In February, my mom visited us in Portugal for a week, and so we decided to explore Tavira, a beautiful town in the eastern Algarve, Portugal. It was love at first sight! In this guide I will share Tavira, Portugal: 17 Best Things to Do and See.
The picturesque charm of this town, with its old Roman bridge and charming historic streets, immediately captivated us. Tavira is located just 30 kilometers east of Faro. Let’s take a look at what to see and do in Tavira, Portugal.
Where is Tavira in Portugal?
Tavira is located approximately 30 km east of Faro, making it an easily accessible destination from the region’s main transport hub. We arrived here from Carvoeiro; the journey takes about an hour (approximately 80 km).
It stretches along both banks of the winding Rio Gilão and is home to a hilltop castle ruin, an old Roman bridge, and several Gothic and Renaissance churches.
The town is also part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a network of protected lagoons and islands that serve as a sanctuary for various bird species and marine life.
Tavira – Accommodation Tips and Best Hotels
Tavira is a smaller town, so you’ll find a limited amount of accommodation here, but there are still plenty of hotels that provide comfortable (and affordable) lodging. One of our top choices is Quinta da Capelinha Agroturismo.❤️ Everyone we’ve sent there has loved this hotel. If it’s full, there are other options, such as Hotel Rural Quinta do Marco – Nature & Dining.
History of Tavira: What’s Good to Know
Tavira’s history dates back several centuries. Traces of its past can be found in various remnants left by the Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors. Tavira, which originated during the time of the Phoenicians, was a key settlement in the region and continued to grow under Roman rule.
The Moors later conquered the city in the 8th century and significantly influenced its development until the 13th century, when the city was reconquered by the Portuguese during the Reconquista.
In 1755, a devastating earthquake struck the region, causing significant damage. However, Tavira persevered and rebuilt itself, preserving the architectural heritage that is still visible today.
Tavira, Portugal: 17 Best Things to Do and See
Tavira is truly a magical town where every corner tells a story of its rich past through architectural monuments. Moreover, it’s just a short distance from beautiful Portuguese beaches, where you can always escape when it gets too hot.
Ponte Romana
The ancient bridge, which spans the Rio Gilão, was one of the first things we saw in Tavira. It serves as a reminder of the city’s Roman past thanks to its sturdy stone construction. Each arch of the bridge, beautifully reflected in the calm water below, creates a picturesque scene that looks like it’s taken from a classic painting.
Castelo De Tavira
This 13th-century Moorish castle stands on a hill overlooking the city. Its outer walls remain, offering visitors the opportunity to explore ancient architecture and soak in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Inside the castle, there’s a beautiful garden, and you can walk along the ramparts to enjoy a lovely view of the city. 😍
Igreja De Santa Maria Do Castelo
Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo stands right in the heart of the city. The church is a beautiful blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, with every corner telling stories from ancient times. Seven Christian knights, who played a key role in the city’s conquest from the Moors, are buried here.
Don’t forget to visit the elegant bell tower, which offers panoramic views of Tavira, making it an ideal spot for reflection and photography.
São Paulo Church
São Paulo Church is another symbol of Tavira’s rich ecclesiastical heritage. Unlike the historical grandeur of Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo, São Paulo Church displays a more modest but equally captivating architectural style.
Its unassuming facade invites you into a space of spiritual tranquility, where the simplicity and quiet beauty of the interiors allow for peaceful contemplation. Inside, explore the artworks and the elaborate altar, which tell religious stories through every stroke and carving.
Praia Da Ilha De Tavira
Are you in Portugal during the summer and need to cool off somewhere? Tavira is known for its beautiful and tranquil beaches, and one beach you definitely must visit is Praia da Ilha de Tavira, a secluded spot famous for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. This sandy oasis is accessible by ferry and is an ideal place for soaking up the sun and enjoying a refreshing swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
Praia Do Barril
Praia do Barril is considered one of the best beaches in the Algarve. It is located about 5 kilometers from the city of Tavira, on Ilha de Tavira in the Algarve region of Portugal. It is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, which we definitely recommend visiting when in the Algarve; you can easily book a trip through GetYourGuide.
Praia Da Terra Estreita
Further along the coast, you’ll find the less crowded Praia da Terra Estreita, a narrow strip of sandy paradise that provides the perfect escape for those looking to avoid busy beach spots during peak season.
Experience Olive Oil Production Firsthand and Taste the Region’s Best Olives
This activity is a great way to immerse yourself in the local agricultural tradition and to see and taste the most popular olive products.
It’s fascinating to see how hand-picked olives are carefully transformed into various delicious products like olive oil or chili sauces.
