Beaches in Monte Gordo, Algarve

The fine, golden sand stretches for miles from Vila Real de Santo António to Manta Rota, so we include the beaches along this stretch of coast as well as Praia de Monte Gordo. The beaches at this eastern end of the Algarve are ideal, not just for families, but for anyone with mobility problems as there are so many level accesses to the beaches.

Many Algarve beaches are now classified as 'Accessible Beaches' meaning that not only do they provide ramps, footpaths and walkways directly to the sand but also meet certain criteria for restaurant tables, bar and counter heights. They also have first aid posts and disabled toilets and should be equipped with wheelchairs, walking aids and other equipment capable of being used in the sea as well as on the beach. We include which beaches have been awarded the 'Accessible Beach' flag , although depending on individual abilities you may just want to know that you can park nearby or that there are no steps involved.

We also indicate which beaches have lifeguards during the season (normally April to the end of September) and as a reminder for you: a green flag - swimming permitted; yellow flag - swimming forbidden; red flag - swimming and entering the water forbidden; blue and white chequered flag - beach temporarily unattended.

Praia de Monte Gordo

Praia de Monte Gordo is a fantastic beach. Located just a little bit further down from Praia de Santo António, in Vila Real, the waters are some of the warmest in the Algarve because of the short distance to Spain and the Mediterranean Sea. The sand is almost white in the sunlight, it is soft and clean and there is lots of it! Monte Gordo really is an excellent introduction to the beach life of the Algarve.

Praia de Monte Gordo is a large, flat beach that attracts residents and happy holidaymakers all year round; although notably the out of season beach-goers tend to be locals because many tourists have still not yet realised the beauty of the Algarve in autumn-winter months.

The great thing about Praia de Monte Gordo is that it is easy to get to and there are plenty of amenities on and nearby the beach. The main road into Monte Gordo runs behind the beach and there is a big free car park just behind the main part of the beach. It offers easy disabled access from the car park, across the width of the palm-lined promenade and the beach is there, at the same ground level. For refreshments throughout the day visitors are spoilt for choice, with over 10 bar-restaurants actually on the beach and the road behind the beach is literally lined with cafes, bars and restaurants.

Praia de Monte Gordo is supervised during the 'beach season' and is classed as an 'Accessible Beach'.

Praia Verde

Praia Verde is just further along from  Praia de Monte Gorde if you travel west away from the town along the N125 it will be signposted on the left. Praia Verde is probably the least developed of the beaches along this long eastern sand strip, so is ideal for anyone looking for a more relaxed day at the beach.

There is a tarmac road (albeit a 'little' bumpy in places!) that leads past some villas and is signposted to the restaurant. Here there is quite a large car park under the pine trees, a restaurant with it's own swimming pool that overlooks the beach and a small complex with a cafe and other facilities.

There is a pedestrian access to the beach by way of a path to the left of the restaurant or via some steepish steps to the right of it. There is a beach bar-cafe on the beach and sunbeds to hire and the beach is supervised during the 'beach season'.

Praia da Altura (Alagoa)

The beach at Altura is yet another part of the extensive stretch of lovely fine sand that runs for miles along the eastern end of the Algarve.

Praia da Altura is between Praia Verde and Praia da Lota and has plenty of car parking right behind the beach. Access is by way of raised wooden walkways across the sand dunes making it easy for everyone and protecting the dunes at the same time.

There are beach bar / restaurants, water sports, sunbeds for hire and plenty of room for everyone to enjoy themselves.

It is supervised during the 'beach season' and is also classed as an 'Accessible Beach'

Praia da Lota

Praia da Lota is the name given to the stretch of sands just to the east of Praia da Manta Rota. If you approach Manta Rota from the western end the turning for Lota is at the far end of the town; if you take the first turning for Manta Rota coming from the Monte Gordo side, then Lota is signposted just before Manta Rota.

There is a small tarmac car park at the back of the beach and a wooden walkway down to the sand, making access nice and easy. There is a café near the beginning of the walkway, a restaurant looking over the beach and sunbeds for hire.

The lovely thing about this end of the Algarve is the calm, slightly warmer water and this beautiful long, fine sandy beach that stretches for miles. The only thing that changes along the way is the name!

Praia da Lota is supervised during the 'beach season' and is also classed as an 'Accessible Beach'.

Praia de Manta Rota

Praia de Manta Rota runs for 10 km, starting near the village of Manta Rota. This extensive beach marks the eastern end of the Ria Formosa. There is a wide line of sand dunes and raised wooden footpaths leading onto the sand, offering a great viewpoint for the vegetation of the dunes. Praia de Manta Rota is less frequented than the neighbouring Praia de Monte Gordo and offers some peaceful areas away from the crowds, particularly at the ends of the beach.

There is a tarmac road to the beach from the EN 125, heading in the direction of Manta Rota for roughly 2km. There is a fairly large parking area and plenty of facilities (restaurants and toilets) along its length.

Manta Rota is supervised during the 'beach season' and is classed as an 'Accessible Beach'.

Praia de Cacela Velha

The beach at Cacela Velha is an extension of Manta Rota but here it forms a sand spit with a lagoon between it and the shore. Access is either by foot along the sand from Manta Rota or by boat from Sítio da Fábrica (just along from the village). There isn't an 'official' ferry service, but there's normally someone who will take you across - the question of course is - will they remember to pick you up?!

If you want total peace and quiet and your very own island - then this is for you! No bars, restaurants, sunbeds or probably anybody!

There are no support services or supervision on the beach.

Praia de Santo Antonio

The beach at Vila Real de Santo António is the last tip of sand at the Spanish boarder-end of the Algarve; this is the furthest east that you can go in the Algarve.
 
Although it is a bit of a mission to actually get on to the beach, because it is down a very narrow road with rather big speed bumps on it, it is worth it for the view across to Ayamonte in Spain and watching the fishermen along the road. The close proximity to Spain makes the eastern end of the Algarve especially popular with Spanish day-trippers.

There are regular ferries crossing the Guadiana river between the Algarve from Spain and the €2,00 fee for a return trip makes its an extremely affordable journey.Although there aren’t actually any amenities on the beach, it is easy to understand why the Spanish and Algarve residents and visitors like Praia de Santo António.

The waters are the warmest in the Algarve, because it is the nearest part to the Mediterranean Sea that lies between Spain and Africa. The soft golden sand is also extremely clean and the beach is simply a great place to spend time with family or friends. For those who like walking, this sand strip is perfect, because you can simply carry on walking for miles, all the way to Tavira in fact! The beach is supervised during the season.