Praia do Barril
One of east Algarve's quieter beaches
Located just a few kilometers from TaviraÃÂÃÂÃÂàand the resort of Pedras dÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂEl Rei, the beach, even in high season is generally one of the quieter beaches of theÃÂÃÂÃÂàAlgarve. Here the waters are calm, clean and warm and it is the ideal place for longÃÂÃÂÃÂàwalks, water sports or just to observe the waterfowl.
To get to the beach you can go by foot, take the seasonal tourist train, (the journey takesÃÂÃÂÃÂàapproximately 8 minutes and operates from the pier at Pedra dÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂel Rei to the beach - the fare is ÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂì1.50 each way. Or you can take the footbridge which crosses the Ria Formosa, this optionÃÂÃÂÃÂàallows you the opportunity to see and appreciate the wonderful variety of animal andÃÂÃÂÃÂàplant life.
The beach is very well maintained and the former tuna fishing facilities have beenÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ converted into shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and locker rooms, thus offering excellentÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ support for the many visitors to the beach.
Tavira once had a thriving tuna fishing industry, today set among the sand dunes of theÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ beach and in memory of this trade is the anchor graveyard.
To the more western side of Praia do Barril you will find one of the Algarve's three official naturist beaches.