What makes this tour exceptional is the tasting. You’ll have the opportunity to sample various olive-based products and understand the flavor profiles characteristic of this region. The tasting also extends to a special wine session where you can enjoy local wines.
You can book the excursion through GetYourGuide.
Dolphin Watching
If you’re in Portugal with kids, you definitely shouldn’t miss dolphin watching. In fact, I don’t see why you wouldn’t go dolphin watching even without kids, but children love such trips even more than adults do. Again, you can easily book the trip through GetYourGuide; in summer, I recommend booking in advance (it can also be easily canceled).
Galerie d’Artes
If you are an art enthusiast, we recommend a stop at this charming gallery. Despite its small size, the gallery offers a wide range of artworks that reflect the vibrancy and creativity of the local art scene.
At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by well-informed staff, so if you speak English, you can learn a lot about the artists and individual artworks, which is always a richer experience than just viewing the pieces.
Kayaking
If you enjoy kayaking, you can head to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, which is a labyrinth of channels, islands, and lagoons, making it ideal for paddling.
Golf
If you prefer golf, you’ll find quite a few golf courses around Tavira. These courses cater to both beginners and advanced players, and many boast breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Popular courses include Benamor Golf, Quinta da Ria, and Quinta de Cima.
Tavira Museum
Tavira Municipal Museum, housed in the 16th-century Palácio da Galeria, showcases the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Here you can explore Phoenician sites from the 7th to 6th centuries BC, including ritual wells dedicated to the storm god Baal. The museum also illuminates Tavira’s Islamic and Moorish past through various archaeological exhibits.
Ria Formosa Natural Park – Flamingo Watching
If you’re in Tavira, we definitely recommend heading to Ria Formosa Park, a protected area with a unique ecosystem and rich biodiversity.
Birdwatching tours, hiking, and boat trips are available, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty of this region. It’s a great place for flamingo watching!
During peak season, be sure to book your trip in advance via GetYourGuide.
Explore the Salt Pans in Tavira
A salt pan or salt flat is a natural or artificial formation where salt is extracted. It is an area that is regularly flooded with saltwater, which then evaporates, leaving behind salt crystals.
Tavira boasts very clean water from the Atlantic, and its salt pans are proof of this. Salt known as Flor de Sal originates from here, and it was once sent as far as the Roman Empire.
If you’re wondering what to buy as a souvenir, I definitely recommend Flor de Sal. It can be quite expensive in the Czech Republic.
You can also take a 7km walk around the salt pans. Along the way, you might spot many different bird species.
Visit Pego Do Inferno Waterfall near Tavira
One of the stunning places you should visit near Tavira is the Pego do Inferno waterfall. Head towards Santo Estêvão, and from the parking lot, it’s just a short walk along a path that leads you to this magical natural wonder.
During hot summers, Pego do Inferno can be crowded, so if you can, visit this place outside of peak season when you might have the waterfall almost to yourself. It’s especially beautiful in spring, right after the rainy season, when the waterfall has more water.
Explore Cabanas De Tavira near Tavira
A pleasant excursion around Tavira is a visit to the picturesque fishing village of Cabanas de Tavira.
The history of Cabanas de Tavira dates back to the early 18th century, when the village emerged in connection with Tavira’s growing tuna industry. Originally, it was a group of small huts (Portuguese “cabanas”) used for storing fishing equipment.
With the flourishing of tuna fishing, many fishermen decided to settle permanently in this peaceful area.
Today, Cabanas de Tavira is a picturesque place with colorful fishing boats set against the tranquil waters of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. During your visit, don’t forget to visit the São João da Barra fortress, which adds a historical touch to your trip.
Best Restaurants in Tavira
In Tavira, you’ll find quite a few good restaurants. As vegetarians, we have limited options, so we usually end up at an Indian restaurant. Our favorite is called Dawat Indian Restaurant, but Little India Indian Restaurant is also great.
If you don’t like Indian food, try Tavila Cafe where you’ll find great tapas and they also have vegetarian and vegan options. Avant–Garde Bistro is also a great bistro; again, they have vegetarian food, and our friends love their burgers and mackerel there. 😁
Best Cafes in Tavira
If you love coffee and enjoy hipster cafes that serve a good flat white, that’s generally still a problem in the Algarve. The best cafes in Tavira are probably Cafeteria Originato or Flavour Cafe Tavira Downtown.
FAQ
How Long to Visit Tavira For?
1-2 days are enough for Tavira. You’ll spend half a day exploring the town and the rest on trips, excursions, and relaxing on the beaches.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
