Vila Real de Santo Antonio: Pombal's Border Town

Vila Real de Santo António sits on the Guadiana river at the very eastern edge of the Algarve, facing Spain. It was rebuilt in the 18th century on a neat grid plan by the Marquis of Pombal, the same planner behind Lisbon’s Baixa, and it has an elegant central square paved in black and white stone.

Quick answer: VRSA is about 50 minutes east of Faro and the end of the Algarve railway line. Stroll the grid streets to the Praça Marquês de Pombal, walk the riverside, and take the little ferry across the Guadiana to Ayamonte in Spain. The beaches of Monte Gordo are nearby. See places to stay in VRSA.

Things to do

• Praça Marquês de Pombal: the main square with a radiating mosaic pavement.
• The grid streets: Pombaline architecture and shops selling towels and linens.
• The riverside: views across to Spain.
• The ferry to Ayamonte: a short crossing for tapas in Spain. Remember that Spain is an hour ahead. See ferries in Portugal.
• The beaches: see Monte Gordo.

Nearby

• Castro Marim: a castle and salt marshes with flamingos. See wildlife in Portugal.
• The Guadiana valley: see Mértola.

More: getting around the Algarve and the eastern Algarve.

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