Vila Real de Santo António is expecting thousands of visitors for its centuries-old Beach Fair (Feira da Praia), set to take place from October 8 to 15.
Spread across Avenida da República, the old town wall area and Praça Marquês de Pombal, the fair features a wide range of themed areas, including food and drink, textiles, home décor, crafts, clothing, sweets, amusements and a dedicated zone for companies and exhibitors.
Aside from attracting visitors from all over the Algarve, the fair is also popular among Spanish tourists. October 12, a public holiday in Spain, in particular draws large numbers of Spanish tourists who cross the border to enjoy the event.
One of the town’s oldest and most emblematic traditions, Feira da Praia dates back to 1765, when it was first held on the sands of Monte Gordo. It moved to Vila Real de Santo António in 1774, soon becoming a social hub and economic driver for the region.
More than two centuries later, it remains a highlight of the municipality’s cultural and commercial calendar, “preserving its historical identity while keeping alive the memory of its origins,” the municipal council says.
The fair is free to visit and runs from 10am to 1am, expect on October 11 and 12 when it closes an hour later at 2am.
