Vila Real de Santo Antonio
Algarve

District of Faro

Vila Real de Sto Antonio Guide

Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Algarve - Vila Real de Santo Antonio, city (pop. 11,900) and municipality with 18,828 inhabitants (INE, 2021, 1), district of Faro< /a>, no Algarve, is one of the sixteen concelhos (municipalities) in the southern region of Portugal.

The sea, the beaches, the Guadiana River, a Historic Center that takes us back to its past, these are some of the most outstanding aspects of the county (municipality) of Vila Real de Sto Antônio.

What to see in VRSA

In addition to its popular beaches, the historic heritage - especially the Historic Center and Fort de Cacela - and religious, the varied Algarve, Mediterranean and traditional Portuguese cuisine are aspects that interest the numerous visitors to Vila Real de Santo Antonio.

See also: Vila Real de Santo Antonio Attractions

Top Beaches in Vila Real de Santo Antônio

The highlights for lovers of sand and beautiful beaches are:





• Praia de Cacela Velha

• Praia de Monte Gordo

• Praia da Mnata Rota

Find out more: Vila Real de Santo Antonio Beaches

What to do in VRSA

With many beaches, a river and beautiful natural landscapes, there is no shortage of activities for active vacationers: walks, boat trips, nautical sports, visits to historical heritage among others, are some of activities in Vila Real de Santo Antonio.

Find out more: What to do in Vila Real de Santo Antonio

Where to stay in VRSA

Seasonal rental of apartments or houses, choose a local hotel or rent together inhabitants are some of the options for a comfortable and safe stay in VRSA. To look for and booking in advance is a good habit.

Find out more: Where to stay in Vila Real de Santo Antonio

Location

The municipality (municipality) of Vila Real de Santo Antônio - VRSA - has separate parishes, crossed by the municipality of Castro Marim; it is limited to the east by Spain (the Guadiana River separates the two countries), to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, to the north by Castro Marim and to the west with Catro Marim (eastern part: VRSA and Monte Gordo) and the western portion (Vila Nova de Cacela) of VRSA is limited to the west with Tavira.

Land of Fishermen and Gastronomy

"Land of fishermen means fresh fish, like good sea bream, sea bass, horse mackerel and sardines that delight anyone who enjoys grilled fish. In terms of seafood, special mention should be made of clams and shellfish, caught on the sand during low tide, and the more aristocratic prawns and lobsters.

Traditional recipes include several ways to prepare tuna fresh or savory, ranging from thick steak, to which there is no shortage of onions and bay leaves to give flavor, to the stupeta in which tuna is added to a refreshing pepper, tomato and onion salad. And who can resist the delicious cuttlefish with ink, which leave your mouth black but taste divine?





To end the meal, nothing better than a juicy orange or sweets typical of the Algarve" [VRSA Turismo].

Where to eat in VRSA

There are several options in VRSA to enjoy tasty Algarve, Mediterranean or international cuisine. Restaurants, bars and cafes where you can have a snack, taste the local specialties or meet (new) friends. See the suggestions below.

Find out more: Where to eat in Vila Real de Santo Antonio

VRSA Historic Center

In Vila Real de Santo Antônio, the Historic Center of this city built by the Marquês de Pombal is heavily influenced by the hallmark of this energetic Portuguese politician. A walk through the city center gives us a good view of the organization of the city, its buildings most important and their dynamics. The Hotel Guadiana is one of the buildings of interest in the city.

A bit of history

Outpost against Spain
"The birth of Vila Real de Santo António has a certain date: December 30, 1773, the date on which the royal charter of its foundation was signed. Its construction was quick, as the contingencies of the political in the face of Spain and the iron will of the Marquês de Pombal, minister of King D. José I (1714-1777)" [VRSA Tourism].

Before that, "In the 16th century, probably closer to the sea, there was the village of Santo António de Arenilha, who in the 19th century XVIII had disappeared swallowed by the sea and through the sands. It was important, however, to control the entry of goods through the Guadiana, place under royal supervision the fisheries of Monte Gordo and make against Spain, with which it had been at war in 1762-63. The construction of Vila Real de Santo António, with obvious economic and policies, it was, therefore, more than a pure act of royal will" [VRSA Turismo].

Attractions

Main VR attractions of Santo Antonio:

• Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (Cacela Velha)
• Fortress of Cacela
• Pombaline historic center of Vila Real de Santo António
• Hotel Guadiana (Building of Municipal Interest)

Sports in Vila Real de Santo Antônio

Sports lovers can practice their favorite sports: nautical sports, hiking, trails, athletics, excursions and boat trips, among others.

Find out more: Sports in Vila Real de Santo Antonio

Parishes

The following are the parishes of Vila Real de Santo Antônio:

• Vila Nova de Cacela (western part)
• Monte Gordo (eastern part)
• Vila Real de Santo António (eastern part)

+ Information about Vila Real de Santo Antônio

• City Hall of Vila Real de Santo Antônio
• Address/Address: Praça do Marquês de Pombal 22, 8900-231 Vila Real de Santo António
• Phone: +351 281 510 000
• Official Link: CM VRSA
• Contact by email: geral@cm-vrsa.pt
• Social networks: www.facebook.com/cmvrsa/ , Instagram: @vila_real_santo_antonio
• Opening hours:
  9:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday