A calm beach town in eastern Algarve with warm Mediterranean waters and year-round mild climate. The long sandy beach stretches for 2 km along the Spanish border.
Monte Gordo sits in Portugal's eastern Algarve, where you'll find mainland Portugal's warmest swimming waters. Walk along the beachfront promenade to watch fishermen bring in their daily catch, try your luck at the Monte Gordo Casino, or spot chameleons in the morning sun. A 15-minute ferry ride takes you to Ayamonte, Spain, making Monte Gordo an excellent base for exploring both countries.
Swimming and Beach Life
The Praia de Monte Gordo stretches for 14 kilometers along the coast, with water depths increasing gradually from the shore. At low tide, the shallow area extends 10 to 30 meters into the sea, making it safe for children. The water temperature ranges from 16°C in February to 22°C between July and September. You can join locals collecting "conquilhas" - small edible clams that burrow in the sandy bottom during low tide.
Transport and Getting Around
Trains connect Monte Gordo to Faro every hour, with the journey taking about one hour. From Lisbon, you'll spend 4-5 hours on the train. The station lies a 10-minute walk from the beach. By car from Faro Airport, take the A22 highway for a 50-minute drive. You'll find several free parking areas near the beach in the town center.
Pine Forest and Walking Trails
Walk through the Mata Nacional da Dunas Litorais, where pine trees grow among sand dunes. Clear paths lead to Vila Real de Santo António (45-minute walk) and Altura (40-minute walk). Common Chameleons sun themselves on tree branches in the morning, especially from April to October. Look up to see white storks nesting in the taller trees between February and July.
Casino and Evening Activities
At Monte Gordo Casino, you'll find 300 slot machines and tables for American roulette, Black Jack, and poker. The casino opens daily from 3 PM until 3 AM, with two restaurants inside. Along the beachfront promenade, restaurants serve grilled fish and seafood at outdoor tables until around 11 PM.
Day Trips from Monte Gordo
Walk or take a short bus ride to Vila Real de Santo António, where streets form a grid pattern around the Marquês de Pombal square. Ferries depart hourly from the river port to Ayamonte, Spain. Head north to Castro Marim nature reserve to see salt pans where flamingos stop during spring and autumn migrations. The Castro Marim golf course spreads across three 9-hole courses among pine trees and lakes.
