One of the main attractions of Cabanas is the shops, cafés and restaurants along the charming waterfront known as the Avenida Ria Formosa. From here, the sense of tranquillity is inspired by the picturesque view across the calm, crystal-clear waters over the lagoon. Here traditional brightly coloured fishing boats lap up the water's edge. The Avenida Ria Formosa had a facelift in 2010 to improve the cobbled roads and add a wooden boardwalk running the length of the waterfront. It is along the waterfront you'll find Aqua-Taxis that will ferry you to Cabanas and Tavira Island, where excellent beaches await you. Tariffs are between €1.00 - €1.50 for a return ticket.

The beach (Praia) is a short hop across the Ria (flooded valley) by one of the many water taxis found on the waterfront (+/- €1.50 return). Once landed on the Ilha de Cabanas island, the beach is only a short stroll across a wooden walkway. Along the way, you'll walk past the Paradise Beach Club, a wooden building with showers, toilets, and a café. The sands stretch out about a mile in both directions, and things rarely feel overcrowded here. The island is very narrow and is part of the Ria Formosa Nature Park. The water taxis that depart Cabanas waterfront also offer services to Tavira, Ilha de Tavira and Santa Luzia, however, prices increase after 21h00.

Close by is the beautiful village of Cacela Velha and its stretch of golden sands. People have lived in this area since antiquity, and archaeological finds have been discovered dating from the Roman and Almohade periods. This modest fishing village attained importance during medieval times and was granted a Royal Charter in 1283 by King Dinis I. One gets the impression nothing much has changed since then. There's a 17th-century fort here which affords great views out to sea. Within the grounds, there's a church. The Igreja Matriz de Cacela Velha was built in the 16th century over the ruins of a much older construction.

Below the village sits Praia de Cacela Velha to the west and Praia da Manta Rota to the east. Well-signposted footpaths lead you down the embankment. From here, depending on the tide times, you can either wade across the channel or catch a boat to the main beach. The beaches here are undeveloped with no amenities. There are public convinces ashore by the fort.| 37° 09' 25.9" N | 07° 32' 45.6" W