#265 European Rank
Praia de Cacela Velha
Cacela Velha, Algarve, Portugal•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTU (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.58/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
22°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€30/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Golden Sand
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Cacela Velha, Algarve · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Ideal Swimming
Jan
16.1°C
Air 20°C
Feb
15.4°C
Air 21°C
Mar
15.6°C
Air 23°C
Apr
16.5°C
Air 26°C
May
17.9°C
Air 29°C
Jun
19.8°C
Air 32°C
Jul
21.4°C
Air 34°C
Peak
Aug
22.0°C
Air 34°C
Sep
21.4°C
Air 32°C
Oct
20.2°C
Air 29°C
Nov
18.5°C
Air 25°C
Dec
17.1°C
Air 22°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Swimmable 8 Jul – 25 Sep (>21°C) · 79 days
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Portugal Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.6 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.9 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.7 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.9 / 5
About Praia de Cacela Velha
An empty barrier strand below a tiny walled hamlet, the eastern Algarve's quiet miracle.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Reached from the historic village of Cacela Velha (Vila Real de Santo António) via a short boat crossing across the lagoon or walking at low tide.
•Protected Status / Environment: Located at the eastern tip of the Ria Formosa Natural Park barrier island system (Natura 2000).
•Notable Feature: Vast, unspoiled barrier peninsula sandspit situated beneath the clifftop 16th-century fortress and whitewashed village of Cacela Velha.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
NoShowers
NoFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
YesDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Cacela Velha, Algarve. Accessible via regional coastal roads (37.150°N, -7.553°E).
•Bath-warm shallows at low tide; mind the pull in the lagoon inlet channel.
•Across the Ria Formosa from a tiny walled clifftop hamlet; wade over at low tide or take the Fábrica water-taxi.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
FAO · 35m drive30-45 min drive along the A22 highway from Faro Airport (FAO).
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Praia de Cacela Velha?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Praia de Cacela Velha
What is the water temperature at Praia de Cacela Velha?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Praia de Cacela Velha averages 22°C (72°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Praia de Cacela Velha?
Praia de Cacela Velha is classified as a golden sand shoreline located in Cacela Velha, Algarve, Portugal.
Is Praia de Cacela Velha good for families with kids?
Yes, Praia de Cacela Velha is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.
Are there parking and facilities at Praia de Cacela Velha?
Free parking is available. No public restrooms directly on-site.
More Beaches in PortugalRegional Guide
4.6
Tavira, Algarve, Portugal•Atlantic Ocean
Clearest water in Atlantic Ocean
22°C sea
33/day
Golden Sand
34°C• Scenic
Cars from €22/d
4.6
Horta, Faial, Azores, Portugal•Atlantic Ocean
23.2°C sea
36/day
Black Sand
34°C• Scenic
Cars from €28/d
4.5
Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel, Portugal•Atlantic Ocean
Highest scenery score in Atlantic Ocean
23.2°C sea
31/day
Black Sand
34°C• Scenic
Cars from €28/d
4.5
Algarve (Lagoa), Portugal•Atlantic Ocean
2nd Clearest water in Atlantic Ocean
22.4°C sea
28/day
Golden Sand
28°C• Scenic
Cars from €22/dWarmest European Beaches this SeasonNOAA Climatology
4.7
Alanya, Turkey•Mediterranean Sea
Warmest water in Mediterranean Sea (Aug)
29°C sea
44/day
Golden Sand
37°C• Kids
Cars from €26/d
4.5
Antalya, Turkey•Mediterranean Sea
2nd Warmest water in Mediterranean Sea (Aug)
29°C sea
43/day
Pebbles
37°C• Kids
Cars from €20/d
4.8
Antalya (Kalkan), Turkey•Mediterranean Sea
3rd Warmest water in Mediterranean Sea (Aug)
28.9°C sea
45/day
White Sand
32°C• Kids
Cars from €22/d
4.8
Antalya (Kemer), Turkey•Mediterranean Sea
3rd Longest swim season in Mediterranean Sea · 200 days
28.9°C sea
20/day
White Sand
33°C• Kids
Cars from €22/d