Are you planning to visit Tavira in the Algarve region of southern Portugal? Discover our selection of must-sees to make the most of your stay!
In the very south of Portugal, the Algarve region combines natural beauty with a wealth of history. To visit Tavira is to discover a condensed version of the region and immerse yourself in the heart of Portuguese culture. From historic monuments reflecting its thousand-year-old history to sandy beaches ideal for lounging and swimming, Tavira is an ideal choice for a weekend or week-long stay. To find out what to do in Tavira, we’ve put together a selection of must-see sights and activities.
1. The old town
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A visit to Tavira begins with a stroll through its historic center, to soak up the town’s atmosphere. Stroll through narrow cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses. Some buildings are colorful or covered with azulejos, the typical Portuguese mosaics.
As you approach the center, you can admire Tavira’s former convent, which has been converted into a hotel. Across the street, a small park offers the chance to relax before continuing on to the church of Santa Maria do Castelo and the Tavira Castle.
2. Tavira Castle
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The Castelo de Tavira rises imposingly from the top of Santa Maria hill. Access is via a staircase, and you enter the ramparts to discover a magnificent green garden. Access is free, and you can climb the ramparts to take the covered walkway.
The castle is a must-see when visiting Tavira. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the town’s history, as it was built by the Moors during their occupation of the town from the 8th to the 13th centuries. From the top of the walls, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Tavira, the Gilão River and the surrounding area.
3. Ponte da Roman and Gilão
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Descending from the castle towards the river, you pass by the Phoenician ruins under restoration, then the Church of Mercy. You’ll then come to the Roman Bridge, one of the must-sees on any visit to Tavira. It’s Roman in name only, since archaeologists believe it actually dates back to the Moorish period, around the 12th century. It is on this bridge that King Dom Fernando I is said to have fought and repelled the Spanish invaders. The banks of the Gilão river are a pleasant place to stroll.
Take a seat on one of the many restaurant terraces and watch the ballet of fishing boats on the river. You’ll have plenty of time to decide what to do in Tavira for the rest of your stay.
4. The municipal market
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A visit to Tavira without a trip to the Mercado Municipal is unthinkable. Not only will you find the ideal souvenirs and gifts to bring back for you and your friends, but you’ll also get a taste of local life. Mountains of colorful fruit stand side by side with stalls where vendors cut up fresh fish before your very eyes. It’s an explosion of colors, sounds and smells that will immerse you in the heart of Portuguese culture. Restaurants with terraces on the esplanade offer typical dishes made from the products you’ve just seen on the stalls.
But beware if you’re visiting Tavira at the weekend: the market is open every day of the week except Sunday.
5. The Igreja da Misericordia
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The Church of the Misericordia was built in 1541 and remains one of Tavira’s most emblematic monuments.
Its architect, André Pilarte, was also involved in the construction of the famous Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. It is a symbol of the Renaissance in the Algarve, with its majestic doorway. The ceiling is decorated with 18th-century azulejos.
6. Tavira Island
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Julen Arabaolaza
Just 2 kilometers from the city, the island of Tavira is separated from the mainland by the Ria Formosa. You can reach it by ferry or on foot. To get to Praia de Tavira, you can take the ferry from downtown or from the port of Cais das Quatro Águas. This is the beach for families visiting Tavira, as it is the closest to the city center and easily accessible thanks to regular ferry services.
Facilities such as restaurants, cafés and toilets are also available on site. From Santa Luzia, you can reach the tranquil Praia da Terra Estreita. Few tourists looking for something to do in Tavira will have heard of it, as you have to take the ferry from Santa Luzia, 3 kilometers east of Tavira.
There’s just one café on site, but the warm sand is all yours. Finally, Praia do Barril can be reached on foot from Pedras d’El Rei, over a small bridge or by small train.
7. Praia do Barril and the anchor cemetery
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A visit to Tavira reveals a place unique in the world: the anchor cemetery. Hundreds of anchors have been lying side by side since the 1960s, when traditional tuna fishing ceased. These anchors were part of a complex fishing system and were used to hold the nets in place against the power of the currents and the hundreds of tuna that caught in them.
In addition to this original historical site, the beach is very beautiful and the water is perfect for swimming. The old fishing huts have been converted into cafés, boutiques and restaurants. The little train that used to transport goods and fish between the fishing community and the mainland has been rehabilitated. The tourist line measures 1.5 kilometers, much to the delight of children and parents looking for something to do in Tavira as a family.
8. Other things to see and do in Tavira
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- A ride in a tuk-tuk, a popular means of transport for tourists in Portugal
- Kayaking in Ria Formosa National Park
- Explore the surrounding mountains
- Visit Santa-Luzia, a small village with a tradition of octopus fishing
How to get to Tavira
To visit Tavira, you first need to get to the Algarve region in southern Portugal. Faro airport is the airport serving the region. It’s 4 kilometers from the town of Faro and just 35 kilometers west of Tavira. To find the cheapest tickets, we advise you to compare offers on a platform such as Ulysse. There you’ll find the cheapest airfares for your travel dates.
Once you’ve arrived at Faro airport, there are several ways to get to Tavira:
Private transfer
Several companies offer private transfers from Faro airport to Tavira. You can book in advance, and a driver will be waiting for you on arrival with a sign. He will take charge of your luggage and drive you to your hotel in 35 minutes. The normal cost of this type of transport is €45 one way, €90 return.
Cab
Cabs are available at the airport, but it will cost you €60 to get to Tavira. This can be a good option if you’re traveling with a group or find other people who want to visit Tavira. Consider TaxiTender, an online cab booking service. A better option is to take the freeway and pay the toll. National highway 125 passes through Olhão town center, which is often jammed with traffic.
By train
There is no train service to the airport, so you’ll have to go to Faro first. Line 16 will take you to the Proximo bus station, 200 meters from the station. You can then take a train to Tavira. The journey takes around 35 minutes and the ticket costs just €3.20. Once in Tavira, you’ll need to walk 800 meters or take a cab into the city center.
By bus
As with the train, you’ll first need to get to the Proximo bus station in Faro. The bus takes an hour to get to Tavira, with 11 departures a day on weekdays and 7 daily departures at weekends. If you need to wait a while for your bus, Faro harbor is just 200 meters away. You can start your stay with a pleasant stroll before visiting Tavira.
Where to stay in Tavira?
Many hotels and inns are located in the city center. Staying in this strategic area offers many advantages for visiting Tavira. You’ll be right in the heart of the bustle, and a stone’s throw from all the historic monuments. What’s more, the hotels in the center are often housed in typical buildings, giving them a certain charm. In and around the town, you’ll find apartments, B&Bs and country houses for rent.
To make your choice, use a hotel comparator. You’ll be able to enter all the criteria you need to make your visit to Tavira the best it can be. Breakfast included, hotel with swimming pool, airport transfer, make your choice and let the best offers come to you.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Tavira