Borderland Charms: Discover Vila Real de Santo António & Castro Marim

Tucked away at the easternmost edge of the Algarve, at the Spanish border, the neighbouring towns of Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim offer a captivating blend of history, riverfront charm, and unspoiled nature. A perfect day trip from Tavira, these villages reveal a more tranquil, authentic side of the region—far from the crowded beaches and bustling resorts.

Vila Real de Santo António, sitting directly on the Guadiana River across from Spain, is an elegant 18th-century town with a distinctive Pombaline layout. Its grid-like streets and grand Praça Marquês de Pombal reflect the Enlightenment ideals of order and symmetry. Lined with shops, cafés, and tiled facades, the town invites leisurely strolls, riverside dining, or even a ferry ride to Ayamonte, just across the water. Don’t miss the marina promenade or the cultural centre housed in the former customs house.

Just a few kilometres inland, Castro Marim is older and more rustic. Dominated by two hilltop castles—the medieval Castelo de Castro Marim and the 17th-century Fort of São Sebastião—the village offers sweeping views over salt marshes, the river, and even Spain. Its historical role in border defence is palpable, and its quiet streets and whitewashed houses reflect a slower pace of life. The area is also known for its traditional salt pans and artisanal flor de sal.

Each August, Castro Marim hosts the Dias Medievais (Medieval Days), one of Portugal’s most celebrated historical festivals. For five days, the town transforms into a medieval village, complete with knights, jesters, artisans, and a bustling market. The 2025 edition is scheduled from August 27 to 31. Visitors can enjoy reenactments, traditional music, and a nightly video mapping show projected onto the castle walls. visitportugal.com

Nature lovers will appreciate the Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António, a protected wetland rich in birdlife, including flamingos and storks. Cycling routes and walking trails criss-cross this flat landscape, making it an ideal place for gentle outdoor exploration.

Whether you’re drawn by architecture, birdwatching, history, or simply a riverside lunch, Vila Real and Castro Marim offer a unique window into the Algarve’s quieter charms—where Portugal meets Spain and time slows down.