Praia de Santo António: the #1 guide
Praia de Santo António is one of the most peaceful and natural beaches in the Algarve. Located at the far eastern tip of Portugal, just outside the town of Vila Real de Santo António, it sits between the pine forest of Mata Nacional das Dunas and the Guadiana River, just across from Spain. With its long stretch of golden sand, warm sea, and quiet atmosphere, it offers a different kind of beach experience, one that’s grounded in nature and simplicity. There are no high-rise hotels or packed beach bars here. Instead, you’ll find open space, clean air, and the soothing sound of waves. This guide will help you make the most of your visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia de Santo António unique
- Tips for swimming, walking, and exploring the beach
- Where to eat, stay, and enjoy the view
- Practical advice on parking, getting there, and avoiding the crowds
- Hidden spots and must-see highlights nearby
Why visit Praia de Santo António
- Wild and peaceful atmosphere – backed by pine forest and dunes, this beach offers a quiet, natural escape from built-up resorts.
- Views across to Spain – gaze across the Guadiana River and enjoy panoramic views of Ayamonte, just on the other side.
- Perfect for long beach walks – with over 3 km of soft sand, it’s ideal for stretching your legs in solitude.
- Warmest sea in the Algarve – thanks to its location near the Mediterranean, the water is noticeably warmer here.
- Hidden from the crowds – no high-rise hotels or noisy beach bars, just space, nature, and stillness.
If you would like to see a glimpse of Praia de Santo António, then watch the video below.
What to expect at the beach
Praia de Santo António is a big beach, stretching for about 3 kilometres. The beach is about 250 metres wide. Praia de Santo António is the easternmost beach of the Algarve and in fact of all of Portugal. It is bordered by Praia de Monte Gordo in the west.
There are no tourist developments near Praia de Santo António, in contrast to Praia de Monte Gordo, which is backed by high-rise apartments and hotels. Also, there are walkways across the dunes to reach the beach, in order to protect the ecosystem.
The sand is soft and extends as far as you can see. This makes the beach excellent for long beach walks. You could walk all the way to Praia de Cacela Velha if you wanted to. The water at Praia de Santo António is very warm, because it is the closest beach to the Mediterranean Sea. The beach is located next to the mouth of the Guadiana River. On the other side of the river is Spain. From the beach you have a great view over the Spanish town of Ayamonte.
The beach is not very touristic. There are less people on this beach than on Praia de Monte Gordo. It is a relatively quiet beach. However, during weekends in the summer, the beach will be more crowded. Praia de Santo António is popular among Portuguese locals. Due to the proximity to Spain, the beach is also popular among Spanish tourists.
On the east side of the beach, near the Guadiana River, there is a pier extending out into the water. This is also a great place for a stroll. You could easily spend an hour walking here. From the pier you have a great view over the beach of Santo António.
Pine forest
The beach is backed by low dunes and a pine forest, known as Mata Nacional das Dunas de Vila Real de Santo António. This pine forest is great for hiking and biking. The air here is very fresh and clean.
Beach bar
On the beach is a basic beach bar where you can get refreshments, such as drinks or ice cream. Not too far from the beach is another beach bar, called Grand Beach Club. This place has a nice infinity pool and a great vibe. It is a great place for having a cocktail after visiting the beach.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia de Santo António like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Go early to claim the best parking spot. The dirt-road parking fills up quickly on summer weekends. Arrive before 10:00 am and you can park in the shady spots right at the entrance to the trail.
- Don’t miss the pier at golden hour. Walk to the end of the long pier around 7:30-8:00 pm in summer. The view of the sun dipping behind the dunes is one of the most peaceful sunset moments in the Algarve.
- Combine beach time with tapas in Spain. From Vila Real, take the ferry across the river to Ayamonte for an evening of Spanish tapas after your beach day. It’s the ultimate cross-border day trip.
- Avoid swimming near the pier. The currents can be unpredictable close to the river mouth. It’s safer and calmer if you move a few hundred meters west along the shoreline.
- Time your visit around the tides. Visit just before low tide for a huge stretch of soft, flat sand perfect for walking or setting up a secluded spot. You’ll feel like you have the beach to yourself.
