Tavira is a seaside town on Portugal’s famed Algarve coast, drawing people with its long beaches, Moorish-style architecture and streets filled with traditional houses. The Gilão River ribbons through it, with the lamp-lined Roman Bridge linking the two sides of town.
The historic centre of Tavira is characterised by whitewashed buildings, dozens of churches and a medieval castle. The Castelo de Tavira dates back to the 11th century and promises the best view of town from its vantage point. It is surrounded by some of the most beautiful churches in Tavira, including the Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo with its clock tower and the Igreja da Misericórdia, whose simple facade hides a lavish interior. Its altar is adorned with gilded carvings and the walls depict scenes from the life of Christ through traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles.
The Ilha de Tavira – or Tavira Island – is an 11-kilometre-long sandbar just off the coast, home to a few of the best beaches in the Algarve region. Framed by dunes on one end and the ocean on the other, Praia da Ilha de Tavira is the closest beach from town, dotted with beachside bars and shacks serving fresh seafood. A little further lies Praia do Barril, known for the outdoor art installation of Cemitério das Âncoras, or Anchor Cemetery. On the white sands of this beach, you'll find rows of sun loungers and parasols that match the azure of the Atlantic.
Tonight
From £150 per night
This weekend
From £200 per night
Next weekend
From £200 per night
Most popular time to visit | October–December |
Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
Local currency | € 10 = £8.57 |
Language | Portuguese |
Average weekend price | £79 per night |
Average weekday price | £84 per night |
Typical stay | 2 nights |
Island of Tavira
3.1 miles from city centre
Tavira is a little gem of a town.
7 May 2024
Tavira is a little gem of a town. There are tons of things to see and explore. People are friendly, the food scene is beyond incredible and the city is completely walkable. If you're looking for a small, quite, charming town then Tavira is the place.
Tavira is a very relaxed and beautiful place to visit, the...
27 April 2024
Tavira is a very relaxed and beautiful place to visit, the atmosphere was friendly and there were lots of restaurants for all budgets. We were there at the end of April and the temperature was ideal for us, in the low twenties. The beaches were easy to get to and huge so even in high season I think they would be fine. You are a short train ride from Faro and there are other lovely villages nearby to visit. Plenty of walks and bike tracks for the more active mostly all on the flat so not too energetic! This is a resort for couples and families rather than those looking for lively night life but for us that was a positive!
Tavira is definitely one of the most picturesque and...
16 April 2024
Tavira is definitely one of the most picturesque and unspoilt towns in the Algarve. So far, it has escaped the mass building of apartments that now plague other places. But, unless you have a car, I'd recommend staying in the centre! Local transport is not very convenient, though trains to other towns are good. There's lots going on, though perhaps more geared towards adults than youngsters! Plenty of restaurants and cafés and the Clube de Tavira is a good spot for some local jazz on a Thursday. Bear in mind it's not directly on the coast - you need to take ferries to the islands nearby, but that's fun if the weather's good. Not so much if it's wet and windy 🙄. Bike rental is another good option. Another plus is being so near Spain - a trip to Seville is only a couple of hours away! My tip - if you're not with a car, don't stay on the outskirts, unless you just want to be by the pool all day! It's a long and boring walk into town! Do visit the little olive producer just out of town. At time of my visit, nearly the whole town was undergoing roadworks which meant half the streets were closed to traffic and all the cobbles and paving were up, making for dusty and uneven surfaces. Just beware!
Nice town in a very concise area.
14 April 2024
Nice town in a very concise area. Catching boat from the downtown dock is better value for the trip to visit the beautiful "Ilha de Tavira Beach" (Tavira Island Beach), worth spending time there. Don't drive into the city, either walk or catch a Uber. Too much traffic and the endless road construction works mess everything out. Look it up on Google before you head that way as there are many more activities you can enjoy.
We stayed for one week but really could have stayed longer,...
18 March 2024
We stayed for one week but really could have stayed longer, but a week was enough for us to feel relaxed,enjoy the beach and the surrounding areas. Tavira is a pretty historic town with lots of amenities , great restaurants, bars and cafes with tourists but not tacky! and lots of day trips available. It’s a great walking and cycling area And the beach is truly magnificent. .
Tavira will typically draw those, who seek the architecture,...
10 March 2024
Tavira will typically draw those, who seek the architecture, history - it's idyllic and peacefull setting; and the beach second. Tavira has a trainstation,, so you are free to come and go without the hassle of traffic and foreign signs. This town will not attract the crowds who seek the plastic pleasures of Albufeira.
Tavira, Portugal
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Tavira, Portugal
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Tavira, Portugal
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Tavira, Portugal
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