Praia do Barril

Tavira Island is one of the long, narrow barrier islands between the Atlantic and the famous Ria Formosa lagoon and natural park. It’s approx. 11km (7 miles) long and the Atlantic-facing southern side of the island is comprised in its entirety by a beautiful sandy beach. Of the named beaches on the island, the best known are Praia da Ilha de Tavira at the eastern end and Praia do Barril a little less than half-way along. There are two ways of accessing the island (short of kayaking across from the mainland): By ferry to Praia da Ilha de Tavira - either from Tavira town centre or from the pier at Quatro Águas circa 2km (1.2 miles) from the centre, or by foot and optional choo-choo train to Praia do Barril from just outside Santa Luzia. We took both options on two separate days during our week-long stay in Tavira in June ’26. For our visit to Praia do Barril, we drove the approx. 10 minutes from Tavira town centre to Pedras de El-Rei just outside Santa Luzia. There is a large fee-paying car park close to the pedestrian bridge crossing the lagoon at the end of which is the little station for the choo-choo (tourist) train which brings you to the beach. A ticket for the choo-choo train costs €2 per adult one-way but the trip is kind of cute and will save you an approx. 1km (0.6 mile) walk along a narrow dust path on a hot day. Praia do Barril is hyped up in guides and locally for its Anchor Cemetery which, I regret to say, didn’t particularly impress us as it is visually swamped by a somewhat cheap-looking hub of restaurants and souvenir shops located right next to the beautifully restored, old former tuna fish industry buildings. Facilities on the beach itself include sunbed and parasol rental, and, I believe, during high season, water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding and pedalos. At around 12.30h on a weekday in mid-June, the beach was very busy, probably due to a large holiday resort right across the road from the pedestrian bridge. Because we had already had nice beach days on Ilha do Farol and Praia da Ilha de Tavira we barely stayed one hour and went to explore the pretty seaside village of Santa Luzia instead. Honestly, what we enjoyed most during our visit was, that it was low tide and we could observe literally thousands of the famous Fiddle Crabs in the mudflats near the pedestrian bridge.

The beach is beautiful and long, tranquility guaranteed, the parking is overpriced, you would think you were in the United States. At that price we deserve shelters protecting the cars from the sun. 10 years ago this same parking lot barely cost a few euros for the whole day

To access the beach, you can park comfortably in a parking lot. Then, if you don't want to or can't walk, there is a little train that costs two dollars per trip. It is not necessary to buy both the outbound and return tickets together; the cost is the same and you can do it or decide at a later time. Otherwise, there is a very nice 15-minute path on foot that I recommend. We weren't at the beach for long, but it seemed well-maintained and well-equipped.

Wow, what a beach. We were staying in Olhao & got an Uber to the entrance. You get a little train (you can walk, but quite a long walk on a hot day) The beach is wonderful. We were able to secure beds & parasol for a not too expensive cost. The beach is large & white sand. It was used previously for fishing & there is a lovely tribute of anchors to that history. The fishermen’s huts have been converted in the most beautiful way into shops & restaurants. A fantastic beach.

A marvelous place, a very calm and natural beach. With very clean and clear waters. It has the peculiarity of being accessible by little train from the paid parking lot. Or you can walk, but it is hot, especially with kids. But it is worth it. A beach that is not overcrowded and very good for going with kids.

One of the best beaches in Portugal

This beach is definitely worth a visit if you get chance, it's one of the nicest beaches I've seen with beautiful soft white sand. You can walk for miles. We got the little train down to it which cost €4 each return. The journey took around 5/10 minutes, but there is also a path if you prefer to walk.

This is a big broad beach outside the town of Tavira. This is one of the places that the local go in good warm weather. We were here during the winter and there were not many people around, but the landscape and beach were beautiful.

Those visiting Tavira definitely recommend seeing this beach as well. You can go on foot or you can take a nice train that passes through the dunes and lagoons with the sighting of the particular birds that live in the park. The trip takes 7 minutes and costs 4 euros round trip (tickets are bought in the machine) you get right near a spectacular beach on the ocean. There are many shells and the view of infinity.....

A beautiful beach near Saint Lucia in Tavira. There is a public car park and many free car parks to then access by taking a walk to the beach or with the Train that leaves periodically. On the beach there are all kinds of services and also the curious cemetery of anchors

Very nice, organized and easily reachable by Uber

Beautiful beach with a history 🤩

There's a car park that costs €15 per day, which is quite expensive. You can reach the beach in 5 minutes on foot or by train (€4 round trip per person). There's a restaurant called El Museo del Atún that's decent, but it's pricey. Compare prices and decide where to eat in Santa Lucía. You can get there on foot in 5-10 minutes.

Beautiful sand

Perfect for children!

Excellent beach. Very good sand, beautiful water color, and all the necessary amenities for a great day at the beach.