Tavira is a town located in the eastern Algarve region of southern Portugal, known for its historic centre, beautiful beaches, and charming atmosphere. It is a popular tourist destination, particularly for those interested in history, culture, and natural beauty.
One of the main attractions of Tavira is its historic center, which features narrow cobbled streets, traditional Portuguese architecture, and historic buildings such as the Tavira Castle and the Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo. Visitors can also explore the town’s many churches, museums, and art galleries.
Tavira is also home to several beautiful beaches, such as Praia do Barril and Praia da Ilha de Tavira, which are situated on the Ilha de Tavira, a long, thin island located just off the coast. The island can be reached by boat or a small train that departs from the town centre.
In addition to its beaches and historic attractions, Tavira is also known for its excellent seafood and traditional Portuguese cuisine. There are several restaurants and cafes in the town that serve local specialities, such as grilled sardines and cataplana, a seafood stew.
Overall, Tavira is a charming and peaceful town that offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a great place to visit for those looking for a relaxed and authentic Portuguese experience.
What to see in Tavira
Tavira is a charming town located in the eastern Algarve region of Portugal. It is known for its historic architecture, beautiful beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. Here are some top things to see and do in Tavira:
- Tavira Castle – This historic castle is located in the heart of the town and offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding area.
- Roman Bridge – This beautiful bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Tavira and is a great spot for taking photos.
- Tavira Island – This stunning island is located just off the coast of Tavira and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve.
- Tavira Old Town – This historic quarter of the town is home to a range of beautiful buildings, including churches, museums, and art galleries.
- Ria Formosa Natural Park – This beautiful nature reserve is located just outside of Tavira and is home to a range of wildlife, including birds, fish, and turtles.
- Tavira Municipal Museum – This museum is located in a beautiful 16th-century palace and is home to a range of exhibits that showcase the town’s history and culture.
Pego do Inferno – This beautiful waterfall is located just outside of Tavira and is a great spot for hiking and picnicking.
Overall, Tavira is a great destination for those who love history, nature, and the beach. The town is easy to explore on foot, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars where you can relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Where to eat
Tavira is a charming town in the Algarve region of Portugal and has a wide variety of dining options, from traditional Portuguese cuisine to international options. Here are some places to eat in Tavira:
- Restaurant O Castelo – Located within Tavira’s castle walls, this restaurant offers stunning views and serves traditional Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist.
- Aquasul – This seafood restaurant is located in the heart of Tavira and is known for its fresh fish and seafood dishes.
- Bica – This cozy restaurant is located in Tavira’s old town and serves a variety of Mediterranean and Portuguese dishes, including vegetarian options.
- Al Quimia – This Michelin-starred restaurant is located in the nearby town of Almancil and is a must-visit for foodies looking for a fine dining experience.
- Adega Nova – This popular restaurant serves traditional Portuguese dishes, including grilled fish, seafood, and meat dishes, and is a great option for families.
- Vela 2 – This restaurant is located on Tavira Island and is a great spot for a romantic dinner or a sunset drink. It serves fresh seafood and local Algarve wines.
- La Bella Vita – This Italian restaurant is located in Tavira’s old town and serves authentic Italian cuisine, including homemade pasta and pizza.
Overall, Tavira has a wide range of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets, and many restaurants offer stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Where to stay in Tavira
Tavira offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels and resorts. Here are some recommendations for places to stay in Tavira:
- Pousada Convento de Tavira – This historic hotel is located in a restored 16th-century convent and offers elegant rooms, a spa, and a rooftop pool with views of the town.
- Vila Galé Tavira – This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Tavira and offers comfortable rooms, a spa, and a rooftop pool with views of the town and the river.
- Ozadi Tavira Hotel – This modern hotel is located on the outskirts of Tavira and offers stylish rooms, a pool, and a bar with a terrace.
- Hostel Casa Cerejinha – This budget hostel is located in Tavira’s old town and offers private and shared rooms, a communal kitchen, and a rooftop terrace with views of the town.
- Tavira House – This guesthouse is located in the heart of Tavira’s old town and offers comfortable rooms with traditional Portuguese decor, a terrace, and a shared lounge.
- Maria Nova Lounge Hotel – This 4-star hotel is located on a hill overlooking Tavira and offers stylish rooms, a pool, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the town and the sea.
Overall, Tavira offers a range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets, and many hotels and guesthouses offer stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Tours from Tavira
Tavira is located in the eastern Algarve and there are many tours and excursions available from the town. Here are some ideas for tours from Tavira:
- Ria Formosa Natural Park Boat Tour – Take a boat tour of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a protected wetland area with a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
- Tavira Walking Tour – Explore the charming streets of Tavira’s historic town centre on a walking tour with a local guide.
