Just 1640 feet from Cabanas, this 17th century, star-shaped fort now serves as an environmentally friendly guest house. It offers an outdoor pool and stunning views of Ilha de Cabanas and the Atlantic Ocean. Forte De São João offers rooms fitted with modern furnishings, paintings and sculptures. Some rooms have spacious seating areas with plush sofas. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the breakfast room, once a vaulted ceiling chapel, or on the terrace while enjoying the ocean view. A selection of cold, refreshing drinks can be found at the bar. Staff can provide information about hiking or organize rental bikes. Free Wi-Fi is available in ALL areas of the guest house.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Located in the top-rated area in Cabanas de Tavira, this property has an excellent location score of 9.4!

FREE parking!


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 full bed
1 king bed
or
3 twin beds
1 queen bed
1 full bed
1 full bed
1 queen bed
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Property practices

This property told us they've implemented certain practices across some or all of these categories: waste, water, energy and greenhouse gases, destination and community, and nature.
Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.1
Facilities
8.5
Cleanliness
8.9
Comfort
9.1
Value for money
8.4
Location
9.4
Free WiFi
6.7
Low score for Cabanas de Tavira
Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Brown
    United States of America United States of America
    The breakfast was incredible and included many local delicacies. The terrace overlooking the water was a perfect way to start the day. So beautiful!
  • Lori
    United States of America United States of America
    We absolutely fell in love with the fort. It is a magical place and our hosts Rita and Miguel made us feel very welcome and comfortable. Miguel shared a lot of information with us and was very friendly & funny! The breakfast buffet was...
  • A
    Anonymous
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Miguel and Rita were so sweet, helpful and accommodating. Such a gem of a place would absolutely come back!

Host Info

Company review score: 9.4Based on 415 reviews from 5 properties
5 managed properties

Property info

Lost between the sky and the sea, with its walls and imposing door of arms, the Fort of St. John of Barra, from the seventeenth century, and in the shape of a star, now presents itself as an environmentally friendly inn, on a bed and breakfast basis, with a breathtaking view of the Ria Formosa, the Island of Cabanas, and the Atlantic Ocean in its bulwarks. It is a real refuge for those who want to defend themselves from the tourist bustle of the Algarve summer and have pedestrian access (600 m) to Cabanas de Tavira and its commercial and restaurant offer. Classified as property of public interest, Forte was recently adapted to Nature Tourism, on a bed and breakfast basis, being the project authored by Arq. Victor Mestre. It has only 10 rooms for guests, all on the ground floor and opening onto the weapons courtyard, having in the background the Governor's House, with chapel and slab terraces. The décor is austere and sophisticated, with antique furniture, collection pieces and contemporary painting . Forte is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, and all indoor and outdoor spaces drink its magic, privileging the simplicity of equipment and service.

Languages Spoken

English,Spanish,Portuguese

Area info

Amenities of Forte De Sao Joao Da Barra
Great facilities! Review score, 8.5

Most popular amenities
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Beachfront
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Airport shuttle
  • Bar
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Private Bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Bathtub
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linens
  • Wardrobe or closet
Outdoors
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Beachfront
  • Sun deck
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Room Amenities
  • Socket near the bed
  • Clothes rack
Activities
  • Bicycle rental
    Additional charge
  • Bike tours
    Additional charge
  • Walking tours
    Additional charge
  • Beach
  • Horseback riding
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Cycling
    Off-site
  • Hiking
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Canoeing
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Windsurfing
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Fishing
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Golf course (within 2 miles)
    Additional charge
  • Tennis court
    Additional chargeOff-site
Food & Drink
  • Wine/Champagne
    Additional charge
  • Bar
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed).
  • Street parking
Services
  • Shuttle service
    Additional charge
  • Daily housekeeping
    Additional charge
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Private check-in/out
  • Fax/Photocopying
    Additional charge
  • Airport shuttle
    Additional charge
Front Desk Services
  • Invoice provided
Entertainment & Family Services
  • Board games/Puzzles
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access
General
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Tile/Marble floor
  • Heating
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
Outdoor swimming pool
Free!
  • Open all year
  • Pool/Beach towels
  • Beach chairs/Loungers
Spa
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Beach chairs/Loungers
  • Solarium
Languages Spoken
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese

House rules

Forte De Sao Joao Da Barra takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

From 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

Check-out

From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

 

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Refundable damage deposit

A damage deposit of EUR 50 is required. The property charges this 7 days before arrival. That's about USD 53. This will be collected by credit card. You should be reimbursed within 7 days of check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full by credit card, subject to an inspection of the property.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

0 - 2 years
Crib upon request
Free
3 - 9 years
Extra bed upon request
€ 30 per child, per night
10 - 15 years
Extra bed upon request
€ 50 per child, per night
16+ years
Extra bed upon request
€ 70 per person, per night

Prices for cribs and extra beds aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.

No age restriction

There's no age requirement for check-in

Payments by Booking.com

Booking.com takes your payment for this stay on behalf of the property, but make sure you have cash for any extras once you get there.


Parties

Parties/events are not allowed

Quiet hours

Guests need be quiet between 10:00 PM and 9:00 AM.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

The fine print
Must-know information for guests at this property

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform Forte De Sao Joao Da Barra of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.

Quiet hours are between 22:00:00 and 09:00:00.

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.

Due to coronavirus (COVID-19), this property adheres to strict physical distancing measures.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), wearing a face mask is mandatory in all indoor common areas.

It's not possible to stay at this property for coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine purposes.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR tests are available at this property at no extra charge for those exhibiting symptoms consistent with the virus and have been confirmed by an accredited doctor.

Medical monitoring is available for guests quarantined due to coronavirus (COVID-19). This may be provided in person or virtually, depending on the property type and location.

A damage deposit of € 50 is required. The property charges this days before arrival. This will be collected by credit card. You should be reimbursed within 7 days of check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full by credit card, subject to an inspection of the property.

License number: 1272/RNET

FAQs about Forte De Sao Joao Da Barra

  • Room options at Forte De Sao Joao Da Barra include:

    • Double
    • Suite

  • Forte De Sao Joao Da Barra offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

    • Cycling
    • Hiking
    • Tennis court
    • Fishing
    • Canoeing
    • Windsurfing
    • Golf course (within 2 miles)
    • Beachfront
    • Solarium
    • Walking tours
    • Horseback riding
    • Beach
    • Bicycle rental
    • Bike tours
    • Swimming pool

  • The nearest beach is 1,800 feet from Forte De Sao Joao Da Barra. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • Check-in at Forte De Sao Joao Da Barra is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM.

  • Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

  • Forte De Sao Joao Da Barra is 3,100 feet from the center of Cabanas de Tavira. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • The prices at Forte De Sao Joao Da Barra may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.