Portugal Trips: Two Towns, One Day: Exploring Vila Real de Santo António and Ayamonte in the East Algarve

By Traveling Queen | February 16, 2025

A perfect cross-border adventure awaits as you discover two charming towns straddling the Guadiana River – Vila Real de Santo António (VRSA) in Portugal and Ayamonte in Spain. Connected by a quick ferry ride, these sister cities offer a delightful contrast of Portuguese and Spanish culture, architecture, and cuisine, all easily explored in a single day.

For those who enjoy video here is a link to my YouTube on my town of VRSA. Click here for the video

In the postcard above is the view of Vila Real de Santo Antonio from my terrace (top), views from Portugal looking across the Guadiana River to Spain. The town you see across the river in the distance is Ayamonte, Spain.

Hop between the two towns on a scenic 10-minute ferry ride (pictured below) for just 2.30 euros each way. The ferry welcomes foot passengers, cyclists, and cars, making it easy to explore both destinations in a single day.

If you find yourself in the Algarve region, simply catch the eastbound train to Vila Real de Santo Antonio (VRSA), conveniently located at the final stop. The hour-long journey from Faro showcases the best of the Algarve, beginning with views of the Ria Formosa nature preserve and Atlantic coast before winding through the Eastern Algarve’s countryside. Along the way, you’ll pass vineyards, olive groves, and cork trees, with a chance to spot flamingos in the wetlands near Castro Marim.

When you reach the final stop at VRSA, walk through the station building and head straight (south) down the street ahead of you (there’s a nice café on the right if you need a refreshment break). Continue straight for about five blocks, then turn left and walk a few more blocks until you reach the river. The ferry terminal is located right behind the new police station – as you walk past, you’ll spot the ANG Café facing the marina. ANG is a perfect spot for a break before or after your ferry ride, offering tasty snacks and beautiful marina views with both indoor and outdoor seating options.

Ferry boats leave every 30 minutes in the summer season and every hour in the off season (on the 30 minute mark from VRSA and returning from Ayamonte, Spain on the hour).

The fee is 2.30 euros each way and you need to buy the ticket just a few minutes before boarding on each side of the river.

Portugal doesn’t sell the Spanish tickets and Spain doesn’t sell the Portuguese tickets.

I buy my Spain ticket as soon as I get off the ferry in Ayamonte so that I don’t have to add extra time before I board the ferry back to VRSA.

Generally the ferries leave from Portugal on the 30 minute mark and on the hour in Spain.

• There is a one hour time difference when you cross the river.
• Spain is one hour ahead of Portugal so plan accordingly.
• Also take a photo of the schedules on each side as holidays and events change the times.
• Set your alarm to make sure you don’t miss the boat, they leave on time.
• Double check the times and here is a link Click for the Schedule Here

There is something special about being on the water which is freeing and refreshing. I find the 10 minute ride a perfect amount of time to enjoy the ride and arrive in town.

In Ayamonte you can shop, grab some tapas and sangria and wander the sweet little town. Be sure to walk directly into town from the ferry. Just make a little left turn and then quick right to go around the building in front of the ferry. Walk straight one block and you’ll see a large square lined with cafes and restaurants.

I recommend a few photos and then turn right to see the church (great tapas and gelato in front of the church).

From the church, follow the street until it dead-ends, then turn left – you’ll spot a charming second-hand shop on your right. When that street comes to an end, make a right. Meander through the little streets and shops until they dead-end, then turn left to find the next little square. From here, you’ll discover the marina promenade with its river views and shops. In this area, you’ll also find the local farmers market, bustling in the morning with fresh fish and vegetables (note that it closes in the late afternoon).

Pro tip: Plan your Ayamonte visit for the morning hours, as many shops close for siesta between 3-6 PM. This makes it the perfect starting point for your day trip before heading back across the river to explore Vila Real de Santo António, where shops stay open throughout the afternoon.

When you hop the ferry back to VRSA take note if you are on the Spanish boat or the Portuguese one.

The Spanish one has an upper deck with amazing views. Access the stairs from the back of the boat for a better view of the river and two towns.

When you’re back in VRSA turn left out of the ferry building and you’ll find one of my favorite cafes in town to your left, Snack Bar do Puerto Recreio de Guadiana (ANG). It has great views of the Marina and palm tree lined “Royal Road” of Vila Real.

