Praia do Barril, Atlantic beach on Tavira Island, Portugal.
Praia do Barril is a sandy beach on the southeastern coast of Tavira Island, featuring light-colored sand and clear shallow waters that slope gently to the shore. The beach is backed by coastal dunes and a cluster of restored buildings that create a small settlement atmosphere.
The location operated as a tuna fishing settlement until the 1960s, when shifting migration patterns of bluefin tuna caused fishing activities to cease. This change marked the beginning of the area's transition toward tourism.
Restored fishermen's homes now function as restaurants and shops, keeping alive the architectural character of the old tuna fishing community. These buildings show how people once lived and worked by the sea.
The beach can be reached by a small train or by walking approximately 1.3 km (0.8 miles) along a wooden boardwalk from the parking area at Pedras d'El Rei. Wear sturdy shoes for the boardwalk and check tide times before visiting, as the beach narrows considerably at high tide.
About 200 rustic anchors are arranged in rows across the sand, serving as an unexpected memorial to the tuna fishing industry that once thrived here. This simple installation creates a powerful reminder of the people and livelihoods tied to the sea.
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