What to do in Cabanas

Activities, attractions and tours

The boardwalk stretches along the river front, nice for a leisurely stroll or to sit and enjoy an icecream whilst looking out over the Ria Formosa #NationalPark. You can get a boat/water taxi across the river to the beach Ilha de Cabanas. The boardwalk runs parallel to the avenida which is lined with cafes and bars, the vibe is casual, and the alfresco dining view is hampered slightly by the boardwalk.
The boardwalk stretches along the river front, nice for a leisurely stroll or to sit and enjoy an icecream whilst looking out over the Ria Formosa #NationalPark. You can get a boat/water taxi across the river to the beach Ilha de Cabanas. The boardwalk runs parallel to the avenida which is lined with cafes and bars, the vibe is casual, and the alfresco dining view is hampered slightly by the boardwalk.
I recommend a walk along the boardwalk with a stop for an icecream from one of the café shops on the street, but take a seat on one of the benches not the café an enjoy the view over the Ria Formosa #NationalPark wetlands. From here get a boat/water taxi across the river to the beach Ilha de Cabanas for a spot of sunbathing or birdwatching as rare birds come to the wetlands to breed.
The view from Cabanas across the Ria Formasa Parque Natural, an extensive network of wetlands running along the east coast of the Algarve from Faro to Manta Rota. A protected area of outstanding beauty that is home to migrating birds during the winter as well as breeding birds, fish and other wildlife. But the best bit for me is the beach Ilha de Cabanas a short boat trip across the river. #NationalPark #Beach
I love these beautiful purple trees in Portugal, no idea what they are called but they are so pretty!
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Top places to visit

1. Olhao Harbour

Life in Olhão centers on the city’s harbor and marina area. Watch as fishing boats pull into dock and unload their catches, many of which will be bound for nearby restaurants. Or, take a boat trip to the fabulous beach-lined barrier islands of Ria Formosa Natural Park.
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Olhao Harbour featuring a bay or harbor

2. Ria Formosa Natural Park

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a large reserve on the Algarve coast that stretches between Garrão Beach and Manta Rota. With its intricate system of wetlands, canals, marshlands and beaches, the nature reserve shelters a vast diversity of coastal plants and animals. Explore this 37-mile (60-kilometer) stretch of landscape by boat or kayak. Join a guided walking tour and learn about the local fishing traditions that continue amid the resource-rich wetlands.
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Ria Formosa Natural Park which includes general coastal views

3. Ilha de Tavira Beach

Ilha de Tavira Beach (Praia de Tavira) is the main beach on the sandbar island fronting the town of Tavira. The beach has plenty of space for relaxing and playing by the sea. Look out across the ocean waters and watch boats sailing in through the adjacent channel or explore the surrounding Ria Formosa Natural Park. Splash in the waves or recline on a beach chair and soak up some sunshine.
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Ilha de Tavira Beach featuring general coastal views, rugged coastline and a sandy beach

4. Ilha da Culatra Beach

Find Ilha da Culatra Beach on a traffic-free island only accessible by ferry. Enjoy the back-to-nature vibe of this scenic beach, which is unspoiled by development and construction.
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Ilha da Culatra Beach showing general coastal views and a beach as well as a small group of people

5. Olhao Municipal Market

Olhão Municipal Market is spread across two redbrick structures, containing a fruit and vegetable area and a fascinating fish section. Dating back to 1916, the buildings face the Mortina Estuary in a busy part of town, enclosed by gardens, bars and restaurants. Appreciate the sights, sounds and smells of the market for a sense of the local culture and traditions.
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Olhao Municipal Market showing a sunset

6. Tavira Castle

Tavira Castle is one of the historic town’s most prominent landmarks. Known locally as Castelo de Tavira, the castle is a remnant of Tavira’s dramatic past. Go on a trip through time when you explore the ruined fortress and climb to the top of its battlements. The views from the old castle tower encompass the town’s historic streetscape and the surrounding nature reserves.
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Tavira Castle

What to do in Cabanas

Popular places to visit

Tavira Castle showing a city

Tavira Castle

Look out across the rooftops of historic Tavira from a tower in this ruined fortress, which has withstood royal sieges, pirate attacks and natural disasters.

Tavira Castle
Roman Bridge showing a river or creek and a bridge

Roman Bridge

Despite its name, Tavira’s central footbridge wasn’t constructed during the Roman Empire, but it does sit where an ancient bridge once was.

Roman Bridge
Praca da Republica which includes a fountain and a square or plaza

Praca da Republica

Check out Tavira’s main square, which served as the town’s marketplace for centuries and is now surrounded by restaurants and elegant heritage buildings with preserved façades.

Praca da Republica
Misericordia Church which includes a city

Misericordia Church

Dating back to the 16th century, this church is one of the Algarve’s most exquisite pieces of Renaissance architecture that includes remarkable stonemasonry.

Misericordia Church

Old Town

Learn about the local history of Santa Maria e Santiago when you take a trip to Old Town. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Old Town

Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall during your stay in Santa Maria e Santiago. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall

Benamor Golf

Play a round of golf at Benamor Golf and enjoy other activities in Conceição such as boating. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Benamor Golf

Tavira Tower

You can learn about the history of Santa Maria e Santiago with a trip to Tavira Tower. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Tavira Tower

Cemetery of Anchors

Enjoy a stop at Cemetery of Anchors, a landmark worth seeing in Santa Luzia. Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its bars.

Cemetery of Anchors

Day trip destinations from Cabanas

Tavira Castle showing a city

Tavira