Cabanas de Tavira
A laid-back former tuna-fishing village on the Ria Formosa, with water taxis to a long sandy island beach.
Cabanas de Tavira is a village on the Ria Formosa lagoon, east of Tavira, that grew up around the tuna fishery. Fishing boats still line the shore, but today it is mainly a small holiday village, with a long, low-rise waterfront of cafés and shops facing the lagoon.
The main reason to come is the beach on Ilha de Cabanas, a long sandbar reached by water taxi across the channel. Close to the village stands the Fort of São João da Barra, built to guard the approach to Tavira and now privately owned. It is a relaxed choice for families and those who like a quieter beach base.