Praia do Barril, located on the island of Tavira in the Sotavento algarvio, preserves near the beach access a collection of anchors known as the "cemetery of anchors". This material memory represents the fishing activity and the community that for decades depended on tuna fishing in that area. The current beach support facilities occupy the installations of an old fishing station, whose original buildings and other remains remain on site.
The beach is reached from Santa Luzia, through a pedestrian bridge over the Ria Formosa, on a route of approximately one kilometre that begins near the tourist development Pedras d'El Rei. Visitors can complete the journey on foot or opt for the tourist train, which has adapted spaces for wheelchairs and prams.
The beach stretches across a strip of fine white sand, surrounded by dune fields characterised by vegetation typical of this environment. Among the natural elements highlighted by the Municipality of Tavira is the mole crab, a small crab from sandy areas, and the sea sandwort, a plant that releases a scent similar to curry when heated by the sun.
The Pedras d'El Rei area has three parking spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility, located about 100 metres from the access bridge. The route includes several ramps that allow access to the beach, restaurants, bars, shops, first aid station and adapted toilets, linking the historical heritage of the old fishing station with the currently available infrastructure.