António

The town may appear isolated due to its confinement by the ocean and the Guadiana River.

However, the adjacent environment of canals, marshes, and salt pans situated directly north of Vila Real warrants closer examination.

The aquatic species residing in the pools and mud are vital to the local diet and attract wading birds, such as flamingos and black-winged stilts.

The nature reserve includes an interpretation center, providing detailed information about its wildlife and the local livelihoods sustained by this landscape.

Moreover, there is a network of footbridges meandering around the salt pans, which have been harvested for centuries.

14. Outdoor Recreation

Vila Real de Santo António is situated in such flat terrain that one might easily opt to abandon the car in favor of cycling for local exploration.

Bicycle rental services are available in town, and the area offers expansive skies, pine forests, almond groves, dunes, wetlands, beaches, and charming villages ready to be discovered.

If golf is of interest, there are numerous courses located both within Portugal and across the border.

In Portugal, Quinta da Ria resort features two 18-hole courses that frequently rank among the top ten in the country.

Additinally, Isla Canela also boasts a golf club, where tees, fairways, and greens are seamlessly integrated within the salt marshes.

15. Cuisine

The significant salt reserves in Vila Real de Santo António elevate dishes featuring cured fish, such as salt cod and tuna, which are delectable whether baked or used in stews.

Furthermore, the shellfish and other seafood sourced from the local lagoons are typically prepared with rice, with clams and octopus being two of the most traditional recipes.

For those with a sweet tooth, Dom Rodrigo is a confectionery originally prepared by nuns in convents, comprising a delightful mix of egg yolk, sugar, and locally sourced almonds.