Category: Nature > Beach
District: Faro > Olhão > Águas Santas
Praia dos Cavacos is located in the region of Olhão, in the locality of Águas Santas. It is an estuary beach, characteristic of the lagoon environment, situated in the heart of the salt marsh area. The small bay where the beach develops is flanked by salt pans that reflect light, creating a unique landscape. Various anchored boats can be observed, dotting the cove and referencing the still-vibrant fishing activity in the area. A distinctive element of the scenery is the proximity of the railway line, with trains occasionally passing behind the beach.
This location offers a remarkable opportunity for observing wildlife and the typical flora of wetland areas. Situated within the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, the area surrounding Praia dos Cavacos is rich in halophytic plants, adapted to the saline environment. Regarding fauna, it is a prime spot for spotting various species of waders, such as avocets, black-winged stilts, Eurasian curlews, and common ringed plovers, which feed in the mudflats. Other birds, like white storks, flamingos, and several species of herons, can also be sighted, complementing the ornithological richness of the salt marsh.
Praia dos Cavacos is distinguished by its tranquil and serene atmosphere. Although the sandy strip is relatively narrow, the estuary that bathes it is wide, providing calm water conditions. This environment invites moments of quietude, where the silence is only broken by the occasional sound of trains. The tranquility of the water and the surrounding natural scenery, marked by the fishing and shellfish gathering support huts, give the beach a unique atmosphere, linked to local traditions and the calm of the estuary.
Coordinates DD: 37.0358102,-7.7954679
Coordinates DMS: 37°02'8.9"N 07°47'43.7"W