Praia do Lacém, Sandy beach in Vila Nova de Cacela, Portugal
Praia do Lacém is a narrow sandy beach along the Ria Formosa coast, bordered by salt marshes and low dunes covered with beach grass. It sits between the mainland and Cabanas Island, where shallow waters and mudflats define the coastal landscape.
The beach formed through tidal and ocean current patterns over centuries, creating its distinctive narrow shape. Since 1987 the area has been protected as part of a national park to preserve these natural coastal systems.
The name reflects fishing traditions that remain visible when watching local fishermen at work on the water each day. These practices shape how the place looks and feels throughout the year.
A walking path of about 1.5 kilometers from the main road leads to the beach over unpaved ground, with no nearby parking facilities. The remote location means you should wear sturdy shoes and bring water for the walk.
A thin water channel links this beach to nearby Cabanas Island, giving visitors a direct view of shore birds feeding in the shallow waters. This position offers rare chances to watch the local bird population that lives in the surrounding wetlands.
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