Praia de Cacela Velha, Beach within Ria Formosa Natural Park in Algarve, Portugal
Praia de Cacela Velha is a beach with around 1.7 kilometers of golden sand within the Ria Formosa Natural Park on the Algarve coast. The sand forms a natural barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and a lagoon system that stretches behind it.
Around 2010 a major storm transformed the former peninsula into an island, changing the coastal landscape significantly. This shift created a new water passage and reshaped the geography of the area.
The nearby village maintains its traditional character through whitewashed houses and fishing practices that reflect Portuguese coastal life. Residents live in rhythm with the tides, using the water both for their livelihood and daily routines.
The best time to visit is at low tide when more sand is exposed and the water is shallower. Access is possible by boat, a longer walk from Manta Rota, or wading through water depending on tidal conditions.
At low tide natural pools and lagoons form in the sand, shifting daily with tidal movements. These temporary water formations create a different landscape each day and offer hidden spots to discover.
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