Ria Formosa Nature Park

Beaches in Ria Formosa Nature Park

Coastal Gems

This collection spans the barrier islands and peninsulas of the Ria Formosa Natural Park in the eastern Algarve. Stretching from Faro to Manta Rota, these beaches are characterized by vast sandy dunes, calm lagoon waters, and Atlantic surf. Notable features include the historic anchor cemetery at Praia do Barril, accessible via a narrow-gauge train, and the uninhabited stretches of Ilha Deserta. Several locations offer designated nudist areas and Blue Flag certified waters, accessible by ferry or pedestrian bridges.

Coastal Gems — Map

BiiJii / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Praia do Barril

Features the 'Cemitério das Âncoras' (Anchor Cemetery), a memorial to the region's tuna fishing history. Accessible via a small tourist train or pedestrian path, it includes a designated nudist area.

B

Praia da Ilha da Barreta

The southernmost point of mainland Portugal, also known as Ilha Deserta. Accessible only by boat from Faro, this uninhabited island offers over seven kilometers of shoreline.

Vitor Oliveira / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Praia da Ilha de Faro

Located on the Ancão Peninsula and connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge. It borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa lagoon.

D

Praia da Ilha Deserta

An uninhabited island accessible by ferry from Faro. It features a designated nudist zone and the Cabo de Santa Maria, the southernmost point of the Portuguese coast.

E

Praia do Homem Nú

A secluded, wild beach on the western end of Tavira Island. It is an officially recognized nudist beach with no permanent infrastructure or services.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

F

Praia do Ancão

Situated between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, this beach is bordered by protected dunes and pine forests within the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

G

Praia do Lacém

A quiet maritime beach in the parish of Cabanas de Tavira, known for its natural state and lack of commercial development.

H

Praia do Barril

Sandy beach on Tavira Island accessible by foot or a small train across the lagoon. Features calm waters and extensive sand dunes.

I

Praia da Culatra

Located on a traditional fishing island accessible by boat from Olhão. A wooden boardwalk leads through the dunes to the Atlantic side of the island.

J

Praia de Cabanas

A narrow sandbank beach located across from the village of Cabanas de Tavira. Access is provided by short boat transfers across the Ria Formosa lagoon.

K

Praia dos Cavacos

A small, tranquil beach within the Ria Formosa lagoon, frequently used for birdwatching and observing traditional shellfish gathering.

L

Manta Rota Beach

This great beach featuring sunbeds and umbrellas boasts a blue flag and you can see for yourself that it really is clean and pristine like…

M

Praia da Ilha de Tavira

The primary beach on Tavira Island, accessible by ferry from the town center. It features established infrastructure including restaurants and a campsite.

N

Praia de Cacela Velha

Also known as Praia da Fábrica, this beach is located at the eastern edge of the Ria Formosa. It is accessible by boat or on foot during low tide.

Other Lists

Ria Formosa Nature Park Unmissables Algarve's Hidden Gems Tavira's Historical Treasures Historic Religious Sites