Praia Da Fábrica (Caccha Velha Beach)

Praia da Fábrica lies below the whitewashed village of Cacela Velha, in the far east of the Algarve, close to the Spanish border. Its name means Factory Beach, and it is one of the quietest and most unusual stretches of sand on the coast, since it faces the calm lagoon of the Ria Formosa rather than the open ocean. Cacela Velha itself, a tiny village on a hilltop, is a good starting point, with a small fort, a whitewashed church and a handful of cafes around a square that looks out over the lagoon.

The beach is a long strip of fine, pale sand backed by dunes and salt marsh, part of the barrier island system that shelters the Ria Formosa. Because it faces the lagoon, the water is shallow and warm, and at low tide a wide expanse of sand and mudflat is exposed, with pools where small fish and crabs gather. The landscape changes by the hour. At high tide, the channel fills and the beach seems to float on the water, while at low tide you can wade across and walk for long distances along the sand. Check the tide tables before going, as the tide determines how much beach there is and whether the crossing is easy or not.

Reaching the beach is part of the experience. From the village, a path leads down from the cliff and across the wetland, and at low tide you can walk across the sandbar. At other times, small boats carry passengers across the channel during the summer. Shoes that can get wet are useful. There is little in the way of facilities, though there are a few cafes in the village and sometimes a seasonal bar on the sand, so bring water, shade and snacks.

Birdlife is rich, and the lagoon is a protected area, so the beach is a good place for quiet observation of herons, waders and other birds in the shallows. The surrounding water is used for clam and oyster farming, and you may see people working the flats at low tide. Cacela Velha is known locally for its seafood, and clams and oysters from the lagoon are served in the village's restaurants. The nearby Ria Formosa has other beaches, but few as peaceful as this one.

Visit in the morning or early evening, when the light is soft and the beach is less crowded. In July and August, parking in the village is limited, so arrive early. The beach is free and open at all hours. It suits families who like shallow water, walkers and anyone looking for a calmer alternative to the busy resort beaches farther west.