Pedro DominguesVisiting Monte Gordo is getting to know the extreme southeast of Portugal, in Algarve, where the beaches are larger and the sea water is the warmest in the country. No cliffs or big rock formations like in other places of Algarve, just miles and miles of sand with room for everybody.
This is the place that many Portuguese families with children look for on their holidays in the south of Portugal, as the beaches are really safe with a calm and shallow sea next to the sand.
Monte Gordo is also very close to Vila Real de Santo António, from where you can see the mouth of Guadiana, one of the largest rivers that passes through Portugal. The Spanish border is also close, so you can opt for a day trip in Andaluzia if you have the time.
Want to know what are the top things to do in Monte Gordo and surroundings? Want to know which are the best beaches in Monte Gordo that you really must go visit? In this article I gathered all the necessary tips for your trip!
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Travel videos of Monte Gordo and surroundings
To begin with, here are two videos of my trip through this region, which include locations near Monte Gordo, Vila Real de Santo António, Tavira and Castro Marim. Hope you enjoy them.
Where is Monte Gordo located, in Portugal?
I believe that this question is already answered. Monte Gordo is located in the extreme southeast of Portugal, more precisely in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António. It is close to other regions of Algarve, such as Tavira and Castro Marim. It is also close to the Spanish border.
Useful tips to visit Monte Gordo
1. Rent a Car to visit Monte Gordo
Algarve has good transport infrastructure, for example trains and buses that connect the most important places in the south of Portugal. Monte Gordo is included, as are Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António.
Car is important to help you with flexibility in your stay there. I would never visit Algarve without a car, so I share with you a link to Discover Cars, which I always use when I need to compare prices between rental companies and make my own car reservations.
2. How to get to Monte Gordo?
As for how to get to Monte Gordo, first you need to get to Algarve, and you can do it by plane, as there is an airport in Faro, which connects to Lisbon and Porto, as well as other European cities. I recommend using Skyscanner and Google Flights to do some research before buying your tickets, comparing prices and flight conditions.
It is also easy to get to Monte Gordo by bus or train, as I mentioned before, and you can confirm that checking Rome2Rio website, if you are not sure how to get there from your location. For bus tickets in Algarve, use Rede Expressos or Vamus Algarve; for trains, use CP – Comboios de Portugal.
3. Take out Travel Insurance to visit Monte Gordo
I also recommend that you take out travel insurance for your stay in Monte Gordo, and you can do it with World Nomads.
>>> Travel Insurance with World Nomads
4. When to visit Monte Gordo?
Summer is the best time to visit Monte Gordo, but it will be high season then, with everything more expensive and more people in the region. Choose to visit Monte Gordo in June or September to avoid the most touristic months and still be able to enjoy the beaches.
5. What to eat and where to eat when visiting Monte Gordo?
As I recommend for the whole Algarve in general, fish is king in this region of Portugal. Opt for a Seafood Cataplana, Octopus, or even Grilled Sardines. Those are just examples.
For restaurants where to eat in Monte Gordo, my suggestions are Marsalgado and Dona Bela. In Vila Real de Santo António, you can also find Restaurante Ernesto, Dom Petisco, Cuca, Sem Espinhas and Associação Naval do Guadiana.
6. Accommodation tips in Monte Gordo
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Alojamento Baixa Mar | 8.6 | Vila Real de Santo António |
| Hotel Apolo | 8.8 | Vila Real de Santo António |
| Villa Marquez Apartments | 9.2 | Vila Real de Santo António |
| Guadiana River Apartment | 9.0 | Vila Real de Santo António |
| The Prime Energize | 8.9 | Monte Gordo |
| Monte Gordo Prestige Apartments | 8.9 | Monte Gordo |
| Hotel Baía de Monte Gordo | 7.9 | Monte Gordo |
| Hotel Alba | 8.0 | Monte Gordo |
| Monte Gordo Hotel Apartamentos | 8.3 | Monte Gordo |
| Hotel Vasco da Gama | 8.0 | Monte Gordo |
Things to do in Monte Gordo | Algarve
When it comes to what to visit and things to do in Monte Gordo, I obviously highlight the beautiful Atlantic beaches, but there are also fantastic places inland.
Map | Things to do in Monte Gordo
Visit the Best Beaches in Monte Gordo region
I’ll start by identifying the best beaches in Monte Gordo and surroundings, from Cacela Velha to the mouth of Guadiana.
1. Cacela Velha beach
Cacela Velha beach is the first I mention in Monte Gordo region. The entrance is through the village of Cacela Velha, where you can find the best viewpoint in Ria Formosa Natural Park (that I know of!). Nearby, you can also visit the village’s Church and Fortress.
I didn’t go down to the beach, to be honest, but it was fun to see people crossing the estuary on foot to get there, like ants in the landscape when seen from the viewpoint.
2. Beaches of Monte Gordo and Manta Rota
Then there are the beaches of Monte Gordo and Manta Rota. They are magnificent and gigantic, and I mention them together because I see them as very similar to each other.
They are true paradises for families with young children, as here the sea is very shallow next to the sand, therefore safe for them to play as they wish. I loved the water temperature, which was just right: warm, but at the same time perfect for cooling off.
3. Beaches of Castro Marim
Note that Manta Rota and Monte Gordo are both in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António, but separated by a stretch of land consisting of several beaches from Castro Marim. These are named Alagoa Beach, Green Beach and Cabeço Beach, also very similar to the last two, having the same sea, the same water temperature and the same quality in general.
4. Ponta da Areia Beach
Ponta da Areia is the easternmost beach in Algarve, as beyond it lies the mouth of Guadiana and then Spanish territory. Again, not that different from the ones mentioned earlier, so if you want unique beaches, you have to go west and visit the region of Olhão, Faro or even Albufeira.
Visit Vila Real de Santo António
In Vila Real de Santo António, I started with a stroll through the Republic Avenue Garden. I got to know the huge marina and recreational port, with its many moored boats.
Then I moved away from Guadiana and visited the interior of the town, namely the following places:
- The Municipal Historical Archive António Rosa Mendes.
- The Customs Office of Vila Real de Santo António.
- António Aleixo Cultural Center.
- And Praça Marquês de Pombal, where the Obelisk and Church of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação are located.
It was nice to spend a few hours with Spain in sight.
EXTRA TIP: Why don't you go on a River Cruise in Guadiana from Vila Real de Santo António?
Visit Castro Marim
Also visit Castro Marim, not far from Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo António. From its centre, the castle and Fort of São Sebastião undoubtedly stand out. Both are in privileged positions on top of two hills.
1. Church of Nossa Senhora dos Mártires
Start by visiting the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Mártires, located in 1st of May square and exactly in the center of the valley that forms between the aforementioned Castle and Fort. This church emerged in the 16th century, as a simple hermitage, and as a complement to the Church of Santiago, which was located in the castle grounds.
2. Castro Marim Castle and Castle Museum
From the main church, make the steep climb to the castle. From up there, you have breathtaking views over Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Marsh Natural Reserve.
It is believed that the first fortification of Castro Marim dates back to the Neolithic period, and that this place was populated by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Vandals and Moors over time. The village of Castro Marim was conquered from the Moors in 1242, and after it was very important for the defense of the border territory, in addition to being strategic due to its proximity to North Africa.
Inside the Castle, be sure to admire the ruins of Santiago Church, already mentioned, and visit the Castle Museum, with some of the archaeological heritage discovered in previous excavations in the castle grounds.
3. Fort of São Sebastião
Fort of São Sebastião, in turn, has this name because it was built in the place where a hermitage dedicated to São Sebastião used to function. It dates from the 17th century, as one of the fortresses built during the Restoration Wars, to defend the border with Spain.
The construction of this fort came to complement the defense already provided by the castle. In the photo below, you can see the castle on the left and the fort on the right, with the salt flats of the Natural Reserve in the landscape.
4. Revelim de Santo António
Another fort in the village of Castro Marim, but smaller, is Revelim de Santo António. It is connected both to the castle and to the fort of São Sebastião, for joint defense of the territory. It is located on the hill of Rocha do Zambujal and was intended to control activities on Guadiana River.
The enclosure where Revelim de Santo António is located was intervened at the beginning of the 21st century, to better adapt and rehabilitate it for tourist purposes. Today you can find several attractions there:
- An Interpretive Center of the Territory of Castro Marim.
- An instagrammable windmill. 😉
- Biological Gardens.
- An amphitheater.
- The Chapel of Santo António.
- And the Andalusian Garden.
Honestly, it was my favorite place when visiting the center of Castro de Marim.
Other things to do in Monte Gordo surroundings
1. Visit the Megalithic Tomb of Santa Rita
Optionally, you can visit a megalithic monument in Vila Nova de Cacela, near Cacela Velha, called Tomb of Santa Rita. It dates back to 2500 BC.
2. Visit Odeleite Dam
Also worth mentioning is Odeleite Dam, as the landscape is stunning, especially if you look for the meander I indicated on the map in this article, more or less at these coordinates: 37.32626, -7.54194. There is also a beautiful lookout point not far from the dam wall itself and a river beach to enjoy!
