
Cemitério das Âncoras (Anchor Cemetery)
A unique memorial of old anchors on a beautiful beach, telling the story of a lost fishing era.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm sun, calm sea

Cemitério das Âncoras (Anchor Cemetery)
Best Time
Warm sun, calm sea
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique memorial of old anchors on a beautiful beach, telling the story of a lost fishing era.
"An unbelievable place with a great experience and all the amenities you need."

🚂 Take the Train!
The narrow-gauge train is a fun way to reach the beach and adds to the experience. :train2:
🚶♀️ Walk the Dunes
Explore the beach and the anchor cemetery at your own pace. Comfortable shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Anchor Cemetery
Praia do Barril
A striking memorial of old anchors, symbolizing the end of the tuna fishing era.

Praia do Barril Beach
Ilha de Tavira
Beautiful white sand, clear waters, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

Narrow-Gauge Train Ride
From mainland to Praia do Barril
A fun and scenic journey across the Ria Formosa Natural Park to reach the beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to the Anchor Cemetery
Understanding the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚂 Take the Train!
The narrow-gauge train is a fun way to reach the beach and adds to the experience. :train2:
🚶♀️ Walk the Dunes
Explore the beach and the anchor cemetery at your own pace. Comfortable shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
📖 Read the History
The placards tell the story of the tuna fishing industry. Learn about this fascinating past. :books:
☀️ Pack for the Sun
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, especially during warmer months. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚂 Take the Train!
The narrow-gauge train is a fun way to reach the beach and adds to the experience. :train2:
🚶♀️ Walk the Dunes
Explore the beach and the anchor cemetery at your own pace. Comfortable shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
📖 Read the History
The placards tell the story of the tuna fishing industry. Learn about this fascinating past. :books:
☀️ Pack for the Sun
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, especially during warmer months. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique historical significance of the Anchor Cemetery and the beauty of Praia do Barril. The train ride is a frequently praised, fun element of the visit, and the beach's amenities are noted as convenient. Some find the historical context could be more detailed.
"Wind blowing 50 mph. Sand in our face. Needed goggles. But the location and beach is beautiful. Amazing little shells everywhere. The restaurant folks were pretty rude. Staff all eating at a table as apparently they weren't quite open yet, but nobody would tell us that. No signs. 10 of us just stood there looking at them. But they just ignored us. A worker outside finally told us. Will never eat there. Fun ride out on the little train."
Dale Widner
"Great place to visit and the history of the tuna fishing industry which lead to the anchor cemetery is fascinating. The photo doesn't do the place justice so go and look yourself👍😁"
Charles MacKinnon
"Love this beach always impressive some great rollors at times too
And great shops and bars to refresh as well"
Rory Jackson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Anchor Cemetery is located on Praia do Barril, part of Ilha de Tavira. You can reach it by taking a charming narrow-gauge train from the mainland or by enjoying a pleasant walk across the dunes. The train ride is a popular and scenic option, especially for families.
Parking is available on the mainland before you take the train or start your walk to Praia do Barril. The train station is the primary access point for visitors heading to the beach and cemetery.
Yes, you can walk to Praia do Barril and the Anchor Cemetery. It's a scenic route, but be prepared for a longer journey, especially in the heat. The train is a quicker and more comfortable option for many.
Many visitors enjoy taking the train to the beach and then exploring the Anchor Cemetery on foot. Reading the informational placards provides valuable context about the site's history.
The beach itself is generally accessible, but the sandy terrain around the anchors might be challenging for those with mobility issues. The train is accessible for most passengers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no specific ticket required for the Anchor Cemetery itself, as it's an open-air memorial on the beach. However, you will need to purchase a ticket for the narrow-gauge train that transports you to Praia do Barril.
The Anchor Cemetery is accessible whenever Praia do Barril is open, which is typically during daylight hours. The train operates on a schedule, so check its operating times.
Visiting the Anchor Cemetery is free. The only cost involved is for the train ticket to reach Praia do Barril, which is usually a nominal fee.
Praia do Barril and the Anchor Cemetery are generally accessible year-round, though train services might be reduced during the off-season. It's always best to check the current operating schedule.
As it's a historical site and part of a natural park, visitors are asked to be respectful of the anchors and the environment. Avoid climbing on the anchors or leaving any litter.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is viewing and photographing the collection of old anchors arranged on the dunes. Reading the historical placards provides insight into the area's past.
Yes, Praia do Barril offers amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and toilets, making it a comfortable place to spend the day.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photographing the anchors. Consider different angles to capture the scale and atmosphere.
Crowds can vary depending on the season and time of day. Visiting during weekdays or in the early morning/late afternoon can offer a more peaceful experience.
Praia do Barril features beautiful white sand, characteristic of the Algarve's stunning coastline.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Praia do Barril has cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy local food and drinks after exploring the beach and cemetery.
You can typically find fresh seafood, traditional Portuguese dishes, and light snacks at the eateries on Praia do Barril.
Picnics are generally allowed on the beach, but it's always good practice to check local regulations and ensure you clean up after yourself.
📸 📸 Photography
The anchors themselves are the main subject. Experiment with wide-angle shots to capture the expanse of the cemetery and close-ups to highlight the textures of the rusted metal.
Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light and fewer crowds, creating a more atmospheric and photogenic scene.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the cemetery, while a telephoto lens can be used for detail shots of the anchors. A drone can offer unique aerial perspectives if permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Anchor Cemetery
These anchors represent the demise of the tuna fishing operations that were once the lifeblood of this community. Informative placards are placed among the anchors, detailing the history of the fishing village, the lives of the families who worked there, and the eventual decline of the industry. Visitors can learn about how families would arrive in mid-April and stay through the summer, working hard to bring in the tuna catch.
Today, the cemetery serves as a historical landmark and a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors who are interested in maritime history and unique landscapes. It offers a quiet space for reflection and a chance to imagine a different era, where the rhythm of life was dictated by the sea and the tuna runs.
Experiencing Praia do Barril
Accessing Praia do Barril is an adventure in itself. Visitors can opt for a scenic walk across the dunes or take a charming narrow-gauge train that runs from the mainland. This train ride is particularly popular with families and offers a delightful way to reach the beach while enjoying views of the surrounding natural park.
Beyond the beach and the cemetery, Praia do Barril offers convenient amenities for visitors. There are cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy refreshments and meals, as well as public toilets. This makes it an ideal destination for a full day of relaxation and exploration.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit