Tavira

Travel Guide

Tavira Castle featuring a city
Roman Bridge
Praca da Republica featuring a square or plaza and a fountain
Ilha de Tavira Beach featuring a lighthouse and general coastal views
Tavira

Wander around a maze of cobblestone streets, stopping off at Renaissance churches, medieval castles and restaurants serving up the Algarve’s fine seafood.

Tavira is one of the Algarve’s most enchanting towns. With its ancient heritage, historic landmarks and pristine coastal reserves, the town is considered one of the treasures of southern Portugal. Explore the streets of Tavira and see the captivating history of this ancient settlement in its preserved streetscape. Stretch out on secluded beaches and indulge in delicious seafood hauled in daily from local fishing boats.

The grand square, Praça de República, is a great place to begin your discovery of the old town. The town’s Tourist Information Centre is located here, so drop in and find out what’s happening during your stay. Admire the heritage buildings adorned by the awnings of cafés and the monumental architecture of the Câmara Municipal de Tavira (Tavira Town Hall). Go to the restored 17th-century Roman Bridge spanning the arterial Gilão River on the northern side of the square or wander south to find a collection of historic churches.

One of the town’s architectural wonders is the Renaissance-era Misericórdia Church, which has exquisite tiled imagery and an immense gilded altarpiece inside. Other preserved churches include the Igreja de Santiago and the Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo. Climb the crumbling stone turrets of Tavira Castle and enjoy unparalleled views across the rooftops of the old town, stretching all the way to the mouth of the Gilão River and the sandy beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean.

Catch a ferry down the river to Ilha de Tavira, the stunning sandbar island southeast of the town. Protected by the Ria Formosa Natural Park, this island is a haven for flora and fauna. Tavira’s most popular spots for swimming and relaxing on the sandy shores are Ilha de Tavira Beach and Terra Estreita Beach.

Be sure to try some of Tavira’s fantastic local seafood, plucked daily from the river and the Atlantic waters. Check out the cafés and restaurants in the town square and the Market Hall (Mercado da Ribeiro) and pair your dish with a local wine.

Reach Tavira via the regional train that connects the eastern Algarve region. The town is a 30-minute drive from the regional hub of Faro. Visit Tavira between May and September for a sun-soaked vacation.

Where to stay in Tavira

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Picota

When in Picota, you can plan a visit to Roman Bridge and Old Town, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Picota
AP Cabanas Beach & Nature - Adults Friendly

AP Cabanas Beach & Nature - Adults Friendly

4 out of 5
Rua Tuberaia Major. Cabanas de Tavira, Tavira, Algarve
The price is CA $274 per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
CA $274
CA $290 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Tavira. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (227 reviews)
"Relaxing and chilled out experience. Restful"

Reviewed on Jul. 20, 2025

AP Cabanas Beach & Nature - Adults Friendly
Hotel Vila Gale Tavira

Hotel Vila Gale Tavira

4 out of 5
Rua 4 de Octubro s/n, Tavira
The price is CA $337 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $337
CA $357 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Tavira. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (750 reviews)
"Everyone was exceptionally nice."

Reviewed on Aug. 15, 2025

Hotel Vila Gale Tavira
Hotel Don Rodrigues

Hotel Don Rodrigues

1 out of 5
Estrada Nacional 125 Km 134, Sitio da Pegada, Santa Margarida, Tavira, Faro
The price is CA $178 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
CA $178
CA $189 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Tavira. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (342 reviews)
"Amazing hotel . Breakfast is delicious!! Plenty of choices . Rooms are big and clean. The commune areas are super clean too. Pool is clean and nice! The restaurant on the side is the hotel is amazing !!! Is a must!"

Reviewed on Jul. 24, 2025

Hotel Don Rodrigues
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
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Tavira. Enjoy free parking, 3 beach bars, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Cabanas Beach and Barril Beach ...
7.8/10 Good! (220 reviews)
"The property is very beautiful, however we had a lot of issues with the stove in our suite. It wasn’t working properly, and two people had to come in at different times to help us fix it, which took about 1-2 hours. Then when it was “fixed”, it still didn’t work properly, and would randomly shut ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 30, 2025

Pedras d'el Rei
Golden Club Cabanas

Golden Club Cabanas

3 out of 5
R. Tuberária Maj., Conceicao e Cabanas de Tavira, Tavira, Faro
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Tavira. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Cabanas Beach and Benamor Golf are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (134 reviews)
Excellent hotel with friendly staff
"I was pleasantly surprised by everything at the Golden club hotel. I'd been slightly worried by some reviews before we arrived but i can honestly say our stay in August was excellent. It's a great 3 star hotel. All the staff were brilliant, my children went to kids club on our last 2 days and loved ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 13, 2025

Golden Club Cabanas
Your ideal, affordable place in the sun! St-Luzia apt. with sea-view.

Your ideal, affordable place in the sun! St-Luzia apt. with sea-view.

SANTA-LUZIA, TAVIRA
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Tavira. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cabanas Beach and Barril ...
9/10 Wonderful! (97 reviews)
Pleasant stay
"This was our first experience using a VRBO and Michelle was excellent to deal with and very helpful. She always responded promptly to any questions and was extremely helpful upon our arrival."

Reviewed on Apr. 22, 2025

Your ideal, affordable place in the sun! St-Luzia apt. with sea-view.
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.

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