Tuk-Tuk Tour of Tavira – Discover the highlights of Tavira from the comfort of a tuk-tuk, a fun and easy way to get around town. - Wine Tasting Tour – Visit a local winery and sample some of the best wines from the Algarve region.
- Cacela Velha and Monte Gordo Tour – Explore the picturesque village of Cacela Velha and the popular beach resort of Monte
- Gordo on a half-day tour.
- Seville Day Trip – Take a day trip to the beautiful city of Seville in neighbouring Spain, where you can visit the famous Alcazar and the stunning Cathedral.
There are many more tours and excursions available from Tavira, including kayaking, cycling, and birdwatching tours, as well as visits to other nearby towns and attractions.
Shopping
Tavira is a charming town with a mix of traditional shops and modern boutiques, making it a great place to go shopping. Here are some places to check out:
- Tavira Municipal Market – This bustling market is a great place to buy fresh produce, seafood, meats, and cheese.
- Rua da Liberdade – This street is lined with shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
- Casa das Portas – This unique shop features handmade pottery, glassware, and textiles from local artists.
- Tavira Gran-Plaza – This modern shopping mall has a variety of shops, including international and national brands, a food court, and a cinema.
- Mercado do Prego – This artisanal market features handmade goods such as soaps, candles, jewellery, and clothing.
Tavira Antiques Fair – Held every Saturday, this fair features antiques, second-hand items, and collectables. - Whether you’re looking for fresh food or unique souvenirs, Tavira has plenty of shopping options to explore.
Weather in Tavira
Tavira is located in the eastern Algarve, and like much of the region, it enjoys a warm and sunny climate for most of the year. Here’s an overview of the weather in Tavira by season:
- Spring (March to May): Temperatures in Tavira during spring typically range from 15°C to 22°C, with occasional rain and plenty of sunshine.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Tavira, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C, and plenty of sunny days. July and August are the driest months.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Tavira is warm, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C. There may be some rain, but it’s still a good time to visit as the crowds are thinner.
- Winter (December to February): Winter in Tavira is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 16°C. Rain is more frequent during this season, but there are still plenty of sunny days to enjoy.
Overall, Tavira has a great climate for outdoor activities and sightseeing, with plenty of warm and sunny days throughout the year.
Holidays with kids
Tavira is a charming town that has plenty to offer for families travelling with kids. Here are some ideas of things to do in Tavira with kids:
- Visit Tavira Island – This long and sandy island is located in front of the town and accessible by ferry. It has a vast and picturesque beach, and it’s perfect for children to swim, play in the sand or walk in the nearby nature reserve.
- Explore the Castle and the old town – Tavira has a charming old town with a historic castle and plenty of narrow streets, perfect for exploring with children. Make sure to check out the 37 churches and the Roman bridge.
- Discover the Tavira Eco Trail – This nature trail follows the course of the River Gilão and is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Tavira. You can go on a guided tour or rent bikes to cycle the trail.
- Visit the Tavira Municipal Museum – The museum houses a collection of artefacts that tell the story of Tavira, from the Roman era to the present day. There is a designated children’s area with interactive exhibits and educational workshops.
- Play at the children’s playground – Tavira has several playgrounds for children, including the Jardim do Coreto and Parque de Feiras e Exposições.
- Take a boat trip – There are several boat tours available in Tavira, including trips along the Ria Formosa Natural Park, where you can spot a wide variety of birds, fish, and other wildlife.
There are plenty of fun and educational activities to do in Tavira with kids. With its charming old town, beautiful natural surroundings, and family-friendly attractions, Tavira is a great destination for families.
How to get to Tavira
Tavira is a coastal town in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, and there are several ways to get there:
- By plane: The nearest airport to Tavira is Faro International Airport, which is approximately 35 kilometres away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Tavira.
- By train: Tavira has a train station, and you can take the train from Faro, Lisbon, or other major cities in Portugal. The train station is located in the town centre, and it’s within walking distance of most hotels and attractions.
- By bus: There are several bus services that connect Tavira with other towns in the Algarve region and beyond. The bus station is located on the outskirts of the town, and you can take a taxi or local bus to the town centre.
- By car: If you’re travelling by car, you can take the A22 motorway, which runs along the Algarve coast. Tavira is located approximately 35 kilometres east of Faro, and you can take the N125 national road to get there.
Once you arrive in Tavira, the town is small enough to explore on foot, and there are plenty of taxis and local buses available if you need to travel further afield.
