Tavira in 1 day

Published on July 31, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Tavira is a charming little town in the south-east of Portugal. It's a destination that smells of sunshine, long walks along the river and lazy afternoons by the ocean. Strolling through its narrow white streets is a real pleasure. The town also has many restaurants and boutiques. During a road trip to the Algarve, you should definitely devote at least one day to this little Portuguese gem.

The town of Tavira is close to the Ria Formosa Lagoon Natural Park. So you can easily set off to explore this unspoilt area. A trip to the lagoon is synonymous with encounters with the local wildlife. Many birds live here throughout the year. There are also some superb beaches of fine golden sand, ideal for an afternoon sunbathing in an idyllic setting! The most famous of these is on the ile de Tavira! 😀

Roman bridge in Tavira, Algarve, Portugal

Summary

Visit Tavira town centre
The best beaches around Tavira
An excursion to the Ria Formosa lagoon
Where to stay in Tavira?

Visit Tavira town centre

Azulejos on the facades of the houses, big colourful doors, narrow streets covered in black and white cobblestones... There's no doubt about it, we're in one of the most authentic villages in the south of Portugal. Welcome to Tavira! Located to the east of Faro, the capital of the Algarve, don't miss out on this Portuguese must-see. Get out the cameras, you're going to want to photograph the town in every detail! 🤩

Alley in the old town of Tavira, Algarve

The town of Tavira has many places to discover. If you get lost in the maze of narrow streets, you're sure to come across one of its many churches (the town has more than 30!). The Church of the Misericordia, the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, the Church of Santiago, the Convent of Tavira... Whether they are small or more imposing, they all have an architecture that is unique to Portugal.

Saint Mary's Church seen from Tavira Castle, Algarve, Portugal

You can also get a good view of Tavira from a different angle by taking the streets leading to theSanta Maria do Castelo church. From up there, you can enjoy a superb panorama of the city's rooftops and the River Gilao. We love all these little white houses with pink roofs! Don't hesitate to take a well-deserved break in the Castelo de Tavira garden and climb the city walls 😉

Castelo de Tavira, beautiful garden and walls in the center of Tavira, Algarve, Portugal

Descending to "river level", you can then set off to discover the other bank, by taking the emblematic Roman Bridge. This bridge is often photographed to showcase the town of Tavira. The northern part of Tavira is also very pleasant. You'll find some great restaurants and pretty terraces to enjoy a drink (with a view of the river, of course! 😎).

The best beaches around Tavira

Thanks to its location close to the Atlantic Ocean, Tavira has some very beautiful beaches that will delight young and old alike.

The best known and most popular of these is Praia da ilha de Tavira. With its 12km of white sand along the Ria Formaosa lagoon and its translucent turquoise waters, you're sure to fall in love! To get there, simply take the ferry from Tavira town centre. Once you've arrived, you'll find the first deckchairs waiting for you. But if you want to get away from it all for even more peace and quiet, no problem. Just walk for a few minutes and you'll feel alone in the world, as if you were on a desert island 😉

Beach on the island of Tavira, near the town of Tavira, part of the Ria Formosa natural park in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.

Accessible by footpath or by taking the little train, we also recommend the pretty Praia do Barril beach. There are bars and restaurants where you can eat and enjoy a sunny day. It's also on this beach that you can see the astonishing Anchor Cemetery. A sort of memorial to the bluefin tuna fishermen of yesteryear. Not to be missed!

Plage Praia do Barril, Cimetière d’ancres, Algarve

🛥️ How do I get to Ilha Tavira?

To get back to the island of Tavira, simply take the small ferry from the pier in Tavira town centre. For just €2 return per person, it will take you to the most beautiful beach in the area! The joys of swimming are yours! 😎

During the summer (June to September), expect a departure every half-hour. The crossing is a magical moment as you sail through the heart of the superb Ria Formosa lagoon for around twenty minutes.

An excursion to the Ria Formosa lagoon

Tavira is also the starting point for excursions to discover the Ria Formosa Lagoon Natural Park. A day dedicated to discovering the local flora and fauna. If you're lucky, you may come across pink flamingos, egrets or storks. If any of these species are in the area, your guide for the day will be sure to let you know 😉 You may not see them, but you should know that the lagoon is home to many seahorses!

Ria Formosa at sunset, Algarve, Portugal

This trip on the lagoon will also be an opportunity to observe the sumptuous landscapes it contains. Depending on the excursion you choose, you'll be sure to stop off for a swim on some of the most beautiful islands in the area: ilha Deserta, ilha do Farol, ilha da Culatra, to name but a few.

🏡 Fancy visiting another small Portuguese village?

North of Faro is another typical Portuguese village: Loulé. At the height of summer, the streets are shaded by huge sheets put up by the locals. This setting gives Loulé a very special charm! A visit to Loulé complements one to Tavira.

A typical street in Loulé, a village that reminds us of Tavira

Where to stay in Tavira?

Fancy staying in Tavira for several days? You're right to want to make the most of this superb place. The region offers a wide range of accommodation. Check out our favourite below 🙂