The Boardwalk Apartment Guidebook
Nearby Towns/Villages
Below is a brief idea of the beautiful villages that are round
Cabanas is a charming little fishing town with a handful of bars and restaurants along the waterfront boardwalk, you can get a small water taxi across to the island, a 7km long sandy beach which offers Watersports, a beach bar and plenty of space to relax - a must if you are staying in Cabanas!
65 locals recommend
Cabanas de Tavira
Cabanas is a charming little fishing town with a handful of bars and restaurants along the waterfront boardwalk, you can get a small water taxi across to the island, a 7km long sandy beach which offers Watersports, a beach bar and plenty of space to relax - a must if you are staying in Cabanas!
From Olhão, you can get a ferry to the Ria Formosa islands.
Ilha de Armona (Armona island) is a beautiful sandy island with a handful of houses and beach bars, a must if you want some peace and quiet.
The ferry normally leaves at 9am/12pm/3pm and takes around 25mins.
192 locals recommend
Olhão
From Olhão, you can get a ferry to the Ria Formosa islands.
Ilha de Armona (Armona island) is a beautiful sandy island with a handful of houses and beach bars, a must if you want some peace and quiet.
The ferry normally leaves at 9am/12pm/3pm and takes around 25mins.
A laid-back sandy beach with a beach bars, restaurants and an oceanfront 'cemetery' for old tuna-boat anchors. Park in the town and get the small train down through the marshes to the beach for €1.50 per person.
122 locals recommend
Barril Beach
A laid-back sandy beach with a beach bars, restaurants and an oceanfront 'cemetery' for old tuna-boat anchors. Park in the town and get the small train down through the marshes to the beach for €1.50 per person.
Tavira
The Ria Formosa National Park
Recently voted as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, the National Park is not to be missed during your time in the Algarve. This is a unique coastal lagoon which is constantly changing due to the continuous movement of winds, currents and tides.
Classified as a Natural Park in 1987, Ria Formosa encompasses an area of about 18 000 hectares, and is protected from the sea by 5 barrier-islands. This incredible area extends along the eastern coast of the Algarve and you can find endangered species such as chameleons and also the largest populations of seahorses in the world.
Access to Armona is by boat only. The main connection is from Olhão. Small ferries operate at 0900/1200/1500 most days. You can buy the tickets for the ferries at small offices at the dock in Olhão. Tickets on the ferry cost €1.85 each way. It’s a short ferry ride taking 20 minutes.
Alternatively, you can hire a water taxi from either Olhão or Faro too. A private water taxi is usually around €25-30 for the trip back to the mainland.
There really is only one thing to do on Armona and that is to relax! The island, and the other barrier islands in the Ria Formosa offer a pace of life that’s available nowhere else in the Algarve. You see, there are no cars and only a very few motorised vehicles. Most of the noise you’ll hear comes from the hum of ferries and other small boats. It also means everything arrives by ferry, deliveries, food, drinks, supplies, even building materials for the people attempting to refurbish their homes!
76 locals recommend
Armona Island
Access to Armona is by boat only. The main connection is from Olhão. Small ferries operate at 0900/1200/1500 most days. You can buy the tickets for the ferries at small offices at the dock in Olhão. Tickets on the ferry cost €1.85 each way. It’s a short ferry ride taking 20 minutes.
Alternatively, you can hire a water taxi from either Olhão or Faro too. A private water taxi is usually around €25-30 for the trip back to the mainland.
There really is only one thing to do on Armona and that is to relax! The island, and the other barrier islands in the Ria Formosa offer a pace of life that’s available nowhere else in the Algarve. You see, there are no cars and only a very few motorised vehicles. Most of the noise you’ll hear comes from the hum of ferries and other small boats. It also means everything arrives by ferry, deliveries, food, drinks, supplies, even building materials for the people attempting to refurbish their homes!
