Praia de Cabanas

Praia de Cabanas is one of those rare Algarve beaches that still feels like a local secret. Located on the easternmost island of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, this 7km stretch of soft white sand offers something increasingly precious: genuine peace and quiet. The beach is accessed from Cabanas de Tavira, a charming fishing village whose name means 'Fisherman's Huts'—a nod to the tuna fishing cabanas that first appeared here in 1734. Today, small traditional boats shuttle visitors across the narrow channel to the island. The journey takes under five minutes and costs just €1.50 return, making it one of the most affordable and authentic beach experiences in the Algarve. Once on the island, you'll find a restaurant, toilets, and lifeguards near the landing point. But the magic lies in walking further along the beach. Within 10-15 minutes, you'll likely have the sand to yourself. The further you walk, the fewer people you'll see—some visitors report walking for kilometers without seeing another soul. The water here is crystal clear and the sand exceptionally soft, feeling wonderful underfoot. While the sea can be cool, the clean conditions and gentle waves make it ideal for swimming. Cabanas de Tavira itself is worth exploring before or after your beach day—traditional restaurants serve fresh catch, and the wooden boardwalk along the Ria Formosa offers beautiful sunset views.