How to get there & parking
Praia de Santo António is a couple of kilometres from Vila Real de Santo António. There are three ways to reach the beach:
By car
The easiest way to move around in the Algarve is by car. If you don’t have one, make sure to rent a car. It is only a couple of minutes by car from Vila Real de Santo António. To reach the beach, follow the road along the Guadiana River. Part of this road is a dirt road. You can park your car next to the road and then walk to the beach.
Caminho dos Três Pauzinhos
There is an ecotrail behind Praia de Santo António, which is actually a great way to reach the beach. The trail is about 1,5 kilometres in length and great for walking and biking. During summer there is also a tourist train along this route. In this area you can also spot wildlife, such as birds and even chameleons.
From Praia de Monte Gordo
Walking from Praia de Monte Gordo, you could also walk east to reach Praia de Santo António.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia de Santo António? We’ve selected our favorite hotels in the area based on location, comfort, and guest reviews. The Algarve has become extremely popular, and the best places tend to sell out fast, especially in peak season. To avoid missing out, we recommend booking your hotel as early as possible. Our favourite hotels near the beach are:
- Grand House. This luxurious five star hotel in the centre of Vila Real de Santo António has an infinity pool and offers great views over the harbour and the Spanish town of Ayamonte. There are wellness facilities as well. This is the most upscale hotel in town.
- Hotel Apolo. This three star hotel offers great value for money. They have an outdoor swimming pool and good facilities, while prices are very reasonable. Highly rated as well.
- Alojamento Baixa Mar. This guest house offers private rooms for a cheap price. The place is clean and rooms have a view over the river or the harbour. Also, the host is very friendly. She will make sure you have an excellent stay.
Transfer to the hotel
Whatever hotel you choose, it is important to think about how to get there. If you don’t have a car, make sure to rent a car. Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer from Faro Airport directly to your hotel.
Top excursions nearby
There is a lot to discover in the eastern Algarve and we recommend to take an excursion to make the most out of your stay in this region. A guide will give you insights into the local culture and traditions that you couldn’t get otherwise. Some of these excursions can already be booked online. Below you can find our favourite excursions in the eastern Algarve.
FAQ
Swimming is generally safe thanks to the gentle slope of the shore and calm water conditions. However, conditions can vary with tides and weather, so caution is advised. Avoid swimming near the mouth of the river where currents may be stronger.
The water at Praia de Santo António is among the warmest in the Algarve. This is due to its proximity to the Mediterranean. In summer, temperatures often reach 22–24°C.
Compared to central Algarve beaches, Praia de Santo António is much quieter. It gets busier on summer weekends and holidays, especially with Portuguese and Spanish visitors. But even then, there’s usually plenty of space.
The beach has fine, golden sand that’s soft and comfortable underfoot. It’s great for lounging, walking, or playing beach games. The sand extends for several kilometers.
Yes, you can walk westward to Praia de Monte Gordo or even further to Praia do Cabeço and Praia Verde. These long walks are scenic and perfect for those who enjoy beach hikes. Make sure to bring water and sunscreen if you’re planning to walk far.
Yes, it’s ideal for families looking for a peaceful beach experience. The lack of crowds, clean water, and lifeguard supervision in summer make it suitable for children. Just note there are fewer facilities than at more developed beaches.
Natural shade is limited since the beach is open and flat. You’ll want to bring your own umbrella or beach tent if you’re staying for the day. The pine forest behind the dunes offers a bit of shade, but it’s not directly on the beach.
Yes, the beach offers clear views across the Guadiana River to the Spanish town of Ayamonte. It’s one of the few beaches in Portugal where you can literally see another country while sunbathing. It’s a unique part of the beach’s charm.
Some light water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking are possible when the sea is calm. However, facilities are limited and equipment rental is rare. This beach is more suited to relaxing than high-adrenaline activities.
Yes, the Caminho dos Três Pauzinhos eco-trail runs behind the beach through pine forest. It’s perfect for walking or cycling and offers great views and shade. You can easily combine beach time with a nature walk.
Beach facilities
Praia de Santo António is a Blue Flag beach, which means that the beach conforms to certain standards of safety and facilities. There are lifeguards here during summer and there are some water sports available on the beach. Also, there is a beach bar where you can get refreshments. However, this beach has relatively fewer facilities than other Blue Flag beaches nearby.
Facilities in Praia de Santo António:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: no
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
