From Seville to Cacela Velha is about 2 hours by car. See how to get there from Spain, what to know before crossing the border and where to stay for a weekend.
From Seville to Cacela Velha is about 2 hours by car. It is one of the easiest short breaks for anyone living in the south of Spain: you cross the Guadiana river and, shortly after, you are in the loveliest village in the East Algarve.
This guide explains how to get there from Seville and from other Spanish cities, what to know before crossing the border and where to stay for a weekend.
Quick answer
- From Seville: about 2 hours by car, via Ayamonte and the Algarve.
- From Madrid or Barcelona: the road journey is long. Most people prefer to fly to Faro or Seville and hire a car.
- The base closest to Spain: Vila Real de Santo António, about 25 minutes from Cacela Velha.
Mainland Portugal is one hour behind Spain. Set your watch on arrival.
From Seville to Cacela Velha
The most common route is to drive from Seville to Ayamonte and cross the Guadiana into Portugal, over the Guadiana International Bridge or, if you prefer, by ferry between Ayamonte and Vila Real de Santo António. Then take the A22 (Via do Infante) to the Vila Nova de Cacela exit, or the N125.
- Tolls: the A22 has electronic tolls. If you come with a foreign-registered car, check how to pay before you travel, or choose the N125, which has no tolls.
- Arrive in the morning. The Cacela Velha car park fills early in July and August. See the guide on how to get to Cacela Velha.
From Madrid, Barcelona and other cities
From Madrid and Barcelona, the road journey is long for a weekend. One alternative is to fly to Faro and hire a car at the airport, or to fly to Seville and drive the last stretch. Compare rental prices from Faro Airport.
What to know before crossing the border
- Time difference: mainland Portugal is one hour behind.
- Currency: it is the euro, as in Spain.
- Public holidays and long weekends: on dates such as 15 August demand for accommodation goes up. Book early.
- Meal times: check restaurant kitchen hours, which may differ from what you are used to in Spain.
Where to stay for a weekend
- Vila Real de Santo António: the base closest to the border, with a ferry, a train station and a town atmosphere.
- Monte Gordo: beach and hotels, about 20 minutes from Cacela Velha.
- Manta Rota: a calm beach, a few minutes from the village.
- Praia Verde and Verdelago: a resort, spa and quiet.
- Tavira: a historic town and restaurants, for a second night.
Compare every area in the Where to Stay Near Cacela Velha guide.
What to do
See the weekend in Cacela Velha itinerary and book a boat trip on the Ria Formosa or a food tour.
Ready to book?
See all stays or compare prices: Booking.com · Hotels.com · Vrbo.