The island is well known for its incredible beaches, crystal clear water and deserted island feeling. When you first step off the dock in Culatra you’ll be faced with the small village. It’s made up of small paths, bungalows, and a few small cafés. With no cars on the island it’s a very relaxing place where life does feel like its slowed down. You’ll still find a few tractors and three wheeled Piaggios bumbling around the small streets though. When walking into the village, the first thing you’ll see is Igreja da Culatra. It’s an understated church and nice introduction to this island community.
113 locals recommend
Culatra Island
The island is well known for its incredible beaches, crystal clear water and deserted island feeling. When you first step off the dock in Culatra you’ll be faced with the small village. It’s made up of small paths, bungalows, and a few small cafés. With no cars on the island it’s a very relaxing place where life does feel like its slowed down. You’ll still find a few tractors and three wheeled Piaggios bumbling around the small streets though. When walking into the village, the first thing you’ll see is Igreja da Culatra. It’s an understated church and nice introduction to this island community.
From both the beach you’ll easily be able to see the lighthouse rising in the distance, (Farol being the Portuguese word for lighthouse) Cabo de Santa Maria lighthouse to give its full name.
One of the main reasons visitors head to this part of the island is the incredible views and of course the beach. Right under the lighthouse is Praia da Ilha do Farol or locally just Praia do Farol. Compared to the more remote Praia da Culatra it’s slightly more commercialised and busier. There’s a large beach bar, and several restaurants within the community of Farol. There’s a bigger section for sunbed and parasol rental, and a large area for anyone to place their own towels down nearby. Praia da Farol has a more popular and family focused appeal.
181 locals recommend
Farol Island
119 R. das FloresFrom both the beach you’ll easily be able to see the lighthouse rising in the distance, (Farol being the Portuguese word for lighthouse) Cabo de Santa Maria lighthouse to give its full name.
One of the main reasons visitors head to this part of the island is the incredible views and of course the beach. Right under the lighthouse is Praia da Ilha do Farol or locally just Praia do Farol. Compared to the more remote Praia da Culatra it’s slightly more commercialised and busier. There’s a large beach bar, and several restaurants within the community of Farol. There’s a bigger section for sunbed and parasol rental, and a large area for anyone to place their own towels down nearby. Praia da Farol has a more popular and family focused appeal.
The Shops
The nearest big supermarket and shops for everything you may need is just off the main road in Tavira, there is also a cinema for when its raining which shows most films in English.
142 locals recommend
MEO Tavira - Gran-Plaza
247 R. Alm. Cândido dos ReisThe nearest big supermarket and shops for everything you may need is just off the main road in Tavira, there is also a cinema for when its raining which shows most films in English.
MAR Shopping is home to all the favourite high street brands as well as some more niche brands. The largest Primark in Portugal is here, as well as Pull & Bear, Zara, Bershka, Flying Tiger, Mango, Skechers, Tous and Sephora, among many others, there is also a cinema and children's play ground
81 locals recommend
MAR Shopping Algarve
Avenida AlgarveMAR Shopping is home to all the favourite high street brands as well as some more niche brands. The largest Primark in Portugal is here, as well as Pull & Bear, Zara, Bershka, Flying Tiger, Mango, Skechers, Tous and Sephora, among many others, there is also a cinema and children's play ground
The Beach
There are several water taxis along the front running frequent crossings. The water taxis also go further afield to Tavira, Ilha de Tavira and Santa Luzia. Trips over to the beach usually are usually around €1,30 (return) per person. Children up to 10 years travel free. The summer schedule is from 9am. to 6pm.
We would definitely recommend taking over the umbrella, wind break, and cool box with drinks from the apartment!
Ilha de Cabanas
There are several water taxis along the front running frequent crossings. The water taxis also go further afield to Tavira, Ilha de Tavira and Santa Luzia. Trips over to the beach usually are usually around €1,30 (return) per person. Children up to 10 years travel free. The summer schedule is from 9am. to 6pm.
We would definitely recommend taking over the umbrella, wind break, and cool box with drinks from the apartment!
