Just a stone’s throw from the Guadiana River along Portugal’s border with Spain, Monte Gordo is a sunny beachside town in the southeastern corner of the Algarve. It’s transformed from a sleeping fishing village into a bustling modern resort, featuring a long stretch of golden sand, charming seafood restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.
Things to do in Monte Gordo
Spend your days relaxing under a beach umbrella on the sands of Monte Gordo, which has a particularly lively atmosphere during the summer months. There are several beach bars and eateries backing the sand where you can dine throughout the day, including Muxama, Dona Bela and the Chiringuito Beachbar do Rui.
If you want a break from the beach, stretch your legs on the Trilho Interpretativo da Aldeia Nova, a hiking trail that winds its way through the Mata Nacional das Dunas de Vila Real de Santo António. Its pine forests and wetlands attract an abundance of bird species, including sandpipers, storks and avocets.
Monte Gordo can be used as a base for exploring Tavira, a charming town straddling the Gilão River where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Soak up the views across its whitewashed streets from the medieval Tavira Castle before marvelling at the Renaissance facade of the Igreja da Misericórdia. Tavira Island is also renowned for its sweeping beach and salt pans where you can spot flamingos and spoonbills.
Getting around Monte Gordo
Monte Gordo is around 45 minutes’ drive from Faro and Faro Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Monte Gordo railway station, from where both buses and taxis are available for getting to the beach. The centre of Monte Gordo is compact enough to explore on foot.