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Is Monte Gordo Algarve Worth Visiting? Absolutely it’s great

Visiting Monte Gordo is great option if you are planning on visiting the Algarve. In addition to long sandy beaches, the area has great restaurants and is within easy reach of the Spanish border too.

It’s a popular spot with Portuguese holidaymakers. Many of them have holiday apartments in the town.

Read on to decide if it’s a great holiday spot for you too.

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What Is Monte Gordo Algarve Like?

What is Monte Gordo Algarve Like?

Monte Gordo Algarve is a beach resort at the Western side of the Algarve region of Portugal. It has a huge long sandy beach. There is plenty of accommodation and it’s location means it is ideal for exploring Portugal and Spain.

Monte Gordo is a mix of hotels, apartment buildings, and residential buildings.

Size and Population

In terms of size, Monte Gordo is small, with only around 3,500 people living there. However, it can accommodate many more in the holiday accommodation.

Our Stay at Prime Energise Hotel

We stayed at the Prime Energise Hotel, which is set on the edge of Monte Gordo.

Easy to Explore

Given that the town is so small, it is easy to walk everywhere. The town center area and promenade were under 5 minutes away from our hotel.

monte gordo algarve beach showing beach chairs and umbrellas

Monte Gordo Algarve Beach

The beach at Monte Gordo is huge, wide, and sandy, like much of the Algarve coastline.

A Different Landscape

Unlike other parts of the Algarve, Monte Gordo does not have rugged cliffs and caves. Instead, the town sits directly beside the sea.

The Promenade Experience

The promenade features a wooden walkway that runs along the top of the sand. This walkway provides easy access to the beach area, which is filled with:

  • Sunbeds
  • Parasols
  • Bars and cafes

Many of the bars and cafes along the boardwalk serve food and drinks to those relaxing on the sunbeds.

A Visit in November

I visited in November, and by then, many of the sunbeds had been cleared away. The temperature was still around 15-20 degrees, which feels warm for someone from the North of Scotland.

The wind made it feel a bit cooler. There is often a breeze coming in from the sea, making it a popular spot. This cooling breeze offers welcome relief from the hot summer days.

Local Reactions to the Weather

In November, I noticed some locals feeling the chill. They were bundled up in coats and jackets, yet they still enjoyed the beach.

Monte Gordo Algarve

Monte Gordo Esplanade

Set back behind the promenade is an esplanade area. This area features more cafes, restaurants, and attractions, along with some nice gardens.

A Pleasant Place to Walk

It’s a pleasant place to walk and enjoy exploring. The esplanade is flat and level, which makes walking easy.

Seasonal Changes

Given the time of year, many of the bars and cafes were closed for the season. However, there were still a few open, providing enough options to choose from.

Monte Gordo Algarve

Monte Gordo Town Centre

The town centre of Monte Gordo features pedestrianised streets. You will find several shops and cafes along these streets.

Morning Stroll and Coffee

It was pleasant to stroll through one morning and then enjoy a coffee.

Delicious Portuguese Bakeries

Portuguese bakeries are lovely. I found a great one near the hotel to have breakfast in. It was amazingly cheap, and I would go back to Monte Gordo just to eat another of their lovely cakes.

Local Supermarkets and Butcher Shops

There were also a couple of small supermarkets in the town. One supermarket had a very interesting butcher shop inside it. It was great to see the local food options available. It was also handy to stock up on a few bits and pieces for our room:

  • Fresh fruits
  • Local cheeses
  • Snacks and drinks

Monte Gordo Algarve

Easy to Explore From Monte Gordo

It’s easy to explore the coast from Monte Gordo. I enjoyed discovering a little of Spain I hadn’t seen before the area just over the border and the International Bridge.

Drive to Tavira

It’s an easy drive along the coast to the pretty town of Tavira.

Indoor Market

There is a nice indoor market here, but make sure to get there before 1 PM when it closes.

Visit Vila Real

Vila Real is not far away either. This town looks across the river to neighboring Spain. It has a few nice cobbled streets and a pleasant area with cafes along the riverbank.

Is Monte Gordo Worth Visiting – Conclusion

If you want a base to explore the eastern side of the Algarve and the western corner of Portugal, then Monte Gordo is a good option.

Distance from Faro Airport

Monte Gordo is 60 km from Faro Airport. It is a little further away, but it’s quieter as a result.

Accommodation Options

There is a good selection of accommodation in Monte Gordo. It caters more to Portuguese holidaymakers, so the costs throughout the town are generally great value.

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You Might Also Like

If you have found this article about whether Monte Gordo is worth visiting useful you might also like;

Monte Gordo Planner – everything you need to know staying here

Prime Energise Hotel Review – we stayed 4 nights in a lovely junior suite

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My Portugal Videos on YouTube

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