Destination Monte do Malhão | Beaches, History and Adventures in the Algarve

The Destination

Beaches

Diving into the Blue

Praia Verde

Praia Verde, in the Algarve, captivates with its crystal-clear waters and golden sands. Surrounded by pine trees, this beach offers an idyllic setting for relaxing and unforgettable moments by the sea.

Cacela Velha Beach

Cacela Velha Beach, only 7 km away from Monte do Malhão, dazzles with its untouched beauty. With magnificent views over the Ria Formosa, this beach invites you to spend some quiet moments enjoying nature.

Alcoutim's River Beach

Discover serenity at Alcoutim’s River Beach, where the calm waters of the Guadiana River invite you to take a dip. Exuberant nature, peace and beauty await you.

Cabeço Beach

Cabeço Beach in Monte Gordo, with its golden sands, translucent waters and tranquil seaside setting, is the perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries.

Tavira Island

Discover Tavira Island and its white sand. A unique experience of tranquillity and natural beauty.

Historic region

Cultural Heritage

The Historic Center

Rich in history, Castro Marim boasts an imposing castle, fort and revel. They are majestic remains of history that amaze visitors.

Traditional salt pans

The Castro Marim salt pans, which bear witness to an important ancient salt-making activity, offer unique and unspoiled landscapes. Salt and fleur de sel are “white gold”, such is their purity and quality. Discover the harmony between nature and human activity in this fascinating setting where a salt spa is a major attraction.

Enlightenment architecture in Vila Real de Santo António

The Pombaline historic center in Vila Real de Santo António is an example of the Enlightenment current in Portugal. Designed “by ruler and square”, it has historic buildings, where the parish church and the obelisk, among other places, stand out for their history and cultural beauty.

Odeleite House

From the last century, once an important trading post, it has reappeared in all its renewed glory. Authentic environments, exhibitions, a regional store and an outdoor area for events, recalling its rich history.

Nature Reserve of the Salt Marsh of Castro Marim and V.R. Sto. Antonio

The Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Marshland Nature Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary, notable for its diversity of birds and unique marshland landscape.

Villages & Towns

Exploring the surroundings

Village of Cacela Velha

Cacela Velha enchants with its narrow passageways and whitewashed houses. The streets are named after the writers who were born there or who spoke about it. It’s a charming place where, at the top of the cliff, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and one of the ends of the Ria Formosa. An authentic and picturesque village with Moorish heritage.

Village of Odeleite

The village of Odeleite enchants with its white houses and picturesque hillside, resembling an authentic nativity scene when all the lights come on at night. The Odeleite stream offers a serene landscape and is a place of devotion and great pilgrimage on May 1st. It is also in Odeleite that we have a wide view of the Odeleite Dam.

Barrio da Vila, Ayamonte

Ayamonte’s Barrio de la Vila is a charming maze of narrow streets. With its welcoming squares, it reflects the authenticity and charm of Spanish culture.

Village of Azinhal

Azinhal, a charming village in the municipality of Castro Marim, where Algarvian traditions are preserved, including the production of various products in the traditional cheese production center. Picturesque streets, white houses and a peaceful atmosphere invite you to discover this hidden gem in the heart of the Algarve hills.

City of Tavira

Tavira mesmerizes with its historic architecture, Roman bridges, countless old churches and its very characteristic light. On the banks of the River Gilão, it is an unmissable cultural and tourist destination in the south of Portugal.

Town of Sanlúcar de Guadiana

Sanlúcar de Guadiana, a picturesque Spanish town, stands out for its white houses and steep streets. Situated on the banks of the Guadiana River, it offers breathtaking views of Portugal, revealing a unique connection between the two shores.

Routes and itineraries

Connecting with Nature

Journey to the Center of the Hills

Santa Rita – Martinlongo. By car. 62,36km.

Explore the hills and your community. As the beach disappears, the scent of the Atlantic is replaced by the fragrance of the cistus trees, where the ancestral culture is kept alive.

A glimpse of the Guadiana

Castro Marim – Alcoutim. By car. 38,12km.

The historic heritage of the route is highlighted by the presence of castles and fortresses, as in Castro Marim and Alcoutim, while the blue waters of the Guadiana River complement the landscape.

Cerro do Bufo

Starting from Castro Marim. Pedestrian or cycling trails. 10,5km.

Here you can see industrial salt pans, salt marshes, the Carrasqueira estuary and agricultural fields. This is an excellent trail for birdwatching.

The Freshness of the Atlantic

Factory – VRSA. By car. 15,28km.

Explore the essence of the coast from the Factory to Vila Real de Santo António. Discover magnificent beaches and a rich natural heritage. Visit the Ria Formosa Natural Park or enjoy the great sporting conditions at the Vila Real de Santo António High Performance Center.

The Roads to Santiago

East Path – Lower Guadiana. Walking trail.

The 645-kilometer Eastern Way to Santiago de Compostela starts in Tavira and ends in Trancoso, connecting with the Torres Way to Santiago de Compostela. It passes through stunning landscapes and historic sites such as Castro Marim and Alcoutim.