Family Attractions
SandCity
Zoomarine Algarve
KM 65 N125
Aqualand Algarve
N125
Slide & Splash station
125 Vale de Deus
Adventure Park Vila Real de Santo António
Tavira horse riding at Quinta beldade stables is situated just outside Tavira and offers lots of different riding experiences and lessons for all levels and treks in the beautiful Portuguese countryside. They also have pony camps fun days and much more we cater for all levels of ride from beginner to advanced
Tavira Equestrian Tourism
Tavira horse riding at Quinta beldade stables is situated just outside Tavira and offers lots of different riding experiences and lessons for all levels and treks in the beautiful Portuguese countryside. They also have pony camps fun days and much more we cater for all levels of ride from beginner to advanced
Golf
Benamor Golf is a superb 18 hole Golf Course located in Cabanas de Tavira itself.
It offers a great place to practice on a beautiful, natural setting whether you are an experienced player or total beginner.
There is a chipping and Pitching green and a 9 hole Putting Green situated between Clubhouse and Driving Range.
Benamor also provide Golf Lessons for all skill levels, certified by our PGA professional staff.
So, whether your schedule allows you for a quick basket of balls or you want to stay and learn with our qualified Professional a few hours improving your game, Benamor has all you need to bring out your best possible golf game.
49 locals recommend
Benamor Golf
Benamor Golf is a superb 18 hole Golf Course located in Cabanas de Tavira itself.
It offers a great place to practice on a beautiful, natural setting whether you are an experienced player or total beginner.
There is a chipping and Pitching green and a 9 hole Putting Green situated between Clubhouse and Driving Range.
Benamor also provide Golf Lessons for all skill levels, certified by our PGA professional staff.
So, whether your schedule allows you for a quick basket of balls or you want to stay and learn with our qualified Professional a few hours improving your game, Benamor has all you need to bring out your best possible golf game.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Cabanas train station (Conceição) is only a 10 minute walk
Trains run every 2 hours East to West along the coast between:
Faro-Olhão-Tavira-Fuzeta-Luz-Tavira-Conceição-Monte Gordo-Vila Real de Santo António
A one-way ticket to Faro is €3.75 for an adult.
Getting around
Don't want to hire a car? No problem
It is not essential to hire a car to get to Cabanas de Tavira or even to visit the shops or towns along the coast.
There are many reasonable taxi services around. For airport transfers, suntransfers is a good website, and for local travel we'd recommend Pedro Taxis based in Cabanas. There is also uber available in the summer months, but they will normally only accept trips to/from the airport.
A standard taxi price from Faro - Cabanas de Tavira is €35 (if booked in advance)
Traveling with kids
The Algarve has a great choice of family attractions
If you want to get away from the beach for a day, there are some great family attractions around.
Zoomarine is a marine/animal based theme park that offers pools, slides, dolphins, turtles, pirates, dinosaurs and more.
Aqua land and Slide & Splash are two great waterparks not far from the motorway.
For something away from the water, Sand City is a park made of impressive hand-made sand sculptures.
During August its recommended to book online for these as they all get busy.
Don't miss
A Tuk-tuk tour is something a bit different to do
For something a bit different, Tavira and Olhão offer fantastic Tuk-tuk tours around the eastern Algarve; there are cork, sardine, olive oil, winery and night tours. We would have to recommend the fantastic Luv Tuk in Olhão. Tours offered in English/French/Spanish and also offer day tours to Seville in Spain.
Don't miss
Golf resorts nearby
The nearest golf course is Benimar Golf Course in Cabanas, just next to the golf buggy round-a-bout as you enter Cabanas, There are a number of 18-hole golf courses with magnificent views out over the sea, marshes and the orange groves and the rolling hills to the north. Portugal won the ‘Best Golf Destination in the World’ prize at the World Golf Awards from 2014 to 2016 and almost half of the country's golf courses are located in the Algarve.