Barril Beach is located in Pedras D'El Rei, in the parish of Santa Luzia, municipality of Tavira, in the eastern Algarve (Portugal). The sand is soft and white, the sea is calm and crystal-clear, and the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed—perfect for unwinding and reflection.
Pedras D’El Rei and Barril Beach are about 1.5 km apart. There are two ways to get there: by traditional train or on foot. In an upcoming article, I’ll talk about the train ride; this article is dedicated to a hiking trail known as the Barril Trail.
It is a 3-km linear trail (round trip) that crosses tidal channels, marshlands, and dunes in the Ria Formosa. This is an interesting trail for observing birds in the estuary and the vegetation of the dunes and salt marshes, particularly at low tide, when a vast mudflat is exposed—a place where birds feed and interesting species such as the burrowing crab live.
Along the trail, there is information about the various species of birds that live there.
Arrival at Barril Beach.
After a few great dives in the ocean, it’s time to head back.
At the end of the day, at low tide, the scenery is breathtaking, with channels winding through the Ria Formosa. Countless crabs inhabit the Sapal area.
Directions: Take the EN125 toward Tavira, Pedras d'El Rei
GPS: N 37° 5' 34“ W 7° 40' 30”
Google Maps: Lat=37.092841, Lon=-7.675323
