Cacela Velha is a charming, small village perched on a hill at the eastern edge of the Ria Formosa in the Algarve. It’s a perfect day trip from anywhere in the Algarve, offering a peaceful escape from the more crowded areas along the coast. This village is famous for its stunning views, an incredible sandy beach, its picturesque setting and perhaps the best miradouro in the Algarve.
When is the best time to visit Cacela Velha?
Since Cacela Velha is primarily a small village with a vast beach, the ideal time to visit is during the warmer months. This allows you to get the most out of the beach, and the lagoon-side pools. Don’t worry if you can’t visit during the summer months, Cacela Velha is still well worth visiting just to see the village and viewpoint – you really only need about an hour to take it all in though!
Where is Cacela Velha?
Cacela Velha is located 50 km (30 miles) east of Faro, about a 45-minute drive. With a large free car park, it’s easy to park and explore the area.
How to Get to Cacela Velha by Public Transport
Getting there by public transport is a little more difficult. You’ll likely start your journey in Faro or connect there. From Faro, you can take the bus line 66 or 67 which has a bus stop on the road outside Cacela Velha. From there it’s a 1.3km walk to get to the village. The 66 operated by Vamus travels from Albufeira to Vila Real de Santo António so it’s possible to access Cacela Velha from anywhere in this section of the Algarve. The 67 only operates between Faro and Vila Real de Santo António.
The Best things to See and Do in Cacela Velha
The village of Cacela Velha is small enough to explore entirely in less than an hour, but don’t let its size fool you—it’s absolutely worth your time. The narrow streets and charming layout invite you to discover its unique character. As you wander through the village center, you’ll encounter rows of houses in the traditional Algarvian style, typically white with vibrant accents of blue, orange, or yellow. The architecture reflects a blend of Arab and medieval influences.
Admire Algarvean Architecture
As you stroll along the streets, make sure to look up at the top of the buildings. You’ll notice two distinct architectural features typical of the Algarve.
The first is the styled platibandas, the decorative top part of the façade that extends above the roofline. Each house often has its own unique design, highlighted with contrasting colours. Here in Cacela Velha the designs are typically blue and white.
The second feature to watch for are the intricately designed chimneys, which are a another fascinating aspect of Algarvean architecture. These chimneys, that come in various styles, sometimes with windows, and even miniature roofs and spires, were once symbols of prosperity.
According to local folklore, the complexity of a chimney’s design was determined by the length of time it took a mason to create it. Even the most modest cottages often have beautifully detailed chimneys. As you explore Cacela Velha, keep an eye on the rooftops and see how many of these ornate chimneys you can spot!
Visit Cacela Velha’s Beautiful Church
As you wander through the streets – there’s really not that many of them, you’ll eventually come upon Igreja Matriz de Cacela Velha, the village’s only church. It was originally built in the 16th century on the site of a medieval church. The original church, like the nearby fortress, was destroyed and later rebuilt after the devastating 1755 earthquake.
Inside, you’ll find a stunning Renaissance arcade surrounded with busts of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The church shares its Renaissance heritage with the nearby Misericórdia Church in Tavira and the Matriz Church in Alcoutim, as they were all designed by the same architects.
Despite its architectural beauty, the church is perhaps more famous for the breathtaking views it offers. A short walk around the back of the church reveals one of the most spectacular miradouros in the Algarve. Offering an amazing view of the eastern end of the Ria Formosa and Cacela Velha’s beach.
Find out more about the Ria Formosa here!
The Fortress of Cacela Velha
Next to the church, you’ll also find the Fortress of Cacela Velha, originally the site of an Arabic castle that once guarded the entrance to the Ria Formosa. This strategic location was crucial, as the waters here were deep enough to allow ships to pass through, providing access to Tavira and Faro. The castle played a vital role in defending these towns from raiders and pirates.
However, the fortress you see today is not from the Moorish period. Construction of the current Forte de Cacela began in 1770, on the ruins of a previous fortress destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. The fort, along with its cliff-top bastions, was completed in 1795. In 1897, the fort was handed over to the Fiscal Guarda, a military branch responsible for border protection, maritime policing, and customs enforcement. Today, the modern-day GNR (National Republican Guard) maintains the fort as an outpost, following the absorption of the Fiscal Guarda in 1993.
