Whether you want to get active during the summer, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous or relax on a leisurely winter vacation, there are plenty of things to do in Oliveirinha-Cabanas Portugal. Expedia can help you find the best attractions for your trip and book your tickets in advance.
1. Beaches
The beaches in Oliveirinha-Cabanas are backed by dunes and are different from the cliff-backed ones of the Algarve. During summer, they’re not as busy as in other parts of the region.
There are loungers and parasols on the beach, as well as showers and toilets, but be aware that there are only lifeguards during certain hours. There are also boat tours to Ilha de Cabanas during the summer, and you can book them at hotels and restaurants on the waterfront in Cabanas de Tavira.
Ronqueira River is an inclusive beach, offering parking spaces with electric scooters for people with limited mobility, a sand wheelchair, amphibian chairs, and large-scale information and pictograms. You can rent a beach wheelchair at the information center, or you can bring your own. Ilha de Cabanas is accessible from Cabanas de Tavira via small taxiboats, which run several times an hour during the summer. The round trip takes a couple of minutes and costs around EUR 1,50 per person (children under 10 travel for free). If you’re staying in Cabanas, the best way to get there is to take the hotel’s boat tour.
2. Shopping
Portugal is renowned for its beaches, but the country also has a well-developed real estate market and many historical sites. From private homes away from the crowds to affordable apartments, there are a variety of properties for sale in Portugal.
Oliveirinha-Cabanas, on the outskirts of Tavira, is a sleepy little fishing village that transforms into a holiday paradise during the summer months. The area has a number of eateries that cater to locals and tourists alike.
O Pedro is one of the most popular restaurants in the village, and although it might look crowded from the outside, they’re able to cope with the rush efficiently thanks to waiters who have an astonishing command of multiple languages. The fish soup is great, and the francesinha (Portuguese steak) should not be missed. This restaurant has such a strong reputation that it’s hard to get a table during busy times, so booking ahead is essential.
3. Restaurants
As a fishing village, Oliveirinha transforms into a foodie paradise over the summer. Its popularity is reflected in the number of restaurants, many of which are owned by expats.
The restaurant usually at the top of TripAdvisor’s list, O Pedro has a huge reputation and its chef is renowned throughout Portugal. It can get crowded, so booking is recommended. Particular highlights are the fish soup and the grilled Portuguese steak, with its distinctive black grill marks. Huge shellfish rice dishes and seared tuna (cooked pink instead of the Algarve’s usual grey) are also popular with day-trippers from Spain.
Local bars tend to stay open late in the high season. For drinks, try Bar e Restaurante Casa da Oliveirinha, near the Church of Nossa Senhora do Anunciacao, or Cervejaria Sacarrabos at Rua Gago Coutinho 40 for a range of locally brewed wines. There are also a few cafes and bakeries in the village. The nearest airport is Faro, located within 47 miles of the property.
4. Nightlife
Located 1 km from Pelourinho de Oliveirinha do Conde, this apartment features a kitchen with an oven and microwave. It also provides free private parking on site and a balcony. A TV is provided for guests’ entertainment.
Featuring a patio, Casa Da Oliveirinha Vila offers allergy-free rooms alongside 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Its other amenities include a TV, refrigerator and washing machine. The property is located within walking distance of Museu Municipal de Mertola and Church of Nossa Senhora da Anunciacao. It is also a short drive from Castel of Mertola and Terra Utopica.
Rede Expressos operates a bus from Lisbon Sete Rios to Carregal do Sal once a day, with tickets costing between $16 – $22. Travel time is around 3h 25m. Car rental is also available from Carregal Sal Airport, which is located a short distance away. A number of other options, including taxis and shuttle buses, can be found nearby.
