In the Algarve it is still possible to find cities where the price per square meter remains below 3,000 euros, something increasingly rare in one of the most sought after regions in the country. Among them, Vila Real de Santo António stands out, which combines a privileged location, quality of life and an affordable real estate market.
According to the portal dedicated to buying and selling property, Idealista, Vila Real de Santo António has an average price of 2,621 euros per square meter, well below the values recorded in areas such as Lagos (4,361 €/m²) or Almancil (6,189 €/m²). These numbers place Vila Real de Santo António among the cheapest cities in the Algarve to buy a house, whilst maintaining its proximity to the sea and the Guadiana River which make it particularly attractive for those who want to live in Sotavento.
A city between two countries
Located in the extreme southeast of Portugal, Vila Real de Santo António is a riverside city facing Spain, separated from Ayamonte only by the Guadiana River. This strategic location has attracted more and more Portuguese and foreign buyers who value the tranquility of the city and the ease of crossing the border in a few minutes, whether by car or boat.
With a history linked to the canning industry, Vila Real de Santo António was also one of the first examples of planned urbanism in Portugal. Rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, it followed the Pombaline model that inspired Baixa de Lisboa, with straight, perpendicular streets that intersect around Praça Marquês de Pombal, the true heart of the city.
Pombaline center on the banks of the Guadiana
Lined with Portuguese pavement and surrounded by neoclassical buildings, Praça Marquês de Pombal is today a meeting point for locals and visitors. According to the tourism portal, Algarve Portugal Tourism, it is in this area that cafes, restaurants and traditional commerce are concentrated, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere throughout the year.
Nearby, Avenida da República stretches along the river, offering views of the port and the boats that connect with Spain. According to the same source, from there it is possible to walk to Praia de Santo António, an extensive and not very busy beach.
Pine forests, beaches and borders
Between the city and the coast is the Mata Nacional das Dunas de Vila Real de Santo António, a pine forest measuring around three kilometers that functions as a natural corridor to the sea. The same source explains that this route, known as Caminho dos Três Pauzinhos, is very popular for walking and cycling, offering shade, fresh air and the characteristic aroma of Mediterranean plants.
A few minutes from the city is Monte Gordo, which has one of the best-known beaches in the Eastern Algarve. According to , this proximity, combined with the still competitive prices and the environmental quality of the area, makes Vila Real de Santo António one of the options for those looking for a balance between cost, location and lifestyle in the Algarve.
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