About this property

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 9.7 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 9.7!

    • Breakfast Info

    • Buffet

    • 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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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free Wifi

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Guests who stayed here loved

  • Mariola
    Spain Spain
    Amazing location , so so unique . If you are looking for a unique stay, and want to feel like visiting friends in their private XVII century fort in the coast, This is your place.
  • Paul
    Canada Canada
    So unique! An inn within an old fort - so beautiful. The views from every corner of the property warranted a photo. And, most of all, our host Luisa was absolutely amazing! Friendly and welcoming!
  • Leticia
    Portugal Portugal
    Overall very good, the Fort itself is charming, the area is beautiful and whimsical, very well located in Cabanas. Rooms are spacious, perfectly clean. The staff is very welcoming. It is a little heaven away from Algarve's August busyness.
  • Debbie
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    This is the most incredible bed and breakfast. Location is truly inspiring. What a find! So tranquil looking over the wetlands and onto the sea a 10 minute walk to the boat/beach. Paradise.
  • Joseph
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Perfect location just on the outskirts but very walkable to town.
  • Charlotte
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Breakfast was serve yourself, nice quality food, eggs made for you, great orange juice. The staff were amazing, so helpful and friendly, rooms good, couldnt get aircon to work, but ceiling fan was fine. A beautiful, unusual place to stay, 7...
  • Rob
    Spain Spain
    Beautiful old fort with unique atmosphere and incredible sea views, we had the old stable which was a huge room full of character. Very friendly host and staff, great breakfast on a lovely terrace overlooking the island and sea. Good value too.
  • Patricia
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    A unique place to stay, high quality with good service and exceptional breakfast. Honesty bar and wonderful terrace with views across the estuary.
  • Pedro
    Portugal Portugal
    The spot is precious. So relaxing. The staff is top. The Manager Luisa is excellent. Always helpful and friendly. One place to return often.
  • Joao
    Portugal Portugal
    This is a very beautiful, very authentic property with a privileged location right on Ria Formosa. The house is a family house, and it feels that way -- with furniture, art and artifacts that are very special and with character. Luisa, the...

Host Info

Company review score: 9.5Based on 153 reviews from 8 properties
8 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

German,English,Spanish,Italian,Portuguese

Area info

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.
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
Check-out
From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Refundable damage deposit
A damage deposit of € 50 is required. The property charges this 7 days before arrival. That's about $58. 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
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
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.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.
Parties
Parties/events are not allowed
Quiet hours
Guests need be quiet between 10:00 PM and 9:00 AM.

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