Pedro DominguesTavira is a friendly village in Algarve, with phenomenal beaches and warm waters, like Barril beach, for example, my favorite in the entire Ria Formosa Natural Park. There is also a beautiful and picturesque historic centre, with a castle and beautiful gardens and squares, on the banks of the River Gilão.
I believe that visiting Tavira is a must on a trip to the south of Portugal. Many people use it as a base to explore the whole region from Olhão to the Spanish border in Vila Real de Santo António, and I agree that it is a really good idea. 😉
There are many things to do in Tavira, and in this article I will share with you all the essential tips for your travels there. Do you want to discover everything there is to know about this village in the south of Portugal? Continue reading this article then.
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Travel videos of Tavira and surroundings
I’ll start by leaving you two videos of my passage through this region, which include places not only in Tavira, but also in Olhão, Vila Real de Santo António, Castro Marim and Ria Formosa in general.
Where is Tavira located, in Portugal?
Tavira is located in Algarve (south of Portugal), more precisely in the eastern part of it, bordering the municipalities of Alcoutim, Castro Marim, Vila Real de Santo António, Olhão, São Brás de Alportel and Loulé. Part of Ria Formosa Natural Park is in Tavira. Check the map below to clearly understand its location.
Useful tips to visit Tavira
1. Rent a Car to visit Tavira
To visit Tavira, a car will be very helpful to explore its entire coast, and go on day trips outside of the city center. I leave you a link to Discover Cars, that I always use in my travels to compare prices between rental companies and make my own car reservations.
2. How to get to Tavira?
As for how to get to Tavira, it is very easy, as there is an airport not too far away, in Faro. I recommend using Skyscanner and Google Flights to do some research before buying your plane tickets, comparing prices and flight conditions.
If you are already travelling in Portugal, and want to use train connections or even buses, check Rome2Rio website, to find out your possibilities. For bus tickets in Algarve, use Rede Expressos or Vamus Algarve; for trains, use CP – Comboios de Portugal. It is easy to move around Algarve in public transports.
>>> Check possible flights with Skyscanner
3. Take out Travel Insurance to visit Tavira
To be protected against several types of travel hazards, I also recommend that you take out travel insurance for your stay in Algarve, and I recommend to do it with World Nomads.
4. When to visit Tavira?
I would visit this part of Algarve in the summer, because the main things to do in Tavira are related to the beaches and water activities in the sea. June to September is ideal, in my opinion, but remember that this will also be the busiest and therefore most expensive season! If you can, try to avoid the month of August.
5. What to eat and where to eat when visiting Tavira?
As far as food is concerned, there are regions in Portugal where you should eat meat and products related to hunting, but Algarve is not one of them. I recommend that you opt for fish or seafood when visiting Tavira, always fresh, as it is so close to the sea.
For example, Tuna Muxama, Seafood Cataplana, Seafood Rice, Grilled Sardines, etc. Santa Luzia octopus, in particular, is also very famous in the region of Tavira.
The restaurants I recommend are:
- Nó de Gosto
- Come na Gaveta
- Ti Maria
- And Casa do Polvo in Santa Luzia, for the octopus I just talked about.
6. Accommodation tips in Tavira
| Alojamento | Pontuação | Localização |
|---|---|---|
| Tavira Monte | 9.0 | Barril Beach (Santa Luzia) |
| Formosa Guest House | 9.0 | Tavira Center |
| OZADI Tavira Hotel | 8.6 | Cabanas |
| Pousada do Convento de Tavira | 8.9 | Tavira Center |
| Azul Sul Tavira | 9.9 | Tavira Center |
| Hotel Don Rodrigues | 8.6 | Tavira Center |
| Fazendinha | 9.2 | Off the coast |
| Vila Gale Tavira | 8.4 | Tavira Center |
| AP Maria Nova Lounge | 8.6 | Tavira Center |
| Bea’s Bed & Breakfast | 9.0 | Tavira Center |
| Casa Branca | 9.5 | Off the coast |
| São Paulo Boutique Hotel | 9.6 | Tavira Center |
| Tavira House | 9.1 | Tavira Center |
| Quinta do Caracol | 9.2 | Tavira Center |
| Quinta dos Perfumes | 9.4 | Cabanas |
Things to do in Tavira | Algarve
Next I will share the main things to do in Tavira, what to see and visit in the city center, and then also in the surroundings, obviously mentioning the best beaches that you can discover nearby.
Map | Things to do in Tavira
Visit Tavira city center
The center of Tavira is very picturesque. I remember well the whitewashed buildings, the river Gilão and the Roman bridge, and of course, the great view from the castle.
1. Republic Square of Tavira
The first stop should obviously be Republic Square, in the heart of the city, on the banks of the River Gilão. I highlight the small amphitheater, the monument to the combatants, the arcades of Tavira Town Hall building and the various cafes and terraces.
It is also here that one of the nuclei of the Municipal Museum of Tavira is located, namely the Islamic Nucleus. But I’ll talk about that in the next point.
2. Tavira Municipal Museum
The Municipal Museum of Tavira is made up not only of the Islamic Nucleus, but of many other nuclei, namely the Gallery Palace, the Water Supply Interpretive Centre, and the nuclei of Cachopo, of Bairro Almóada, and of the Hermitages of São Sebastião and Santa Ana.
I confess that I didn’t visit all of them, as my main focus were the beaches and landscapes of Ria Formosa. The most important center to visit is the Gallery Palace, where you will find archeology collections and exhibitions that address the history of Tavira, for example what is related to the Phoenicians who lived here in the past.
3. The Churches of Tavira
Tavira also has many churches, all very close to each other. Some are really old, but were badly damaged by the 1755 earthquake, which led to later reconstruction.
- Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Consolação, dating from the 17th century. It is located next to the former prison of Tavira, and was intended to provide religious support to inmates.
- Church and Convent of São Francisco, founded between the 13th and 14th centuries.
- Church of Santiago de Tavira, founded in the 13th century.
- Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça, founded in the 16th century. It was the headquarters of military units after the extinction of religious orders in the 19th century.
- Church of the Old Convent of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda, from the beginning of the 17th century, being the only one in Algarve belonging to the order of the Hermits of São Paulo.
- Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, the main church in the city, built in the 13th century, over an old Muslim mosque.
- Misericórdia Church, from the 16th century.
- Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, built in the 18th century.
- Hermitage of São Brás.
- Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, founded in the 18th century.
- And the Old Monastery of Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Mosteiro das Bernardas) from the early 16th century, which was once the largest monastery in Algarve and the only one of the Cistercian order in southern Portugal.
As you can see, many churches to visit for lovers of religious architecture. 😉 Tavira is one of the main religious heritage centers of the Algarve.
4. Castle of Tavira
Tavira Castle is a national monument. Its history dates back to the Phoenicians, with the construction of a wall between the 8th and 7th centuries BC. Archaeological evidence can be found and verified at the municipal museum.
Much later, in the 10th or 11th centuries, the Muslims occupied this region and built the castle, whose elements are still clearly visible in the current citadel.
Today, the pleasant garden inside the castle stands out, as well as the viewpoint over the city from the top of the walls. It may be in ruins, but it’s still one of the main tourist attractions to visit in Tavira.
5. Old Bridge of Tavira
The Old Bridge of Tavira is another must-see. It rises over the river Gilão, and allows for very beautiful framings with the city, and excellent photographs for visitors. 😉
It is believed that the bridge has Roman origins, although there is only reference to it in documents after the Christian reconquest. As a curiosity, the bridge had a huge tower defending it in the past, which ended up being demolished in the 19th century.
The streets on both sides of the bridge are among the most touristy in Tavira, so be sure to explore them in detail!
6. Bandstand Garden and Ribeira Market
Also on the banks of Gilão is the Public Garden of Tavira (Bandstand Garden) and Ribeira Market. The second location is a building from the 19th century, and came to house the market that operated before in Republic Square. Today it is a modern commercial space in the city!
Visit Tavira Salt Pans and 4 Waters Pier
On the outskirts of the city, the highlight goes first to 4 Waters Pier and the nearby salt pans. The view is awesome next to the pier, but from there you can also take the boat to the island of Tavira, in order to enjoy one of the best beaches in the region. 😉
If you are a lover of military architecture, I also recommend a visit to the Fort of Santo António de Tavira, also called “Mouse Fort”. It dates from the 16th century and was intended to protect the entrance to Ria Formosa next to the islands of Cabanas and Tavira.
Visit the best beaches in Tavira
In this article I will mention four excellent beaches, but I highlight Barril beach, which has become my favorite in Ria Formosa.
1. Barril Beach in Tavira Island
Barril beach is located more or less in the middle of the island of Tavira, and can be accessed by train or even on foot, unlike all the others that I will write about. To get to Barril beach, head to Pedras d’El Rei, where you will find parking for your car.
- I only took the train on the way back, as the queue on arrival was huge, so I decided to walk instead. You pay for the train, while the walk to the beach is free, with the advantage of allowing you to calmly observe the marine life of the marshes, for example the many crabs it has. It’s a trail of about 1km only, good for people who travel light to the beach.
- The beach is quite extensive. I highlight its large cemetery of anchors, unique in the region, once used for tuna and sardine fishing.
2. Tavira Island Beach
Tavira Island Beach is right in front of 4 Waters Pier. To arrive there, check the timetables on this website, knowing that there are two access possibilities: either from the pier or from the center of Tavira.
3. Terra Estreita Beach on the Island of Tavira
Terra Estreita Beach is located between Tavira Island Beach and Barril Beach. Boarding is in Santa Luzia, on Duarte Pacheco Avenue.
4. Cabanas Island Beach
Finally, Cabanas Island Beach is accessed by small fishing boats, usually along Ria Formosa Avenue and Cabanas pier.
