In the east extreme of the Algarve, in a bay of calm waters and large sands, there is a beach where the fishing tradition is still intersecting with the frequent presence of a well -known face of the Portuguese. There, the wooden walkways cross wide dunes, while the fishing boats dock and the seagulls draw the horizon. The human occupation of the area dates back to ancient times and the current bathing setting preserves this past.
The beach is located in Monte Gordo, village of the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António. The name of the town dates back to the seventeenth century and had originated in João dos Montes Teixeira, captain of the former National Guard, which had extensive lands in the region.
According to the Vila Real de Santo António City Council, the “Monte do Gordo” epithet would eventually evolve into the current name of both the village and the beach.
Presidential baths
The influx of Monte Gordo beach has been growing and there is a particular swimmer who has become a usual presence. According to the newspaper Sul Information, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa found in this locality a refuge far from the busiest tourist circuits.
The President of the Republic spends several weekends, taking the opportunity to live with the population, attend the Mass and go to the beach. The same source adds that when leaving the Palace of Belém, Monte Gordo can become its definitive address.
A flat and affordable beach
Unlike the usual landscape of the center and west Algarve, marked by cliffs and caves, Monte Gordo offers a flat coast. As explained by the Vila Real de Santo António City Council, the Dunar cord extends at the ends of the village, being interrupted in the center by the tourist zone.
The extensive sand is accessible by walkways and is equipped with beach support, surveillance and infrastructures adapted to people with reduced mobility.
West of the beach are still the artisanal fishing boats and the traditional arts used by local fishermen.
According to the same source, it is possible to observe the return of Faina in the early hours of the morning. Part of the captured fish follows directly to the restaurants of the village, keeping a daily connection between the sea and the local cuisine.
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Village that grew up with tourism
Monte Gordo is today a consolidated tourist destination. According to the site, the town was one of the first algarve bathing zones to receive visitors. In addition to the beach, the presence of a casino and a diversified hotel offer contributed to the development of the village. According to the same publication, prices in the area tend to be more affordable than in other parts of the Algarve.
Monte Gordo beach, located in the village of the same name, is not only known for the presidential presence. The sand was also the scene of remarkable moments. A Hollywood actress was fined there for using Bikini, at a time when such a clothing still caused scandal. Nevertheless, the beach continued to grow in popularity, maintaining its identity between the picking past and the tourist present.
Alternative to the most popular beaches
With warmer waters than other parts of the Algarve and an environment less subject to the predominant winds, Monte Gordo Bay becomes especially inviting for families.
Writes the idealist site that, even with mass tourism, the beach remains a space where tradition and everyday life intersect. The extensive strip of sand and the absence of large slopes make it a safe space for baths and walks.
Meeting Point between Sea and Rest
The proximity to Spain, the easy access and the diversity of tourist options make Monte Gordo a vacation destination wanted by Portuguese and foreigners. As the south writes information, it is also one of the few points of the Algarve that the President of the Republic continues to visit with regularity outside the summer.
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