Vista aérea de Cacela Velha e Ria Formosa

Cacela Velha

Getting There

Access

All ways to get here

Cacela Velha sits at the far end of the East Algarve, very close to the Spanish border. Accessible by car, train, plane or — the most beautiful way of all — by boat across the Ria Formosa.

By Car

~15 min from central VRSA

By Car

The most practical way to get here. There is a small car park at the top of the village, from where you walk down to the ria.

  1. Take the A22 (Via do Infante) and exit at Vila Real de Santo António
  2. Take the N125 towards Cacela Velha
  3. Follow the 'Cacela Velha' signs from Vila Nova de Cacela
  4. Park in the car park at the top of the village (free)
Tip: In high season the car park fills up early. Arrive before 10am or after 6pm.
By Train

~3h from Lisbon (Oriente) to Faro

By Train

The Alfa Pendular or Intercidades train links Lisbon and Faro. From Faro, continue on a regional train to Altura or Tavira, then a taxi or Uber to the village.

  1. Take the Alfa Pendular or Intercidades at Lisboa Oriente towards Faro
  2. At Faro, change to a regional train towards Altura or Tavira
  3. Taxi or Uber from the station to Cacela Velha
Tip: Buy your ticket in advance on the CP website for lower fares.
By Plane

~1h from Faro Airport

By Plane

The nearest airport is Faro, served by dozens of direct flights from all over Europe. From there, hire a car or take a taxi.

  1. Fly to Faro Airport (FAO) — direct flights from all over Europe
  2. Hire a car at the airport (recommended) or take a taxi
  3. Take the A22 (Via do Infante) towards Spain
  4. Exit at Vila Nova de Cacela, then follow the signs to Cacela Velha
Tip: Compare rental prices in advance — Faro is a popular destination and prices rise sharply in July and August.
By Boat / Ferry

~5 min from the edge of the ria

By Boat / Ferry

The most romantic way to arrive — by boat across the Ria Formosa. Small boats run from Sítio da Fábrica, in Vila Nova de Cacela.

  1. Head to Sítio da Fábrica, by the ria, in Vila Nova de Cacela
  2. Hire a local boat or use the seasonal boat service
  3. Cross the ria to Cacela Velha beach (~5 minutes)
Tip: The boat service is seasonal (June to September). Out of season, contact local boatmen.

Book your trip

🚗
Car rental
DiscoverCars — Faro Airport
 🚖
Private transfer
Welcome Pickups — Faro Airport
 🚕
Taxi / Shuttle
Kiwitaxi — from Faro
 🚂
Train ticket
Omio — Lisbon → Faro

Location

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Places to stay a few minutes away, bookable on Booking.com.

Where to stay near Cacela Velha

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For local businesses

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