Luz de Tavira

Travel Guide

Ilha de Tavira is one of six barrier islands that makes up 18400 hectares of protected nature reserve along the Ria Formosa along with wetlands, mudflats and hundreds of species of plant and wildlife. The island itself has a commercialised centre with wooden walkways and cafes, bar, restaurants as well as a camping area (no hotels on the island). I felt a bit like i'd arrived at a theme park but once you go thought this and on to the beach, its lovely. A blue flag beach, 11km of coastline, sun shades and sun beds to rent but plenty of sand to spread out a towel away from the hustle and bustle. The island beach is only accessible by boat and there is a water taxi and ferry service that operates daily. During the summer tourist months the ferry runs from Tavira centre from the quay side near the indoor market. But in the offpeak months (even in May) you have to go to the Quatro Águas pier. (Don't be fooled by the ferry moored on the quay looking like it is waiting for passengers!) The walk to the ferry felt long, it was probably 20 minutes of so but in the baking sun along deserted road and salt fields it felt a trek. I'd recommend getting the bus if you can work out the timetables. Ferry Times: http://tavira.algarvetouristguide.com/beaches/tavira-island #NationalPark #Beach
Tavira Island, Algarve - Portugal. Tavira Island (Portuguese: Ilha de Tavira) is found South of the city and can only be reached by boat, which departs from the city center and from Quatro-Aguas. The Island is 11Km long and varies between 1Km and 150m width. It's considered to be one of the best beaches in the Algarve Region, and it includes areas where naturism can be practised without problems. The Island belongs to the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve, which is popular it's birds and flamingos, a delight for bird lovers. The access to Tavira Island is provided by boats from Quatro Águas peer in Tavira. The parking areas are fairly large and organised. The beach has basic support facilities, like restaurants and toilets, and is supervised during the bathing season. This beach often holds the blue flag, proof of its environmental quality and superiority. The Island includes a Camping Park and restaurants, which makes the place one of the most popular tourism destinies for Camping lovers. #nationalpark #riaformosa #taviraisland #Algarve #Portugal #Beach #NaturalReserve #campingpark #ecology #bestSpots #sportactivities #landscape #naturespot
AP Eva Senses

AP Eva Senses

4 out of 5
Avenida da Republica, 1 Faro
The price is CA $271 per night from Mar 25 to Mar 26
CA $271
CA $294 total
Mar 25 - Mar 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
We were so happy to swim in the indoor heated pool and the lovely warm sauna was perfect after a day of exploring the old town. The breakfast we received as we waited for our taxi to the airport was delicious . Perfect location, great staff, comfortable bed!

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026

AP Eva Senses
Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. da República 34 Olhao Faro
The price is CA $100 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
CA $100
CA $110 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Olhao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (647 reviews)
Perfect in every way. Great rooms and facilities and wonderdul location. And the staff are great. So pleasant and helpful. They ready made our stay an A* experience. Thank you! We'll be back in the autumn.

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel
Roots Hotel

Roots Hotel

3 out of 5
R Francisco Barreto 32 Faro
The price is CA $127 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
CA $127
CA $141 total
Mar 30 - Mar 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Faro. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Faro Marina and Faro Island Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (333 reviews)
Room was really clean, Close & Easy walk distance to Faro town. Free access to pool & chill lounge

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2026

Roots Hotel
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pedras d'el Rei

Pedras d'el Rei

3 out of 5
Pedras d'el Rei, Santa Luzia Tavira
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Tavira. Enjoy free parking, 3 beach bars, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Old Town and Cabanas Beach are ...
Pedras d'el Rei
Real Marina Residence

Real Marina Residence

4 out of 5
Avenida 5 de Outubro 2 Olhao
Stay at this residence in Olhao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Olhao Harbour and Faro Marina are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (598 reviews)
Everything was great, the friendly staff, the huge well equipped apartment and the location

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2026

Real Marina Residence
Aerya

Aerya

2 out of 5
179, Rua Professor Doutor Egas Moniz Faro
Stay at this aparthotel in Faro. Popular attractions Faro Marina and Faro Island Beach are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (5 reviews)
Spacious, clean, cooking at washing facilities on premises. Although bathroom was shared it was really clean and the communal kitchen area was also clean and well equipped. Would definitely use this again. Superb restaurant right next door. Really close to airport, a really good find!

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2026

Aerya
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Tavira Castle featuring a city

Tavira Castle

4.5/5(18 reviews)

Look out across the rooftops of historic Tavira from a tower in this ruined fortress, which has withstood royal sieges, pirate attacks and natural disasters.

Tavira Castle
Roman Bridge featuring a bridge and a river or creek

Roman Bridge

4/5(22 reviews)

Despite its name, Tavira’s central footbridge wasn’t constructed during the Roman Empire, but it does sit where an ancient bridge once was.

Roman Bridge
Praca da Republica featuring a square or plaza and a fountain

Praca da Republica

Check out Tavira’s main square, which served as the town’s marketplace for centuries and is now surrounded by restaurants and elegant heritage buildings with preserved façades.

Praca da Republica
Misericordia Church showing a city

Misericordia Church

Dating back to the 16th century, this church is one of the Algarve’s most exquisite pieces of Renaissance architecture that includes remarkable stonemasonry.

Misericordia Church

Old Town

4/5(3 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Santa Maria e Santiago when you spend time at Old Town. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Old Town

Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall during your trip to Santa Maria e Santiago. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall

Things to do

Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop

Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop

CA $28
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop
Couple standing on the rocky coastal cliffs with Ponta da Piedade lighthouse in the background in Lagos

Amazing West: Silves, Lagos & Sagres Day Tour

CA $94
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Amazing West: Silves, Lagos & Sagres Day Tour
Olhão: 4-Hour Ria Formosa Islands Tour

Olhão: 4-Hour Ria Formosa Islands Tour

CA $40
per adult
Olhão: 4-Hour Ria Formosa Islands Tour
Best of the East: Faro, Olhão, Tavira & Cacela Velha

Best of the East: Faro, Olhão, and Tavira

CA $87
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Best of the East: Faro, Olhão, and Tavira
Tavira City & Chocolate

Tavira City & Chocolate

CA $79
per adult
Tavira City & Chocolate
Bateiras Traditional Boats Shared Tour in Olhão

Tours in Traditional Boats - Olhão

CA $65
per adult
Tours in Traditional Boats - Olhão
See all activities in Luz de Tavira

Cities near Luz de Tavira

Tavira Castle featuring a city

Tavira

Terra Estreita Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Santa Luzia

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