Ilha de Cabanas – the #1 guide
Ilha de Cabanas is a barrier island near the coast of Tavira, known for its untouched beauty and calm, crowd-free atmosphere. With seven kilometres of soft white sand and crystal-clear water, it’s part of the Ria Formosa natural park. It is a protected paradise perfect for swimming, shell collecting, and long, quiet walks. The only way to reach it is by boat, keeping the beach peaceful even in peak summer. Most people stay near the boardwalk, but the farther you walk, the more it feels like your own private stretch of sand. Dive into our guide to make the most of your visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Ilha de Cabanas unique
- Tips for swimming, walking, and exploring the beach
- Where to eat, stay, and enjoy the view
- Practical advice on getting there and avoiding the crowds
- Hidden spots and must-see highlights nearby
Why visit Ilha de Cabanas
- Unspoiled natural setting – as part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, the island is wild, quiet, and rich in biodiversity, offering a true escape from the built-up Algarve coast.
- Miles of peaceful sand – with 7 km of soft white sand and few crowds, even in summer, you’ll always find a serene spot to lay your towel.
- Clean, clear water – the beach has Blue Flag status and some of the cleanest, calmest sea in the region. Ideal for swimming, wading, and cooling off.
- Accessible but secluded – just a short, scenic boat ride from Cabanas de Tavira, the island feels far away, yet it’s easy to reach in minutes.
- Perfect for walkers and shell collectors – the long shoreline is made for beachcombing, barefoot walks, and discovering hidden treasures washed up by the tide.
Get a glimpse of this paradise island by watching the short video below.
What to expect at the beach
Praia de Cabanas is quite a big beach. The beach stretches for about 7 kilometres. Ilha de Cabanas is not very wide though: the island is about 70 metres in width.
The sand on the island is white and very soft. It feels great to walk here barefoot.
The sea water is very clean and crystal clear, but the water can be a bit cold. However, on a hot summer day, swimming here can be a very refreshing experience.
The beach is backed by sand dunes, which is very different from the cliff backed beaches you can find in other parts of the Algarve.
Praia de Cabanas is relatively not very crowded, compared to other beaches in the Algarve. This is mainly because the island can only be reached by boat. Ilha de Cabanas is mostly visited by Portuguese families and some tourists. With the beach stretching for several kilometres, you will surely find a nice spot. Praia de Cabanas is perfect if you don’t like to share the beach with many others.
Most people stay near the restaurant and the boardwalk. If you are willing to walk a couple of minutes on the beach, you will be able to truly enjoy the island quietly, without many people around you. The further you go, the less people you will see. If you walk for 15-20 minutes, you will probably be alone on the beach. That is why this beach is one of the most peaceful beaches in this part of the Algarve. Relaxing on Praia de Cabanas is a great way to spend the day.
Praia de Cabanas is also great for collecting shells.
Beach walk
Ilha de Cabanas is quite a big island, which means that it is a perfect place for a beach walk. It is actually one of the best beaches in the Algarve to enjoy a long walk on the beach. If you wanted, you could walk here for several hours. During your walk, you will most probably be alone on the beach. The best way to walk is towards the east (towards the left side, looking at the sea) in the direction of Praia de Cacela Velha.
Wooden boardwalk
There is a wooden boardwalk on the island. It takes you from the place where the boats arrive, to the restaurant/bar and towards the beach. The boardwalk protects the nature on the island.
Water sports
Ilha de Cabanas is actually great for water sports. Windsurfing is very popular here. Also jet skiing and sailing are some of the possibilities to enjoy on the island.
Ria Formosa
Ilha de Cabanas and its beach are part of the natural park of Ria Formosa. The island forms a barrier that protects the nature reserve against the Atlantic Ocean. Ilha de Cabanas is actually the easternmost island of the Ria Formosa. To the west of Ilha de Cabanas you can find Ilha de Tavira, also known as Tavira Island.
When you take the boat to the island, you will cross the waters of the nature reserve. The Ria Formosa is a beautiful natural park, with plenty of wildlife. The area is especially great for birdwatching.
