To some this is the jewel in the crown of the eastern side of Faro. It is also often locally referred to as Praia das Cascas. A few minutes boat trip will take visitors from the jetty of Tavira located just outside the town across to this attractive sandy bar. For visitors with naturist inclinations there is an area reserved especially for their needs which is about one kilometer walk to the west end of this beach.

Sandy beaches at Tavira Algarve Portugal

The area is justly famous for its long, clean and uncrowded beaches, many of which have a lifeguard service in summer. A sand bar stretches some 30km along the coast and is reached by crossing a tidal lagoon (excellent for windsurfing at high tide and easily crossed by boat or on foot at low tide).

Sandy beaches at Tavira Algarve Portugal

Heading east from Faro, you'll encounter salt marshes, sand dunes, quiet beaches, the wildlife-rich offshore islands of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, and the quaint town of Tavira. This is a good area to visit if you're trying to avoid crowds during the high season. Ferries from Olhäo serve the offshore ilhas of Armona and Culatra, which are noted for their superb (and, in some places, deserted) beaches.