As a curiosity, from the sky, at an altitude that allows you to see the entire stream, this reservoir is shaped like a dragon, hence the name blue dragon that is also attributed to it.
3. Visit Beliche Dam
A few kilometers from Odeleite is Beliche reservoir, with a beautiful view from the hill before descending to the dam. See a drone picture below.
4. Visit Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Marsh Natural Reserve (and Interpretation Center)
Make also sure to visit Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Marsh Natural Reserve Interpretation Centre. There you will have access to a permanent exhibition on this reserve, which was the first to be created in Portugal, in 1975. It is an exceptional site next to Guadiana River, made up mainly of salt flats and salt marshes.
5. Relax in a saline spa in Castro Marim
Note that it is possible to relax in a saline spa and visit some of the salt pans in the marsh natural reserve.
6. Cross Guadiana International Bridge
You can also cross the border to Spain using Guadiana International Bridge, even if it’s just to say you’ve done it. 😀 There are places to visit on the other side of the border, for example Ayamonte.
7. Go on a Private Scenic Gyrocopter Flight Tour
Another cool experience will be a scenic tour of Ria Formosa Natural Park from the sky. It’s not cheap, but it will surely blow your mind with the incredible views from up there. 😉 Check it here, clicking this link.
Guided Tours in Algarve
I already pointed out 2 cool tours in the region of Monte Gordo: a river cruise in Guadiana and the Private Scenic Gyrocopter Flight Tour. You can also reach the eastern part of Algarve on other excursions, for example in this one departing from Albufeira.
Check also the following examples of possible guided tours in the whole region of Algarve. I’m sure you’ll find even more alternatives if you do your own research on Civitatis, Viator and Get Your Guide websites.
Guided Tours with Get Your Guide: 1 - Tavira Tuk Tuk City Tour 2 - Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour 3 - Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option 4 - From Lagos: Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade 5 - From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour 6 - Benagil Caves and Secret Spots Guided Kayaking Tour 7 - 1-Hour Carrapateira Horseback Riding Tour 8 - From Albufeira: Half-Day Algarve Jeep Safari 9 - From Lagos: Kayaking and Boat Cave Explorer Tour 10 - Loulé: TechSalt’s Rock-Salt Mine Tour 11 - Portimão: Pirate Ship Cave Cruise 12 - Albufeira: Single, Double or Triple Parasailing Tour
Guided Tours with Viator: 1 - Dolphins and Benagil Caves from Albufeira 2 - Boat trip to the caves of Benagil (from Lagos) 3 - Benagil Caves Tour from Portimao 4 - Benagil Cave tour from Faro 5 - Benagil Long Boat tour (From Carvoeiro to Praia da Marinha) 6 - Boat Tour to Benagil Caves from Armacao de Pera 7 - Kayaking in Secret Algarve Benagil Caves 8 - Benagil Area Kayak and SUP (from Albufeira) 9 - Kayak Trip in Lagos and Ponta da Piedade 10 - Parasailing from Albufeira Marina by Boat 11 - Coasteering and Cliff Jumping Near Lagos 12 - 2 hour Off-Road Buggy Adventure Tour from Albufeira 13 - Jeep Safari in the Algarve Mountains (Albufeira) 14 - Sunset Tour on a Luxury Sailing Yacht from Vilamoura 15 - Ria Formosa Natural Park and Islands Boat Cruise from Faro 16 - Boat trip to the 3 Islands of Ria Formosa (Olhão) 17 - Classic Food Tour in Lagos 18 - Wine Tasting Tour from Albufeira 19 - Tandem Skydiving in Algarve 20 - 2 Hour Surf Lesson at the Algarvian West Coast
Guided Tours with Civitatis: 1 - Tuk Tuk Tour in Tavira 2 - Benagil Caves Speed Boat Ride from Portimão 3 - Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Lagos 4 - Ponta da Piedade Caves Boat Trip from Lagos 5 - Albufeira Half Day Safari Tour 6 - Faro Walking Tour 7 - Parasailing in Albufeira 8 - Ria Formosa Eco Boat Trip from Faro 9 - Benagil Caves Boat Tour from Carvoeiro 10 - Deserta and Farol Islands Cruise from Faro 11 - Lagos Dolphin Watching or Dolphin Watching in Albufeira 12 - Sagres Coast Sunset Jeep Tour from Lagos
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
I hope you enjoy visiting eastern Algarve. 😉 If this article with Things to do in Monte Gordo was useful for you, please send me your feedback below, in the comment section.
