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!
During the summer there is a land train running from the Vila Real de Santo António to the beach.
The beach itself is a lovely stretch of pale golden sand bordered by the breakwater at the river mouth to one end and the resort beach of Monte Gordo at the other. Despite effectively being the same beach Praia de Santo António is a much quieter spit and instead of a backdrop of high-rise hotels there are only the dunes.
Praia de Santo António is a Blue Flag award beach which guarantees both its cleanliness and a certain level of facilities. There is a seasonal lifeguard service and beach shack.