Cabanas de Tavira (the town)
Cabanas de Tavira is an idyllic fishing village, situated 7 kilometres east of Tavira, near the natural park of Ria Formosa. It has about 1000 permanent inhabitants. The village depends on a combination of fishing and tourism. A century ago, Cabanas de Tavira was just another fishing village, which specialized in tuna fishing. Nowadays it has grown into a popular tourist resort. There is a boulevard (Avenida Ria Formosa) with many shops, bars and restaurants, directly facing the Ria Formosa natural reserve. It has everything you need for a great holiday in the Algarve. Special points of interest are the fortress of São João da Barra and the chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mar.
Our tips
Want to experience Ilha de Cabanas like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Take the first boat of the day. Arrive early (before 9:30am) and you’ll have the beach practically to yourself for at least an hour. It’s the golden hour for photographers and solitude-seekers.
- Walk 15 minutes east along the beach. Most visitors stay close to the boardwalk. But if you walk east (towards the left when looking at the sea), you’ll find stretches of untouched sand where it feels like you’ve discovered your own private island.
- Wear reef shoes if you’re shell-hunting. The beach is a haven for beautiful shells, but some are sharp. Reef shoes let you explore comfortably and walk for kilometres without a scratch.
- Avoid the last return boat. Aim to leave one boat before the last scheduled return. The final boat often gets crowded and chaotic, which breaks the magic of your day.
- Sunset on the mainland pier is unbeatable. Once you return from the island, don’t rush off. Stay at the waterfront in Cabanas de Tavira for sunset. The colours reflecting across the lagoon are unreal.
Best restaurants nearby
There is one restaurant/bar on Ilha de Cabanas. However, the food is overpriced and the quality is not that great. We recommend to take your own food to the beach if you are staying for more than a couple of hours. Otherwise, you can eat at one of the many restaurants along the waterfront when returning to the village of Cabanas de Tavira.
Our favourite restaurants near Ilha de Cabanas are:
- Sabores da Ria. This restaurant has good meat dishes as well as tasty fish dishes. Their rodizio de peixe (mixed grilled fish) is particularly great.
- Restaurante Noelia & Jeronimo. This restaurant serves excellent local Portuguese dishes. Good value for money.
- Porti di Mare. This is one of the best restaurants in town. They specialize in fresh fish & seafood. Highly recommended.
Best hotels nearby
Looking for a great place to stay near Ilha de Cabanas? We’ve selected our favorite hotels in the area based on location, comfort, and guest reviews. The Algarve has become extremely popular, and the best places tend to sell out fast, especially in peak season. To avoid missing out, we recommend booking your hotel as early as possible. Our favourite hotels near the beach are:
- Cabanas Garden by my Choice Algarve. This modern apartment is within a short walking distance from the Ria Formosa nature reserve. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and a private kitchen. Basically, it has everything you need for a great holiday in the Algarve.
- Casa Viana Guesthouse. This guesthouse offers a nice sea view and offers a great sunset view in the evening. The location is great for couples. Highly rated.
- Penthouse Cabanas Sun – Algarve. This awesome penthouse has a nice swimming pool and barbeque facilities. It offers great views of the surroundings. Recommended for groups or people who love to travel in style.
Transfer to the hotel
Whatever hotel you choose, it is important to think about how to get there. If you don’t have a car, make sure to rent a car. Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer from Faro Airport directly to your hotel.
How to get there
The best way to access Ilha de Cabanas is by boat. Small taxiboats can take you to the beach from Cabanas de Tavira. A round trip journey by water taxi costs around € 1,50 per person, which is quite cheap. Children under 10 even travel for free. The journey by boat takes only a couple of minutes. There are even several hotels and resorts in Cabanas de Tavira that offer free boat tours to Ilha de Cabanas. During summer, there are several boats each hour, but make sure to check the timetable beforehand. Also note when the last boat is back to the mainland. After all, you don’t want to be stuck on the island.