While you can’t enter the fortress itself due to its continued use by the GNR, it remains an impressive landmark and offers stunning views from its surroundings.
Jardim Representativo da Flora do Algarve – Explore the Algarve’s Native Plant Species
Just a short walk from the village outskirts, or directly east from the car park, you’ll find the Jardim Representativo da Flora do Algarve, also known as the Garden of Native Algarve Plant Species. This delightful garden is an excellent spot for both newcomers and seasoned visitors to explore the local vegetation of the Algarve.
The garden showcases a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and scrubs that are native to the region. As you enter, you’ll pass through a small orchard filled with local trees such as medronho, fig, almond, carob, and olive trees. As you continue your stroll, you’ll encounter typical Algarvean scrub vegetation like rosemary, thyme, lavender, and juniper, all clearly labeled and thoughtfully arranged. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about the natural plants of the Algarve.
One of the garden’s most charming features, and a feature great for kids is a small insect hotel. A creative and educational initiative highlighting the importance of pollinating insects in the Algarve’s ecosystems. Nearby, you’ll find a small pond, designed to attract local birds and aquatic insects.
Praia de Cacela Velha – Cacela Velha’s Stunning Beach
After thoroughly exploring Cacela Velha, it’s time to head to its beach, Praia de Cacela Velha. This expansive stretch of sand extends westward to Praia de Cabanas and eastward to Praia da Manta Rota. To reach the beach, follow the signs to “Sítio da Fábrica” on the west side of the village, where a steep but well-maintained path will lead you to the edge of the channel.
Depending on the tide, you can either wade across the channel or catch a local boat to reach the main beach. There’s also an access point on the east side of town near a small staircase next to the Forte de Cacela. This path is also steep and will take you down to a small beach, but you’ll still need to cross the channel to get to the main beach.
Praia de Cacela Velha is truly one of the Algarve’s hidden. It’s free of commercial facilities, making it a favorite among locals rather than tourists. The only refreshments available come from the occasional vendor selling ‘bolas de berlim’ or drinks from an icebox, so it’s wise to bring your own supplies. During the summer, there are lifeguards on duty, so it offers safe swimming too! However, you’ll find families often prefer to stay in the warm, shallow pools of the lagoon and its channels rather than venturing into the open sea.
High Tide at Praia da Cacela Velha
Timing your visit to Cacela Velha Beach is crucial. At low tide, the journey to the beach is a short walk, but at high tide, it can turn into a swim. The channels and pools, which are ideal for warm and safe swimming at low tide, quickly become fast-flowing and deep when the tide comes in. Meaning you’ll need to rely on the boats, or prepare to swim or wade through deep water.
While it’s possible to follow the same path and swim across at high tide, this isn’t recommended for families with young children or for those carrying a lot of gear—especially electronics. During the peak season, several boats shuttle visitors back and forth across the channel for around €1.50 each way, making it an affordable and convenient alternative to swimming.
Best Restaurants in Cacela Velha
Cacela Velha may be a small village, but it does offer a handful of restaurants and cafés perfect for dining and refreshments. However, during the summer, these spots can get quite crowded quickly, so plan accordingly.
Casa da Igreja:
Casa da Igreja is known for its exceptional seafood, particularly the local oysters and clams. Which are harvested in the Ria Formosa. Due to its popularity, it can get incredibly busy, especially in the summer and on weekends, so it’s wise to arrive early. Despite its reputation, the prices are reasonable by Algarve standards, with a plate of oysters costing around €12 and clams around €16. If you’re a seafood lover, this place is a must-visit.
Casa Velha:
When our first choice was packed, we stopped by Casa Velha and were pleasantly surprised. The staff were attentive, and the food was excellent, though a bit on the expensive side. The menu offers a wide selection of seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes, making it a solid alternative if other spots are full.
For a broader selection of restaurants, consider visiting nearby Vila Nova de Cacela (4 km away) or Manta Rota (5 km away), where you’ll find many more dining options.
Should You Visit Cacela Velha?
Absolutely! Don’t let its small size or limited activities deter you from visiting Cacela Velha. This charming village is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on everyone’s Algarve itinerary. Its peaceful atmosphere, rich history, and stunning views make it a must-visit destination at all times of the year!