Praia de Cabanas
Expansive white sand beach on a barrier island, accessible by a short ferry ride, offering a relaxed and natural Algarve escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Empty beach bliss
Praia de Cabanas
Best Time
Empty beach bliss
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Expansive white sand beach on a barrier island, accessible by a short ferry ride, offering a relaxed and natural Algarve escape.
"Beautiful, less touristy beach on a small island just off the mainland, much less crowded than other parts of the Algarve."
Early Bird Ferry 🚢
Catch the first ferry (around 8 AM) for an empty beach experience on weekends.
BYO Beach Gear ⛱️
Bring your own umbrella and snacks; beach bar prices are high.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Praia de Cabanas Sands
Miles of pristine white sand stretching across a barrier island, perfect for sunbathing and long walks.
Wooden Boardwalks
Elevated walkways provide easy access and scenic views across the dunes and beach.
Island Serenity
A less crowded, more natural beach experience compared to other Algarve hotspots.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds to Cabanas Beach
Ferry & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Early Bird Ferry 🚢
Catch the first ferry (around 8 AM) for an empty beach experience on weekends.
BYO Beach Gear ⛱️
Bring your own umbrella and snacks; beach bar prices are high.
Budget-Friendly Access 💰
Ferry costs are reasonable, around €1.50-€3 return per person.
Chocolate Bolas Treat 🍫
Don't miss trying the local chocolate bolas for a sweet treat!
Tips
from all over the internet
Early Bird Ferry 🚢
Catch the first ferry (around 8 AM) for an empty beach experience on weekends.
BYO Beach Gear ⛱️
Bring your own umbrella and snacks; beach bar prices are high.
Budget-Friendly Access 💰
Ferry costs are reasonable, around €1.50-€3 return per person.
Chocolate Bolas Treat 🍫
Don't miss trying the local chocolate bolas for a sweet treat!
Windsurfing Paradise 🌬️
Ideal spot for windsurfing enthusiasts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Praia de Cabanas is lauded for its beautiful, expansive white sandy beaches and a more natural, less crowded atmosphere compared to other Algarve spots. Visitors appreciate the easy ferry access and the serene island setting. However, some find the beach bar to be overpriced and note the limited bathroom facilities.
"The beach itself is very nice but the beach bar is overly expensive. You can have the same beach experience in nearby beaches with better services altogether, including bathrooms."
Matilde Ramos
"A really good clean beach, can get busy in the summer months, especially at the weekends. However we went on the first boat over at 8am (I know, so early!) And it was empty on a Saturday morning, took breakfast with us, perfect! Also you must have the chocolate bolas 🤤"
Tegan Maxwell
"Beautiful, less touristy beach on a small island just off the mainland. There are several ferry services with the one we chose costing 1.50€ return. You pay to rent the sunbeds and parasols, for May it was 15€ for two people and it goes up in the summer months to around 22.50€. The whole area is gorgeous and much less crowded than other parts of the Algarve, we got the tip to come from a local and happy we did try it out. Good restaurants in the area as well. Would love to have stayed longer."
Joe L.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Praia de Cabanas is located on a barrier island and is accessible by a short ferry ride from the mainland town of Cabanas de Tavira. Several boat services operate daily, with prices typically around €1.50-€3 return per person. Some accommodations, like AP Cabanas Beach & Nature, offer their own shuttle boats.
Ferries generally run daily from around 9 AM to 7 PM, but it's advisable to check the specific operating hours of the service you plan to use, especially outside of peak season.
Yes, there is public parking available in Cabanas de Tavira, though it can be paid.
At low tide, it's possible to walk to the nearby Praia de Cacela Velha, which is at the end of the Cabanas island. 
The ferry crossing is very short, usually taking only a few minutes to reach the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need to purchase a ticket for the ferry to reach the beach. Entry to the beach itself is free.
Sunbed and umbrella rentals can be pricey, especially in summer, ranging from €15 to €22.50 for two people. Consider bringing your own to save money.
There is a limited number of bathrooms available on the beach. It's a good idea to be prepared and use facilities before you leave the mainland if needed.
No, the beach itself is free to access once you've taken the ferry.
Absolutely! Bringing your own beach gear is a common practice and recommended to avoid rental costs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Praia de Cabanas boasts beautiful, expansive white sandy beaches, perfect for relaxing and walking.
There is a beach bar, but reviews suggest it can be overly expensive. It's wise to bring your own food and drinks.
It can get busy during summer weekends, but arriving early on weekdays or visiting in the shoulder seasons can offer a much quieter experience. +1
Yes, there are raised wooden boardwalks that make walking on the beach easier, though there are some steps involved.
Besides sunbathing and swimming, it's a great spot for windsurfing
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the expansive white sands, the wooden boardwalks winding through the dunes, and the serene ocean views. The nearby Praia de Cacela Velha also offers stunning, wilder coastal scenery.
Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most beautiful, soft lighting for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing the golden hues of the sand and sea.
The unique aspect is the barrier island setting and the journey across the water. Consider capturing the ferry ride and the contrast between the mainland and the island's natural beauty.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and coastline. A polarizing filter can help enhance the blues of the sky and sea.
Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in protected natural areas like this.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While amenities are basic, bringing your own toys, snacks, and plenty of water will ensure a comfortable day. The wooden boardwalks make it easier for little ones to move around the beach. 💰 Budget Travelers
🧘♀️ Relaxation Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Accessing Praia de Cabanas: The Ferry Experience
The journey is brief, usually just a few minutes, making it a quick and easy transition from the bustling town to the tranquil island. The cost is generally affordable, with prices around €1.50 to €3 per person for a round trip. For those staying at accommodations like AP Cabanas Beach & Nature, direct shuttle boat services can make access even more seamless.
Even if you're not staying at a resort, the public ferries are frequent enough to accommodate most visitors. It's worth noting that while the ferry is the primary way to reach the beach, at extremely low tides, it might be possible to walk to the very end of the island towards Cacela Velha. However, for the main stretch of Praia de Cabanas, the boat is your ticket to paradise.Beach Amenities and What to Bring
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, but these costs can add up, especially during peak season. For instance, renting two sunbeds and an umbrella could cost upwards of €15-€22.50.
Exploring the Algarve Coastline
If you're looking for a slightly different, wilder beach experience, the nearby Praia de Cacela Velha, located at the western end of the Cabanas island, is often praised for its natural beauty and fewer crowds.
This area is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a protected lagoon system that adds to the ecological richness of the region. 
Social
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