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Review written by Jeanine Nygård, 400m sprinter from Finland - May 2023:

This is a small review of one of my absolute favorite training camp destinations: Vila real de Santo Antonio / Monte Gordo are, at least for me, very familiar and almost like a second home. I have been there more than 10 times and it has yet to disappoint, and I always find my way back. 

One of the best things about this location is that everything is included, as you can read in the description of the stadium, and everyone can benefit from a training camp here! Whether you are a runner, thrower, jumper or into combined events, they have everything you could ever need.

For me, as a 400m runner, the combination of being able to do my sessions inside the stadium on the track as well as the possibility to do great sessions outside of the stadium is very valuable, and it is probably the biggest difference compared to other destinations.

The many routes and trails work great for longer runs, tempo runs and threshold training and there are several places to get some hill sprints in. There is also a very long and beautiful beach, which is not that crowded, that is perfect for easier sessions or to recover from your hard ones.

Doing sports, it is almost impossible to stay healthy and injury free all the time and by my own experience I can safely say that this destination is suitable for injured athletes. The trails and roads provide great possibilities for biking, and it is also a beautiful place to explore which makes the rehab training much more fun! Inside the training complex at the stadium there are cross trainers and training bikes for the athlete that would rather stay indoors. Next to the complex there is also an indoor swimming hall which is perfect for aqua jogging or regular swimming.

Medical and rehab assistance is easily accessible next to the complex, and if you ask the staff, they will gladly help you in getting in touch with local osteopaths, physiotherapists, and masseurs.

Some other notes about this training camp destination: You might have noticed I wrote Vila Real de Santo Antonio / Monte Gordo, and this is because almost every hotel is in Monte Gordo while the sports complex itself is in Vila Real de Santo Antonio.

Monte Gordo is located approximately 2,5km from the stadium and one would need to bike, run, or go by car to get there efficiently. Hence, I recommend renting a bike or car. In my opinion this is not an issue at all, as this is a perfect distance for a warm-up from biking or running. The trails can be easily accessed directly from Monte Gordo though!

As a city, Monte Gordo might be one of the calmest cities I’ve ever been to, which is nice if you, like me, like it that way. If you are planning a longer training camp, you might want to travel around and explore, and there are tons of adventures you can go on around the area. Renting a car is very cheap and a lot of interesting destinations are basically around the corner. Just google and do some adventures!

I hope this review helped you get some insight into this destination, and I highly recommend this place for training camps!

Review written by Ella Duane, 400m hurdler from Ireland - March 2023:

I came to Vila Real de Santo Antonio for 10 days with my training group and it honestly exceeded my expectations. The track and facilities were top class and they had a gym overlooking the track. Equipment was easily accessible and they had recovery facilities on site such as cryotherapy. The location was so beautiful, with trails and beaches near by perf et for longer runs-definitely my favourite place for warm weather training so far!

Review written by Josefin, long distance runner from Finland - March 2023:

I have been at several training camps in Monte Gordo. Usually, I go to Monte Gordo between November-April. For a long distance runner, this time of the year is the best as the temperatures are not that high, usually between 15-20 degrees. All hotels in Monte Gordo are perfectly located, close to the sea/beach, the trails, and asphalt roads. The forest trails are soft for the legs but you can still run rather fast at them. Then there is a 2-3 km straight, flat asphalt road going from Monte Gordo to the V.R.S.A. stadium, and this straight is perfect for running intervals. The V.R.S.A. stadium offers great conditions for runners, jumpers, and throwers. Next to the stadium, there is a well-equipped gym with all weights and machines you need. You can look out over the stadium tracks while working out in the gym. During rainy days, you can also do drills/sprints in the indoor arena. There is also equipment for high jump and throws in the indoor arena. I usually rent a car when being in Monte Gordo so I can drive around to small cities next by or to Faro or Spain (Sevilla) for shopping/sight-seeing. There are also plenty of options for renting a bike, and you managed well in Monte Gordo with a bike only.

Review written by Lili Anna Vindics-Tóth, runner from Hungary - March 2023:

I really love Monte Gordo. It's the perfect place as a training camp for distance runners. The track is perfect, and there is a beautiful forest, where you can do your easy and long runs. The ocean is really nice, so as the Portuguese people. The food is also really healthy and delicious. I have been here 3 times already, also when I've been preparing for Tokyo Olympics Games. If you ask me, this is the perfect place for a great training camp.