# Eastern Algarve: Ria Formosa, Tavira and Cacela Velha

> 2-day road trip of about 78 km (48 mi) with 7 stops, from Faro to Vila Real de Santo António. About 1 h 05 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/b13-eastern-algarve/

**At a glance:** 2-day road trip of about 78 km (48 mi) with 7 stops, from Faro to Vila Real de Santo António. About 1 h 05 min of driving in total. East from Faro along the lagoons of the Ria Formosa to Olhão’s market, Tavira’s bridges, the anchor cemetery of Barril and Cacela Velha.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 78 km (48 mi) |
| Driving | 1 h 05 min |
| Suggested days | 2 |
| Stops | 7 |
| Route | Faro → Vila Real de Santo António |
| Countries | Portugal |
| Updated | June 23, 2026 |

## Route description

The eastern Algarve is flatter and quieter than the west, with barrier islands and lagoons instead of cliffs. From Faro take the N125 east for 10 km to the Quinta de Marim centre of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. A 3 km trail leads past a tide mill, salt marsh and Roman fish-salting tanks. Spring and autumn are best for birds such as flamingos and spoonbills.

Olhão, just beyond, is a fishing town with two red-brick market halls on the waterfront and cube-shaped houses in the old quarter. Ferries run from here to the car-free islands of Armona and Culatra. Continue 22 km on the N125 to Tavira, perhaps the prettiest town in the Algarve, with an old bridge across the Gilão river, many churches and a castle garden.

Just west of Tavira, at Pedras d’El Rei, a footbridge crosses the lagoon to Tavira Island; walk or ride the little train to Praia do Barril, where old anchors of the tuna fishery lie in rows in the dunes. The beach itself is long and uncrowded. Tavira town also has boats to the island. Return to the N125 and continue east for about 12 km.

Cacela Velha is a tiny village with a fort and a church on a bluff above the lagoon, one of the finest views on the coast. Park at the village edge, as the lanes are narrow. The route ends at Vila Real de Santo António, a grid town laid out in 1774 under the Marquis of Pombal, where a ferry crosses the Guadiana to Ayamonte in Spain. The total drive is only about 60 km.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Faro** (Portugal)
2. **Quinta de Marim, Ria Formosa** (Olhão, Portugal): The Ria Formosa natural park centre, with a 3 km trail past salt marsh, a restored tide mill and Roman fish-salting tanks. A good place to see flamingos and spoonbills; parking at the gate.
3. **Olhão** (Portugal)
4. **Tavira** (Portugal)
5. **Praia do Barril anchor cemetery** (Tavira, Portugal): Rows of rusting anchors from the old tuna fishery on the dunes of Tavira Island. From the car park at Pedras d’El Rei, cross the footbridge and walk or take the little train about 1 km.
6. **Cacela Velha** (Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal): A tiny whitewashed village with a fort and church on a bluff above the Ria Formosa lagoon. Park at the edge of the village; at low tide you can wade out to the sandbar beach.
7. **Vila Real de Santo António** (Portugal)

## FAQs

**How long is Eastern Algarve: Ria Formosa, Tavira and Cacela Velha?**
2-day road trip of about 78 km (48 mi) with 7 stops, from Faro to Vila Real de Santo António. About 1 h 05 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Eastern Algarve: Ria Formosa, Tavira and Cacela Velha?**
We suggest 2 days: about 1 h 05 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Eastern Algarve: Ria Formosa, Tavira and Cacela Velha start and end?**
It starts in Faro and ends in Vila Real de Santo António.

**Which countries does Eastern Algarve: Ria Formosa, Tavira and Cacela Velha pass through?**
Portugal.