Note that you can also get to the 4 beaches mentioned using Aqua Taxis, and I leave you a link to an example of that. If you go in a group, a taxi can be easier, quieter and even cheaper.
Visit Pego do Inferno Waterfall
Pego do Inferno Waterfall is a suggestion for anyone wanting to experience an alternative Algarve. It’s a beautiful waterfall, and there’s a lagoon for a swim, a short distance from the coast.
Note that I recently had information that this place is no longer what it was, with a dry waterfall and a lot of garbage in the surroundings. In previous years, it was hit by forest fires, so it lost much of its beauty. Now I'm not sure if it is worth the trip.
Things to do in Tavira surroundings
On the outskirts of Tavira there is much more to discover about Ria Formosa Natural Park. You can go to Vila Real de Santo António or Castro Marim, and even Olhão or Faro!
1. Visit Olhão
Go to Olhão and visit the city that has one of the wonders of Portuguese sweets: Folar de Olhão. Discover the recreational port, the fabulous Markets of Olhão, the replica of Caíque Bom Sucesso, and then the historic center, with emphasis on Restauration Square, the Municipal Museum and the main Church.
2. Visit the islands of Armona and Culatra / Farol
Olhão is the heart of Ria Formosa, so go explore the best islands it has to offer. How about taking the regular boats that connect the port of Olhão to the island of Armona? How about visiting Culatra / Farol Island? In addition to their paradisiacal beaches, these islands are habitable all year round, with populations that are of the most typical in Algarve.
3. Visit Barra da Fuseta
The most paradisiacal of all the beaches in Ria Formosa is undoubtedly Barra da Fuseta beach, at least in my opinion. Barril beach was the one I liked the most, but without a doubt this is the most beautiful. It can be reached from Fuseta pier.
4. Visit Cacela Velha
How about visiting Cacela Velha, in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António, which has one of the best viewpoints of Ria Formosa, from its fort?
5. Guided Tours to visit Algarve
Why don’t you go on a specific tour in the region? Below are examples of possible guided tours in Algarve with Civitatis, Viator and Get Your Guide, but if you do your own research, you will find even more alternatives on these websites. 😉 Check at least the ones related with Ria Formosa.
Guided Tours with Get Your Guide: 1 - Tavira Tuk Tuk City Tour 2 - Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour 3 - Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option 4 - From Lagos: Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade 5 - From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour 6 - Benagil Caves and Secret Spots Guided Kayaking Tour 7 - 1-Hour Carrapateira Horseback Riding Tour 8 - From Albufeira: Half-Day Algarve Jeep Safari 9 - From Lagos: Kayaking and Boat Cave Explorer Tour 10 - Loulé: TechSalt’s Rock-Salt Mine Tour 11 - Portimão: Pirate Ship Cave Cruise 12 - Albufeira: Single, Double or Triple Parasailing Tour
Guided Tours with Viator: 1 - Dolphins and Benagil Caves from Albufeira 2 - Boat trip to the caves of Benagil (from Lagos) 3 - Benagil Caves Tour from Portimao 4 - Benagil Cave tour from Faro 5 - Benagil Long Boat tour (From Carvoeiro to Praia da Marinha) 6 - Boat Tour to Benagil Caves from Armacao de Pera 7 - Kayaking in Secret Algarve Benagil Caves 8 - Benagil Area Kayak and SUP (from Albufeira) 9 - Kayak Trip in Lagos and Ponta da Piedade 10 - Parasailing from Albufeira Marina by Boat 11 - Coasteering and Cliff Jumping Near Lagos 12 - 2 hour Off-Road Buggy Adventure Tour from Albufeira 13 - Jeep Safari in the Algarve Mountains (Albufeira) 14 - Sunset Tour on a Luxury Sailing Yacht from Vilamoura 15 - Ria Formosa Natural Park and Islands Boat Cruise from Faro 16 - Boat trip to the 3 Islands of Ria Formosa (Olhão) 17 - Classic Food Tour in Lagos 18 - Wine Tasting Tour from Albufeira 19 - Tandem Skydiving in Algarve 20 - 2 Hour Surf Lesson at the Algarvian West Coast
Guided Tours with Civitatis: 1 - Tuk Tuk Tour in Tavira 2 - Benagil Caves Speed Boat Ride from Portimão 3 - Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Lagos 4 - Ponta da Piedade Caves Boat Trip from Lagos 5 - Albufeira Half Day Safari Tour 6 - Faro Walking Tour 7 - Parasailing in Albufeira 8 - Ria Formosa Eco Boat Trip from Faro 9 - Benagil Caves Boat Tour from Carvoeiro 10 - Deserta and Farol Islands Cruise from Faro 11 - Lagos Dolphin Watching or Dolphin Watching in Albufeira 12 - Sagres Coast Sunset Jeep Tour from Lagos
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
I hope you enjoy visiting Tavira. 😉 If this article with Things to do in Tavira was useful for you, please send me your feedback below, in the comment section.
