You can’t drive to Praia de Cabanas, and that’s the point. The beach lies on a barrier island of the Ria Formosa, facing the old fishing village of Cabanas de Tavira across a narrow channel, and the way in is a small boat shuttling back and forth over the water. The crossing takes minutes; the change it buys is complete — on the far side there is nothing but dunes, sand and sea.
The beach itself is a long, wide sandbar running for kilometres, so the crowd that lands at the crossing point thins out fast if you’re willing to walk. The water is the eastern Algarve’s usual bribe: warmer and calmer than anything west of Faro, shelving gently enough for small children.
When to go: summer, when the boats run constantly and the beach support is open. Outside the season the crossings thin out and the island empties — which is either a problem or the entire appeal, depending on who you are. Light is best early and late; a flat sandbar under midday sun gives you little to work with.
Who it’s for: families who want warm, safe water with a small adventure built into the commute; walkers who like their beaches long and empty at the ends; anyone staying in Tavira or Cabanas — this is the local beach, and the locals have it right.
About This Spot
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General AreaNear Cabanas de Tavira, Tavira
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Coverage BadgeArchive
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Best SeasonSummer
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Difficulty1 Easy
Getting There & Access
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Getting ThereSmall boats shuttle across the channel from the Cabanas de Tavira waterfront in season — the crossing takes only a few minutes.
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Access TermsFree Public
