A charming traditional Portuguese town on the banks of the Gilao River on the far eastern part of Algarve, 39 km east of Faro and 22 km west of the Spanish border.
Tavira offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and beautiful beaches, with modern hotels, family run restaurants and great weather.
Being far from the popular beach resort towns of Algarve and their attractions, and with beaches which requires a ferry to reach, the town is less popular as a vacation retreat even though the calm and traditional vibes attracts certain type of tourists.
Stroll the old town with its narrow cobbled streets to admire the Moorish architecture and tiles decorated houses, the unique houses’ rooftop, and the numerous Gothic and Broque churches.
In town The Tjoy.com recommends to visit
- The Ponte da Roman old bridge over the river
- The hilltop Tavira Castle offering garden like setting and beautiful views of the town, and the adjacent Santa Maria church with its beautiful tiles’ panels.
- Enjoy the small tranquil squares, including the main Praca da Republica and Alagoa plaza and its beautiful garden
- The Renaissance Igreja da Misericordia church with its beautiful blue and white tiles paintings, and the nearby Municipal Museum.
- Stroll along the calm river in the Jardim do Coreto area, and relax in one of the numerous street side restaurants and cafes.
- While in Tavira, exploit the eastern Algarve golf courses including Monte Rei, Benamor, Quinta da Ria, and Castro Marim golf courses.
- To experience the beautiful Tavira surrounding nature, take the Tavira Equestrian Tourism horse ride tours, especially those to the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa and the Ilha de Tavira area.
Tavira Old Town
Anchor Cemetery, Barril Beach
Republica Square
Enjoy your vacation in the magnificent Tavira beaches located on the Ilha de Tavira 10 km long island located 4 km south of the town. The island is separated from the town by the waterways and mudflats of the of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. Its a 15 minutes Ferry ride from the town center or from Cais das Quatro Aguas, to the island. Along the island there are 3 main beaches, all with long stretches of sand, calm waters, all the required facilities, and a lot of space for relaxed and tranquil beach experience.
- The highly popular Praia de Tavira with its numerous bars and restaurants, nature paths and rich birds’ population.
- The tranquil Praia da Terra Estreita.
- Praia do Berril with its nearby Naturism Beach, a rusted Anchors Cemetery, restaurants and bars. An enjoyable and scenic 4 km easy hiking trail, leads from Tavira to Berril Beach passing along the way through the village of Santa Luzia.
Ria Formosa Natural Park is south of Tavira between the town and Ilha de Tavira and its beaches, and it extends all the way west to Faro. In the park waterways, mudflats, beautiful landscapes of Salt Lagoons, and large population of aquatic and migrating birds. Explore the waterways with a kayak or as a part of a boat cruise departing from Tavira harbour.
Tavira at Sunset
Tavira Beach
Tavira Canal
Part of your vacation in Tavira consider taking a boat tour to the nice fishing village of Olhao, to the city of Faro, the capital of the Algarve Region. Further away take a boat cruise to the famous Algarve caves and sea rock formations including the Benagil Cave, a Dolphin watching trip, or a deep-sea fishing cruise.
If you are planning your vacation in other resort, consider 2 days trip to enjoy Tavira and its surroundings.
Faro Airport is the international airport of the Algarve and is located 35 km to the west of Tavira.
