On the Ilha de Tavira barrier island is a world-class beach.

Praia do Barril has a long and wide belt of white sand, with rows of parasols and sun loungers and a dune system behind.

Children will get a kick out of the journey, as after parking up on the shore you board a miniature train.

This crosses the dunes and creeks until you arrive at the remnants of an old tuna-fishing community.

Their huts and homes are now a beach restaurant and mini museum, while the fishing fleet’s anchors have been planted in the dunes as a monument to the old times.