The International Bridge over the Guadiana River, a key connection between Ayamonte, Spain, and Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal, symbolising cross-border collaboration and unity Credit : Shutterstock, florenzo7
Great news for anyone who travels between Portugal and Spain! A brand-new bridge is on the way, linking Alcoutim in the Algarve with Sanlúcar de Guadiana in Andalusia.
This exciting project, which has just been given the official go-ahead, promises to boost cross-border trade, tourism, and generally make life a bit easier for folks living and working in the area.
Alcoutim-Sanlúcar bridge approved: Strengthening Algarve-Andalusia links
The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has officially signed off on the agreement between Portugal and Spain for the construction of this much-needed bridge across the Guadiana River. This means the project can finally get underway. The bridge will connect Alcoutim, a charming town in the Algarve, with Sanlúcar de Guadiana, a Spanish town in the province of Huelva, Andalusia. This new crossing is set to make a real difference to the lives of people on both sides of the border.
Cross-Border development boost: €13 Million investment for the future
This isn’t just a bridge, mind you; it’s a €13 million investment in the future of the region. The project is being developed by the Alcoutim Council and is being funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).
It’s one of two new international bridges agreed upon by the Portuguese and Spanish governments at the Portuguese-Spanish Summit held in Faro back in October 2024. The aim is to strengthen the Common Cross-Border Development Strategy (CBT) and improve the quality of life for people living in these border regions.
The governments hope this will help to revitalise these areas, which have been facing challenges such as an ageing population and rural depopulation. The bridge is expected to foster closer cultural, social, and economic ties between the Alentejo, Algarve, and Andalusia regions.
More than a Bridge: Strengthening ties and driving economic growth
The Portuguese government has stated that the Alcoutim-Sanlúcar crossing will create a “interconnection of the two banks of the Guadiana River between the Portuguese and Spanish road networks, favouring the cultural, social and economic approximation of the axis inter-regional Alentejo-Algarve-Andalusia”.
It’s hoped that the bridge will not only improve transport links but also promote territorial cohesion and contribute to the objectives of the Common Cross-Border Development Strategy, agreed upon at the Portuguese-Spanish Summit in October 2020. This project will also strengthen cooperation between the Algarve and Andalusia within the Euroregion EUROAAA, which also includes Alentejo.
It’s a proper win-win situation, bringing the two countries closer together and boosting the local economies. It’s a cracking bit of news for the region!
Find more news about Portugal