Cacela Velha: The Algarve's Prettiest Viewpoint

Cacela Velha is one of the prettiest spots in the Algarve: a tiny whitewashed village with a small fort and church on a bluff above the Ria Formosa lagoon, looking out to a sandbar beach. It’s especially magical at sunset, and famous for its oysters.

Quick answer: Cacela Velha is in the eastern Algarve, about 15 minutes east of Tavira. Admire the view from the church square, have oysters and a glass of wine, and at low tide wade across to the sandbar beach (or take a small boat at high tide). Arrive early in summer, as parking is limited.

Things to do

• The viewpoint: the lagoon, the sandbar and the ocean from the church square.
• The beach: a quiet sandbar beach, reached on foot at low tide or by boat.
• Oysters and seafood: from the lagoon. See the seafood guide.
• Sunset: one of the loveliest in the Algarve. See the best sunset spots.

Tips

• Tides: check them before wading across.
• Parking: small car parks fill quickly in summer.
• Stay nearby: in Tavira or Monte Gordo. See where to stay in Tavira and Monte Gordo.

More: the best Algarve villages, the Ria Formosa and Algarve photo spots.

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