Welcome to Cabanas de Tavira, a charming fishing village nestled along the picturesque Algarve coast, six kilometres (4 mi) east of Tavira. The word Cabanas means "Fishermans Hut". These "Cabanas" first appeared in the area around 1734 with the rise of the Tuna industry. A couple of decades later, permanent residences were constructed. Today Cabanas is known for its tranquil ambience and natural beauty. Cabanas de Tavira is a delightful destination, offering a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Let's dive into the highlights of this serene retreat!
Cabanas Beach: Enjoy a boat ride across the Ria Formosa to reach the pristine Cabanas Beach. With its soft golden sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and leisurely walks along the shoreline.
Ria Formosa Natural Park: Explore the stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Paddle through the scenic lagoons on a kayak or enjoy a boat tour to discover the diverse wildlife, including flamingos and spoonbills.
Charming Village Life: Wander through the quaint streets of Cabanas de Tavira and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. Discover colourful houses, inviting cafes, and traditional restaurants serving fresh seafood and local specialities.
Outdoor Adventures: Embark on a bike ride along the Ecovia do Litoral, a scenic coastal cycle path that offers stunning views of the Ria Formosa. You can also try your hand at water sports like paddle boarding and kite surfing.
With its idyllic beach, enchanting village, and outdoor activities, Cabanas de Tavira is a must-visit destination for a peaceful Algarve getaway. So grab your sun hat and sandals, and get ready to unwind in this coastal paradise!
| Avenida Ria Formosa
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 Ria Formosa was classified a Nature Park in 1987 and covers an area of roughly 45, 000 acres. Five barrier islands create a series of flooded valleys, lagoons and peninsulas stretching from Faro eastward to almost the Spanish border. These protected wetlands contain many varying habitats, such as beaches, salt marshes, tidal flats, islets, dunes, salt pans, freshwater lagoons, agricultural areas and woodlands–all of which are home to an impressive diversity of flora and fauna. There are many eco-tourism activities available, such as boat tours, guided hiking, birdwatching and cycling.
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.
| Ilha de Cabanas
| Cacela Velha
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
Situated in Cabanas de Tavira, two kilometres from Fabrica Mar Beach, Cabanas Waterfront Apartment features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The property features river and sea views.
The apartment has a bedroom, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchenette with a microwave and a fridge, a washing machine, and a bathroom with a bidet.
Avenida Ria Formosa 60, 1.º andar, 8800-591 Cabanas de Tavira, Portugal.
37° 08' 07.7" N | 07° 35' 55.8" W
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Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Central apartment-terrace and pool is located in Cabanas de Tavira. This beachfront property offers access to a patio, free private parking and free WiFi. The apartment features two bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and a bathroom with a bidet.
The apartment offers a terrace. An outdoor swimming pool is available on site and hiking can be enjoyed within close proximity. Fabrica Mar Beach is two kilometres from the accommodation.
Rua Vivaldo Viegas n.o 9, 8800-593 Cabanas de Tavira, Portugal.
37° 08' 11.9" N | 07° 35' 56.3" W
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Golden Club - Casa das Marias I in Cabanas de Tavira provides accommodation with free WiFi, a 14-minute walk from Cabanas Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony.
The apartment has two bedrooms with air conditioning and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher. A flat-screen TV is offered. At Golden Club - Casa das Marias I guests are welcome to take advantage of an indoor swimming pool. Two outdoor swimming pools and a children's playground are available at the property.
Golden Clube Resort Cabanas 9.1E, 1º esquerdo, 8800-591 Cabanas de Tavira, Portugal. | 37° 08' 02.8" N | 07° 36' 18.2" W
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Local produce with an Italian twist, fusion at it's most hearty. This friendly establishment will satisfy your should as much as your belly. Excellent quality of food served with friendly professionalism. If you're an organised type of person contact the restaurant a day ahead of your booking to order a seafood platter. Or simply enjoy one of their fantastic pizzas.
Monday - Saturday: 12h30 - 15h00/18:30 - 22:30 Sunday: CLOSED
Rua Comandante Henrique Tenreiro n 30 Cabanas, Faro, Portugal, Cabanas, Tavira 8800-591 Portugal.
37° 08' 05.8" N | 07° 36' 05.6" W | +351 961 882 182
Good ol' fashioned robust Portuguese fare cook well in a jovial and relaxed atmosphere. Beloved for their steaks cooked just the way you like it. If in season look out for the tuna and swordfish.
Monday - Saturday: 18:30 - 22:30 Sunday: 12h00 - 14h30/18:30 - 22:30
Largo Engenheiro Sebastiao Ramires 16A Near the Church of Conceição, Cabanas, Tavira 8800-059 Portugal.
37° 08' 49.9" N | 07° 36' 14.7" W
The result of great quality products given the Indian treatment. A great choice on the menu, the usual suspects and some chef specials. Prices reflect the quality.
Daily: 11h30 - 15h00/18h00 - 23h45
R. Cmte. Henrique Tenreiro 36c, Cabanas, Tavira 8800-591 Portugal.
37° 08' 05.8" N | 07° 36' 05.6" W | +351 281 323 738
Only 40km (25 miles) east of Faro Airport
Website GET A GREAT DEAL ON FLIGHTS: |
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From Faro Airpor take the A22 in the direction of Spain. Take the exit for Tavira (junction 16). At the 1st roundabout, head in the direction of Tavira. GET A GREAT DEAL ON CAR HIRE: |
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Regional train services (comboios regionais) run from Lagos in the west to Vila Real de Santo António on Portugal's eastern border: |
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• Eva Transportes run services across the Algarve linking the main resorts and towns, as well as a hostess service to Lisbon. Also worth considering are their tourist passes if you're planing to visit different places: Website |