Praia do Barril

Praia do Barril isn't just a beach; it's one of the Algarve's most surprising and memorable coastal escapes. Located on Ilha de Tavira within the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park, this golden stretch of sand combines natural beauty with a unique cultural landmark: the iconic anchor cemetery (Cemitério das Âncoras), featuring over 200 rusting anchors arranged in the dunes. The journey to Barril is part of the experience. A charming miniature railway—originally built in the 1960s to transport tuna fishermen and their equipment—now carries visitors on a 15-minute ride through the marshlands of Ria Formosa. The beach itself stretches for kilometers in both directions, offering ample space to escape the crowds that gather near the entrance. The former fishing village buildings have been transformed into restaurants and cafés, including the Museu do Atum which combines dining with historical exhibits about the region's tuna fishing heritage.