6km East of Tavira - past the golf course at Benamor - lies Cabanas, with a kernel of backstreets made up of pretty fishermen's houses and a line of low rise shops, cafes and bars facing a picturesque river estuary. Moored fishing boats testify to the villages former mainstay, though nowadays the economy is largely driven by tourism thanks to the glorious sands on Praia da Cabanas over the estuary and to the ruins of an old sea fort just east of the town, Boats shuttle passengers to the beach (April to Oct, 1 euro return). Cross the dunes and you're faced with miles of golden sand plus a couple of seasonal beach cafes.
(Source - Rough Guide to Portugal - March 2005).

The beach really is fantastic - white gold fine sand and gently sloping entry to the sea - and backed by the Ria Formosa Nature reserve. The boat takes just 2-3 minutes and runs back and forwards all day from 9am to 7pm and then there is a 300 boardwalk which is suitable for buggies (over the dunes, to protect them).

On the beach, as well as the cafes, there is a station for lifeguards, first aid, showers and toilets and an emergency phone, plus there are parasols and sunbeds.

There are a number of highly rated restaurants with seafood and fish a speciality in the town as well as enough small shops to keep you going.

If you want to visit out of Cabanas, Tavira is 10 minutes away by car, bus or train (see getting around)
This town is regarded as one of the prettiest on the Algarve - here are a couple of views from the castle:

Within 30 minutes drive you can also visit the Roman ruins at Milreu, Estoi palace, the Ria Formosa reserve info centre, Olhao's fishing port, Faro old town, the Ria Guadiana border with Spain and Castro Marim nature reserve, amongst others.

Seville is 90 minutes drive down the motorway (no tolls).

See also the Activities section for ideas on walking, golf and other sports.