Historical sites and towns in Algarve
Discover the present and the past of this region with guided tours through its historical towns and villages with unique landscapes:
Cacela Velha, perched over the lagoon
From the promontory of Cacela Velha, a white village with an 18th century fortress and church, enjoy the stunning views out over Ria Formosa, with its meandering currents and sandbanks.
In order to better appreciate the route, the estates and the orange groves, take an electric Tuk Tuk as far as Cacela Velha and Fábrica beach.
Spend some time spotting the Moorish influences along the streets of Cacela Velha, before wandering the banks of Ria Formosa while taking in the landscape and observing the birds.
From Golden Club Cabanas, you can bike to Cacela Velha (following the Ecovia do Algarve bike trail), or go by car (8 km).
Tavira, a historical city
Tavira, with its 37 churches and a medieval castle, unfurls over both banks of the Gilão River, spanned by a charming Roman bridge.
Known as the ‘Algarve Venice’, the town is renowned for the unique style of its aristocratic residences with their carved wooden gates and shutters and gabled roofs.
From Golden Club Cabanas, you can walk or cycle to Tavira through the nature reserve and salt pans (6 km, following the Ecovia do Algarve bike trail). There is also a regular bus service (stopping just outside Golden Club).
Stories and market of Olhão
Olhão, which started out as a fishing community, is full of legends and ancestral myths. Five legends in five town squares serve as our visit motto.
Despite its importance as a fishing port, Olhão preserves some of its traditional architecture.
It is known as the “cubist city” due to the cube-shaped homes that we shall visit along the narrow streets of its historical centre. We also find here the famous local market, always bustling with those in search of the best from these lands and their sea.
Olhão is 34 km away from Golden Club Cabanas by car, and a short train journey from Conceição station (a 15-minute walk from the resort).
Santa Luzia, a village by Ria Formosa
Santa Luzia is a quiet fishing village some 10 km from Golden Club Cabanas, great for strolling by the lagoon and trying octopus and other Algarve specialities.
In 1577 fishermen built a chapel here dedicated to Saint Luzia. They would fish by hooks and encircle fish in shallow waters with nets hauled to shore. Later they started laying giant nets at sea to catch tuna. In the 1930s, they began fishing for octopus with buckets and pots. Still today, Santa Luzia retains its title as the “octopus capital”.
To get to Santa Luzia from Golden Club Cabanas, you could cycle, drive or take a boat tour.