The prices are great considering the views. A few beers, some coffee and olives with torradas (toasts) is under 10 euros. Beers average 1-2 euros throughout town. A large or “cannectka” is a great deal and you’ll get the local Portuguese beer, Super Bock, which is tasty.

Head down the river walk to the end to enjoy stretching your legs on the Portuguese tiles.

*Travel Tip…always bring good shoes with a tread to walk on the beauriful but slippery and hard tiles.

Notice the pattern as they are unique to each city in Portugal. Flip back around at the end of the cobblestones and when you see a large marble statue of Lutegarda Guimarães de Caires (a famous poet) turn left away feom the marina or in the direction she is looking. She looks straight to the town square and church just two tiny blocks ahead.

My favorite cafe here is Puro but find your own as this is part of the the fun. This is known as the “shopping” street. You’ll find all types of linen shops, cork product shops and a variety of others with cafes sprinkled between them.

I love the city square and sitting at the cafes while I watch children play around the monument in the center and friends greet each other.

Here is where some of the magic of VRSA is felt.

if you like videos, here is a link to my video on VRSA on American in Portugal on YouTube.

Click here for YouTube Video and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube for free content.

Love the history, facts and tips? Read on here:

Situated at Portugal’s southwesternmost point along the Guadiana River estuary, Vila Real de Santo Antonio has a charming historic center. As a strategic port city bordering Spain, it was carefully planned in the 18th century by King João V.

Built in the Pombaline style, Vila Real features a grid of narrow cobblestone streets laid out in straight lines for functionality. This flat terrain makes it accessible for all. Elegant whitewashed buildings line the roads, with tile roofs providing scenic views.

Also notable is the interior of the 18th century Parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Expectação. For sweeping estuary panoramas, climb to the Miradouro da Salema viewpoint.

Maritime heritage can be discovered at nearby sights like the 19th century lighthouse and fort constructed to safeguard river traffic. Within the city, stroll the plazas and experience local culture. Sample fresh seafood, regional wines, and pastries infused with the flavors of Portugal and neighboring Spain.

With its Enlightenment-era design and picturesque riverfront setting, Vila Real retains the charm of its planned origins. Its strategic position along the Spanish border continues to shape this coastal city today.

The heart and lively center of Vila Real is Placa Marquês de Pombal, a charming pedestrian square shaded by orange trees. Wood benches dot the plaza inviting visitors to relax and enjoy watching people pass by.

Take in the atmosphere as locals go about their daily routines. The peal of bells calls worshippers to the Nossa Senhora church. Visit this 18th century parish church to admire its interior.

When ready to refresh, browse the surrounding cafes for coffee or pop into one of the shops in the shopping streets just off the square. Find linens, handicrafts, honey, preserves made from local oranges, or Portuguese wines to take home. Stop for lunch at one of the restaurants serving seafood fresh from the nearby ocean.

Throughout the day and into the evenings, Placa Marquês de Pombal remains the vibrant heart of Vila Real. Take a seat on the benches and watch the world go by to feel the heartbeat of town in our charming historic center, surrounded by cafes, shops and the reminders of daily life that give the town its character.

Read my article on Vila Real de Santo Antonio for more about our sweet town as a free subscriber to my newsletter.

Except below:

Welcome to the Most southeasterly corner of portugal. A small town and also a county surrounded by national preserves, sand dunes and pine forests. A hidden gem to outsiders but a well known secret of the Spanish and the Portuguese form the “North”.

This “Royal” town is Bordered by the river to Spain, the Atlantic Ocean and miles of preserves. With over 300 sunny days a year this hidden paradise includes everything the soul needs to be happy, but without the high tourist prices.

Those in the “know” enjoy the beauty and local vibe of this elegant royal town. Just big enough without being “too big”. The weekend and package tourists visiting the Algarve tend to stay in the more well known party towns of Albufera and Faro so you’ll be pleasantly surprised with a more local vibe. If you are staying in one of the more well known towns towns getting to Vila Real is an easy train ride away and a great day trip.

There is something special about the air here as it blows from the ocean through the pine preserves and settles into the charming town square. Breath deeply to refresh your lungs and soul as you soak up the sun and some drinks from one of the many cafes lining the center of town. Come when the orange trees surrounding the city square are in bloom for an even more magical sensory experience.

Explore miles of trails by bike or by foot right along the ocean and sand dunes. The location is so healthy that athletes from all around Europe travel here for training. A large stadium and sports center as well as the sun and healthy air attracts athletes from all over Europe.

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