When the big earthquake of 1755, destroyed many coastal towns of the Algarve, a massive tsunami swept completely this city.

By order of Marques de Pombal, Vila Real de Santo António was rebuilt according to the new mindset of the era, the Enlightenment. Hence its parallel and perpendicular streets and the name of its main square, Plaza Marques de Pombal.

It is the last city on shoreline, meeting up with the Guadiana River which is the border between Portugal and Spain, more specifically, the Algarve and Andaluzia.

It is in Vila Real de Santo Antonio that takes place the end of the railway line and the crossing to Spain was made by Ferry​​. Since 1991, the transportation of people, goods and vehicles is made by the Guadiana International Bridge, which upheld a blow to the city's economy that prospered due to the fact that the non-existence of the bridge.

Today this city at the end of a extensive sandy beach, is a simple and enjoyable place for relaxing.