Discover
the Eastern
Algarve
Beach, lagoon, hinterland – and culture
Golden Club Cabanas lies within the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, facing a beach of deserted white sands, around 6 km from Tavira in the Eastern Algarve. This is the best protected region in the Algarve, hosting the warmest bathing waters in Portugal.
Come and discover the lagoon, Cabanas beach, the fortress at Cacela Velha, the farms of the Barrocal, villages forgotten in the hilly hinterland, and the coastal town of Tavira, which preserves the architecture and charm of the old Algarve.
Find your way along paths through nature. Observe the birds along the watercourses. Savour the freshest of fish and shellfish. Visit the local markets, fairs and pilgrimage festivals….
Golden Club Cabanas proves the ideal base for exploring the Eastern reaches of the Algarve, for active holidays in the midst of nature, as well as for walking, hiking, cycling and boat trips, whether in family or in groups.
Ria Formosa Natural Park
Unique scenery, protected habitat
Golden Club Cabanas is located in the midst of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, in front of the lagoon and an immaculate beach of golden sands, practically deserted all year round and only reached by boat.
Classified as one of the seven Natural Wonders of Portugal, the Reserve protects the five islands that separate its lagoon from the sea, the marshy vegetation that the sea covers in blue with the arrival of high tide, agricultural fields, orange groves and woods.
Ria Formosa is an excellent location for bird spotting and the natural habitat of some animals at risk of extinction, such as chameleons and seahorses.
Come and explore the fauna, flora, landscapes and culture of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, by boat, on foot or by bike – with family or friends.
Cabanas de Tavira
A fishing village
Facing the lagoon, alongside the Golden Club, Cabanas de Tavira remains a tranquil traditional fishing port that comes more to life in summer.
You can follow the Cabanas boardwalk along the lagoon as far as São João da Barra Fortress, enjoying the views and the winter sun. Cross by boat to Cabanas Island to enjoy 7 km of golden sand beach.
There are good restaurants in Cabanas de Tavira specialising in fish and shellfish, as ‘A Grelha’, ‘Europa’, ‘Mariscos e Petiscos’, ‘Noélia & Jerónimo’, ‘O Ideal, ‘O Monteiro’, ‘Pedro’. There are also pizzerias, cafés, bars, stores, a homemade ice-cream parlour and the market (although some places are open only in the summer).
Tavira
Heritage and history
Tavira is one of the prettiest towns in Portugal, with its double gabled roofs, 37 churches, medieval castle and walls, Phoenician wells and Roman bridge across the river.
Wandering along the river banks or the meandering streets and alleys, discover a charming town with live performances, arts and handicraft shops. Explore the fish and vegetable market, restaurants and small bars, bakeries and cafés. Try the grilled fish, the tuna estupeta, the cornflour and wedge clam dish xarém com conquilhas, as well as the almond sweets and carob pastries.
Conquered from the Moors in 1242, Tavira flourished with its maritime trade in the 14th and 15th centuries. Many splendid buildings and palaces continued to be built here in the following centuries.
From Golden Club Cabanas, you can walk or cycle to Tavira through the nature reserve and salt pans (6 km, following the Ecovia do Algarve bike trail). There is also a regular bus service (stopping just outside Golden Club).
