Cabanas de Tavira

The village structure is composed of a long line of low-rise houses, shops, bars and restaurants facing the Ria Formosa Nature Park. Cabanas is situated some 7km east of Tavira, at the beginning of the lagoons of the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve. Cabanas derived its name from the huts (cabanas) that were erected during the early 18th century by the tuna fishermen to store their fishing gear in, they then eventually built houses for themselves as well, and the fishing village of ‘Cabanas de Tavira’ was born.

For more than 20 years these were just seasonal residence, and only around 1757-58 some fisherman decided to build their houses permanently. Cabanas has all the facilities you need for great holidays.

There are a couple of banks, a market and several small shops for your grocery items. A “papelaria” on the front, opposite the water taxis to the beach, has bikes for hire and is an agency for excursions as well as car rentals.

Although the population is relatively small, this number expands considerably during the summer period, due to a large influx of tourists and beach-goers.

Several buses routinely link the municipal seat (Tavira) to Cabanas daily. The nearest rail link is in nearby Conceição which is on the Tavira to Vila Real or Faro direction.

Access to the popular beach is by water taxi from several points along the harbour area: the water taxis are small outboard boats operated by local watermen and by at least one company. Each boat may be identified by coloured flags on their sterns.

Cabanas is a long line of low-rise shops, bars and cafés facing the Ria Formosa with several hotel and apartment complexes scattered around the outskirts of the town. Could be a great possibility if you want to be close to all the amenities but living in front of Ria Formosa. You will be about 5 minutes driving to Tavira city centre and not that much traffic expected – to go back home or leave in the morning – except for August.