4 Best Best Beaches in Castro Marim

Monte Gordo is the Algarve's closest resort to the Spanish border. As such it attracts a mix of Portuguese, Spanish and international visitors drawn by the expansive golden sand beaches and the casino.

Named after the border town behind, the Praia de Santo António is the most easterly beach on the Algarve, or all of Portugal for that matter. To get to the beach you can take the pleasant 10 minute stroll along the bank of the river Guadiana or alternatively take the path through the pine woods that grow on the dunes behind the beach - known as the "Caminho dos Três Pauzinhos". This is the best route as there is a wealth of wildlife including chameleons, although they do live up to their reputation of being camouflaged so may be difficult to spot!

This lovely stretch of fine golden sand is located on a slightly quieter section of the Algarve coast between Tavira and the Spanish border (less than 2km away). That is not to say the beach isn't popular and has somehow managed to escape the tourist radar. You will still find straw parasols and sun loungers a-plenty here but the beach does still retain something of an unspoilt, if not a little upmarket air to it.

Manta Rota is part of a long sweep of fine sand that arches from the frontier town of Vila Real de Santo António, on the Spanish border, to Praia de Cabanas in Tavira. The beach at Manta Rota sits on the edge of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, an important wetland where a host of migratory birds, and other wildlife, are found in abundance.

You'll find plenty of space at Praia da Manta Rota even though it is a popular beach, especially amongst locals. The beach is backed by low sand dunes which seem to go on for ever, adding to the feeling of space.