Vasco de Gama Hotel
The beautiful region of the Algarve is situated in the south of Portugal and is a popular all year round destination for holidaymakers.
The beaches along the Algarve vary from long stretches of golden sand to small secluded coves, backed by dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops jutting out of the sea. The beaches are clean, many with water sports activities and safe bathing. Inland from the bustle of the beach resorts, the Algarve has some of the best scenery in the whole of Portugal and the beautiful Monchique Mountains offer great views of the coast.
Location
The Vasco de Gama Algarve is located in Monte Gordo, on the eastern side of the Algarve and close to the Spanish border. The hotel has direct access to the promenade and resort and overlooks the lovely long sandy beach. The nearest bars, shops and restaurants are a 100 metre walk away.
Outside the hotel is a bus service that takes the visitor 2 miles to Vila Real, where they can take the ferry over the river to Spain. Monte Gordo has retained its Portuguese charm and remains unspoilt. The distance from Faro Airport is 40 miles and transfers take around 60 minutes.
Facilities
There are 185 guest rooms at the Vasco de Gama Algarve, each with 2 to 3 beds, with bathroom, balcony or terrace, phone, satellite TV, safety deposit box, air conditioning and fridge. There is also a 24 hour reception desk, internet access and gym for those with energy to burn. A laundry service is available at the hotel.
The hotel has a buffet style restaurant serving international and local cuisine and there is a beach cafe serving omelettes, salads and seafood. There is also a lounge bar and pool side bar serving snacks and drinks. The hotel facilities include separate outdoor swimming pool and childrens’ pool, 2 tennis courts, mini golf, currency exchange, pool table, table tennis, cards room, childrens’ playground and dance room. There is also a variety of entertainment at the hotel.
Things To Do Nearby
Monte Gordo has the largest beach and warmest sea in the Algarve. The sea front has a wide, open promenade, lined with palms and is a great place for an evening stroll, or for sitting and watching the sea roll in and out again. This part of the Algarve is extremely flat and so is great for walking or cycling. Tourists can hire bikes and cycle to nearby Vila Real or the many golf courses in the area.
This is a popular destination for golfing holidays and the Algarve provides a great climate even in winter for keen golfers to take advantage of the excellent golf courses along the coast. Kite surfing has become a popular sport on the beaches and there are water sports such as water skiing and windsurfing available. Jeep safaris take the visitor inland to the lakes and a boat trip along the River Guadiana is an enjoyable way to take in the scenery. Cacela Vilha is a delightful village with whitewashed houses, a fort and church, on the waterfront close to Manta Rota, west of Monte Gordo, offering amazing views across to Vila Real.
The nearby town of Castro Marim has a castle and fort, as well as salt pans. Antonio is a salt marsh reserve and home to 153 species of birds, including storks, flamingos and avocets and is popular with bird watchers. The town of Monte Gordo itself has wide, cobbled pedestrianised roads, lined with many restaurants and shops. The beaches at the eastern end of the Algarve are not backed by cliffs, but by lovely sand dunes.
What Have Previous Guests Said?
Previous guests enjoy the spacious rooms and the single beds are large and comfortable. The rooms are newly refurbished and decorated, with great views across the beach. The hotel is clean and safe, with friendly and helpful staff and a great restaurant, serving wonderful meals and breakfasts with a great deal of choice to include a full English or continental breakfast. The evening entertainment laid on by the hotel is great for those evenings when you just do not want to leave the hotel, although the restaurants and bars within close proximity to the hotel are very good and easy to access.
The town of Monte Gordo is very good for people with mobility problems, as the roads and pedestrian walkways are wide and the area is very flat. The hotel has a service lift leading to the dining room, for those who are unable to use the stairs. The beach is uncrowded and clean. The hotel and town are great for people looking for a quiet holiday without a noisy night life.
Lynda and I stayed at the hotel three years ago and had a lovely time, this was after being booked into the worst hotel we have ever stayed in, we promised our selves and the staff at the Vasco de Gama that we would return. The staff and Management where so helpful to lynda and I, after what was for our first trip to Monte Gordo, we have no hesitation in going back. and we look forward to spending two memorable weeks.
We always stop at this hotel, the breakfasts are the best! The hotel is clean, although parts could do with a lick of paint. The staff are helpful. The evening meals are fine, good selection.