Visiting Monte Gordo – A beach to Portuguese
Visiting Monte Gordo – A beach to PortugueseMonte Gordo is only a beach, with nothing more than a good sea, a large and long stripe of sand, hotels, apartments and camping for thousands, and many restaurants that in August don’t seem to be that much.
I spent there two weeks.
I hate to stay under the sun.
I survived.
Beach
If swimming or staying under the sun are your goal, then Monte Gordo is a good option – the water is the warmest in Portugal, the beach, though generally crowded, is large enough for the thousands that use it.
Lodging and catering are cheaper than in the top touristy destinations.That’s why the percentage of Portuguese people in this beach is much bigger than elsewhere, only the Spanish taking advantage of the proximity to mix with us.
There’s not much to see and do, locally, but is possible to make a few short trips to some interesting points – Faro is less than one hour distant, and Seville less than two hours, for instance.
Honorato
Honorato
Good experience
An almost empty restaurant in the front line of the beach, uses to mean… either bad or expensive (or both). That was not the case. We had a good lunch paying a correct price. We did never return there only because it was a little out of our usual path, and there were too many options everywhere.
Favorite Dish: I had a very good Tuna in Algarve style.
Price Comparison: about average
Directions: In first line of the beach
Barca dos Sabores
Take away
This was my favorite take-away in Monte Gordo.
Only three different dishes, well chosen, cooked and charged. It has only a couple of tables, betting mainly in take-away. It was a perfect solution to grab a dinner while returning home from the beach.
Address: 10, R. Francisco Almeida
Directions: Near Guadiana Apart-hotel
Migalhas
Good place
I had dinner there twice.
Watching football in the big screen was the objective and that was, probably the reason why the service was so slow (full house).
In the first time I was alone, and I must confess that I didn’t notice the time passing. The second time the family was there, and the ladies were rather impatient (and me too). Well, I enjoyed the food.
Many different dishes, well served, at regular prices.
Furthermore, this was the best take-away that we used. Well displayed and cooked food, gentleness in service, only the prices were almost the same than at the table. I was there again last year, and something seemed different.
As a matter of fact I couldn’t locate it. I was afraid that it could be closed, but read in Tripadvisor some appreciations in 2016, which means that it remains there. Good!
B. B. B.
The best
The ugliest of the three restaurants in the beach was my favorite.
They are all very similar in conditions, menu and price, but the service of BBB was a little better than the other.
We checked more than once!It is managed by Navegadores hotel, and that may be justify the differences.
Favorite Dish: Grilled fish”Conquilhas”
Directions: On the beach
Jopel
Jopel
Could be better
Very well located – on the sand but easily accessible from the walkway, this was our first experience. Not bad, but it could be better – drinks were not cool enough, service was slow.
A second visit left better impression – drinks were OK, service continued slow, and somewhat confuse.
Favorite Dish: Grilled fish
Directions: On the beach
Phone: 281544202
Mamma Mia
Mamma Mia
Just Pizza
Too much people in a restaurant generally means good price or good quality (or both).
This was one of the most occupied restaurants in my area, thus becoming my first option. Well, they sell reasonable pizzas, not too cheap and not too kindly.
Nothing serious to complaint, but I went elsewhere.
Price Comparison: about average
Taj Mahal
Good Indian
We visited this restaurant several times, always with pleasure. It’s typical Indian food, but they always spice it according to the costumers demand, and that makes all the difference.The prices were very acceptable.
Favorite Dish: We tried a large diversity, and all the dishes were aproved.
Address: Rua D. Francisco de Almeida
Price Comparison: about average
Phone: +351 281 543 499
Facebook: Taj Mahal
Jaime
Great Menu
Very well located, it was Fernanda’s top choice taking us there several times.
Variety, good quality, regular price, the only problem is being always full (at least the esplanade), with service delaying a little.
Favorite Dish: Grilled shrimps
Address: 1 Luis Camões sq
Price Comparison: about average
Phone: +351 281542278
Contreras
In the beach
Among the three restaurants in the beach this was our last option. Why?
Because it displayed the poorest information of them all – no menu, no prices, just a place to sit and… to risk.
Well, we ended well served, eating a “Cataplana” that, as expected, cost a little more than the average meal, and demanded a little more work (and dirt) smashing the shells.
Overall, the impression of our single visit was positive.
Favorite Dish: Cataplana de Marisco
Address: On the beach
Price Comparison: about average
Alcazar hotel – A new look
Alcazar hotel – A new lookI stayed in this hotel in 1990, and I must confess that I was somewhat disappointed – the hotel was worse than Eurotel Altura (where we spent a week in 1989), and much more expensive. It rated then 4 stars and, clearly, needed refurbishing.
I didn’t enter this time, but from outside it’s clear that the needed works were done. The hotel looks nice, and downgraded from 4 to 3 stars, the prices seem to be… nicer too.
Not being a beach resort it is at very short distance from the sea.
Address: Rua de Ceuta N. 9, Monte Gordo, FA 8900
Phone: +351 281 510 140
Website: Alcazar
Crowds
Monte Gordo is one of the most popular family destinations in Algarve, which means that, even with a wide beach, it may become crowded in peak season.
I don’t bother sharing space with other people, but those who appreciate emptiness should look elsewhere.
High Tides
The sea is generally very calm, but in high tides it may become wilder.
Not always rough enough to force to suspend swimming – as a matter of fact, for my tastes, high tides provided, this time, the very best days of the vacation – but implying some surprises as wet towels or… “navigating shoes”.
However, things may be different, and some years ago I saw a girl breaking one arm, so it is important to follow the vigilante’s instructions.
Stroll in the night
Stroll in the night
There is not much nightlife in Monte Gordo, because it is a family destination.
The main attraction, in the hot nights, is to stroll by the beach, and tasting soft drinks and ice cream in the many esplanades and stalls.
Stroll in the night
There is not much nightlife in Monte Gordo, because it is a family destination.
The main attraction, in the hot nights, is to stroll by the beach, and tasting soft drinks and ice cream in the many esplanades and stalls.