There is parking near the waterfront at Cabanas de Tavira, but parking spaces are very limited. You could park a bit further away, but you will have to walk towards the waterfront, where you can catch a boat.
From the mainland it is only a short distance to the island. In theory, you could swim towards the island, or even walk during low tide, although both options are not recommended. We recommend to take a boat to reach Ilha de Cabanas.
Top excursions nearby
Ilha de Cabanas is a slice of paradise, but don’t stop there. While you’re in the Algarve, there are unforgettable experiences waiting just beyond the beach. Explore the charm of Tavira’s old town, cruise out to spot wild dolphins in the Atlantic, or dive into the rich flavors of a local olive oil tasting tour. We’ve handpicked the most authentic, high-quality excursions so you don’t have to waste a second guessing. Scroll down and book your favourites now. These are the memories that make your trip truly epic.
FAQ
Ilha de Cabanas is all about peace, space, and nature. Unlike many Algarve beaches, it feels wild and uncrowded. It’s perfect for those who want to disconnect, take long walks, and enjoy a low-key day in a beautiful coastal setting.
You can only reach the island by boat. Small water taxis and ferry boats leave from the waterfront in Cabanas de Tavira. The trip takes just a few minutes and runs frequently in summer. Tickets are inexpensive, and some hotels offer their own boat service.
No, there is no fee to access the island itself. You only pay for the boat ride, which typically costs around €1.50 per person round trip. Children under 10 often travel for free.
Yes, Praia de Cabanas is a great choice for families looking for a quiet beach day. The sand is soft, the water is usually calm, and the area near the boardwalk has lifeguards in the summer. Just be sure to bring everything you need, especially if you’re planning to walk away from the main facilities.
The water can be on the cooler side, especially in spring and early summer. However, during the hottest summer months, the sea is quite refreshing. It’s clean, clear, and great for swimming.
It can get busier near the boat drop-off and restaurant area, especially in July and August. However, if you walk just 10–15 minutes down the beach, you’ll find plenty of quiet space. The beach is long enough to feel secluded even on the busiest days.
The beach has fine, white sand that feels soft underfoot. It’s excellent for walking barefoot or lounging comfortably. There are also many shells to collect along the shoreline.
Yes, Ilha de Cabanas is within the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park. The area is known for its unique ecosystems, birdlife, and low-impact tourism. You may see flamingos, spoonbills, and other coastal species in the nearby lagoon.
It’s one of the best beaches in the Algarve for long walks. You can walk east for hours along soft, uninterrupted sand, often without seeing another person. The walk toward Praia de Cacela Velha is especially beautiful.
Yes, the area is good for windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking. You’ll need to bring or rent gear on the mainland, as there are limited facilities on the island itself. The calm waters of the lagoon are also ideal for paddleboarding.
Late spring to early autumn (May to October) offers the best weather for beach visits. July and August are the hottest and busiest, while September offers a perfect balance of warmth and peace. Winter is too cool for swimming but great for walking.
It may appear shallow enough at low tide, but walking or swimming across is not recommended. The currents can be strong, and the water can be deeper than it looks. Take the boat for safety.
The water is clear but shallow, and there’s not much rocky habitat, so marine life is limited. Still, snorkeling near the edges of the lagoon can reveal small fish and crabs. It’s a nice option for kids to explore safely.
Beach facilities
When you arrive on the island, you will see the boardwalk, which leads you to the restaurant/bar. This bar has showers, toilets, food and drinks. However, we recommend to bring your own food to the island, since the restaurant is quite expensive. If you really prefer to eat in a restaurant, there are several good restaurants along the waterfront in the village of Cabanas de Tavira. Here you can taste the local specialties.
There are lifeguards overlooking the beach and sunbeds for rent. However, the sunbeds are also quite expensive when compared to the price you pay in other parts of the Algarve.
Facilities in Ilha de Cabanas:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: no
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
2 comments
Cabanas beach facilities are seasonal.
Thanks for the addition! 🙂