Tavira and the Eastern Algarve: Island Beaches, Ria Formosa and Cacela Velha

The eastern Algarve is the calmer, more traditional side of the coast. There are no big resorts, just whitewashed towns, island beaches reached by little ferries, and the lagoons of the Ria Formosa full of flamingos. Tavira is the jewel, and it makes a perfect base. Here’s how to explore it, from the island beaches to a quick hop over to Spain.

Quick answer: stay in Tavira. Take the ferry to Ilha de Tavira for miles of sand, see the anchor cemetery at Praia do Barril, wander tiny Cacela Velha, and do a Ria Formosa boat trip from Olhão to the car-free islands of Culatra and Armona. The beaches here face the warmer water of the eastern Algarve, too.

Getting there

• From Faro: the train to Tavira takes about 35 minutes and costs a few euros. Since July 2026 the Algarve line is electric, with more trains and direct services along the coast. Faro airport is about 30 minutes away by car. See Faro airport transfers.
• From Lisbon: about 3 hours by car, or train to Faro and change. See Lisbon to the Algarve.
• A car helps for Cacela Velha and the smaller beaches, but you can do a lot by train, bus and ferry.

Tavira

A gorgeous, unhurried town on the Gilão river, with a Roman-style bridge, more than 20 churches, hipped roofs and tiled facades.

• Castle and Santa Maria church: climb up for views over the rooftops.
• The riverfront: cafes, the old market hall and evening strolls.
• Eat: octopus (Santa Luzia, next door, calls itself the octopus capital), tuna, and xarem (corn porridge with clams).

See places to stay in Tavira.

Ilha de Tavira

A long barrier island with an endless sandy beach, a campsite and a few beach bars. Ferries go from Quatro Águas (a 20-minute walk or short taxi east of town, with the quickest and cheapest crossing, about €2 return) and, in summer, straight from the town centre. Boats run every 15–30 minutes in summer, but only a few times a day in winter, so check the last boat back.

Praia do Barril and the anchor cemetery

At Pedras d’El Rei, cross the footbridge over the lagoon and either walk (about 1.5km) or ride the little tourist train to Praia do Barril. Behind the beach, over 200 rusting anchors from the old tuna-fishing days line the dunes, a striking sight. Storms have affected the anchors in recent years, so expect some changes. There are cafes in the old fishermen’s cottages.

Cacela Velha

A tiny whitewashed village on a bluff above the lagoon, with a little fort, a church and one of the prettiest views in the Algarve. At low tide you can wade across to the beach. In summer, little boats take you over. Arrive early, as parking is limited.

Olhão and the Ria Formosa islands

Olhão is a working fishing town with a fantastic red-brick market on the waterfront (go on a Saturday morning). From the pier, ferries go to two car-free islands:

• Armona: about 15 minutes, with holiday huts, a long beach and calm lagoon water. Great for families.
• Culatra: about 45 minutes to an hour, a real fishing village with sandy lanes and a wild beach.

Ferries are cheap (a few euros) and run hourly in summer. Or join a Ria Formosa boat tour to see flamingos, oyster beds and several islands in one trip. Places to stay in Olhão.

Further east: Castro Marim and Spain

• Castro Marim: a hilltop castle overlooking the salt marshes, where you can often spot flamingos. Its medieval fair in late summer is great fun.
• Vila Real de Santo António: a neat, grid-planned town on the Guadiana river.
• Ayamonte, Spain: the little ferry across the river takes about 15 minutes and costs around €2.50. Spain is an hour ahead, so watch the clock for the last boat back!

When to go

June to September for beach days (the island ferries run most often then). Spring and autumn are lovely for walking and birdwatching, with fewer people and good prices. Winter is quiet but sunny, and some island cafes close.

More Algarve

See the best Algarve beaches, Benagil cave, Lagos and the western Algarve and our driving in Portugal tips.

From our sister blog: Olhão, the hidden gem of the Algarve on Sunset Travellers.

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