Category: Nature > Beach
District: Faro > Tavira > Santa Luzia
Barril Beach is located on Tavira Island, a sandy spit that is an integral part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Access to this bathing area involves crossing the Ria Formosa from the mainland, creating a sense of arrival at a distinct and isolated location, in the municipality of Tavira, near the village of Santa Luzia.
The beach's position on the south coast offers an extensive sandy area, facing southeast, which contributes to its waters generally being calm and the sea having little swell during the summer season, in contrast to other areas of the Algarve coast.
This sandy area was once an important center for a fishing community, particularly dedicated to tuna fishing, an activity that marked the life of this region for decades. The buildings found today in the beach access area were the houses and support facilities for this tuna fishing trap.
Upon visiting this place, visitors find themselves surrounded by the material testimonies of that era, preserving the memory of a seasonal and arduous way of life that disappeared with the decline of traditional tuna fishing in the Algarve.
One of the most unique and evocative elements of Barril Beach is the impressive collection of hundreds of anchors arranged on the sand, known as the Anchor Cemetery. These large anchors were not used to moor boats, but rather to fix the complex nets of the tuna fishing trap to the seabed.
This unusual memorial is a visual tribute to the fishing community that lived and worked here, and constitutes a powerful symbol of the history and cultural heritage linked to sea exploration in this area of the Algarve. It is a point of great interest and reflection for those who walk along the sand.
Barril Beach is part of the sensitive ecosystem of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. The access path to the beach crosses an area of salt marsh and dunes, allowing observation of the specific vegetation of this lagoon habitat and, with attention, some of the fauna that inhabits it, such as various species of aquatic birds and small marine animals.
The sandy area itself is vast, with fine and clear sand. The environmental quality of the beach is recognized, displaying the Blue Flag, which certifies its good conditions. For those seeking a more reserved and tranquil area, an area recognized for naturism is located to the west of the main area.
Reaching Barril Beach is, in itself, part of the experience. After crossing the pedestrian bridge over the Ria Formosa, access to the extensive sandy area is via a path of about one kilometer. It is possible to choose to walk along a path parallel to the old railway line or use a small tourist train.
This peculiar means of transport, which once served the fishing trap to transport materials and caught fish, today offers a relaxed journey through the dune and salt marsh landscape, making the arrival at the beach a small adventure, particularly appreciated by those visiting with children.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.0857342,-7.6619497
Coordinates DMS: 37°05'8.6"N 07°39'43.0"W
Weather Santa Luzia
On-duty Pharmacy Santa Luzia
