Barril Beach

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
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
Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Prime Energize Hotel & Spa

The Prime Energize Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Price was €471, price is now €242 per person
€242
per person
19 Apr - 24 Apr
found 6 hours ago
Return flight included
Dublin (DUB) to Faro (FAO)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (191 reviews)
The room was very clean. The lighting was a bit dim in the room. The staff were all friendly and helpful, (apart from those in the spa.) The housekeeping staff in particular were great, very efficient and obliging. The bar was nice and I enjoyed the special cocktail of the month. The rooftop pool area is beautiful, though of course it would have been nice if the food and drink bar were not closed for the winter months. The hotels location is reasonably convenient for the beach and the main A22 motorway that leads from Spain to Faro and beyond. The TV was hard to use with a really annoying advert for Pr1me Energize every time it was switched on! The breakfast was a bit disappointing with very little choice if cereal or eggs. But all in all, I recommend this hotel. Thank you for a lovely stay!

Reviewed on 24 Nov 2025

Pestana Dom João II Hotel Beach & Golf Resort

Pestana Dom João II Hotel Beach & Golf Resort

4 out of 5
Torralta
Price was €1,229, price is now €617 per person
€617
per person
26 May - 2 Jun
found 6 hours ago
Return flight included
London (LGW) to Faro (FAO)
8.6/10 Excellent! (433 reviews)
Great breakfast, clean room, comfortable bed and excellent location.

Reviewed on 31 Jan 2026

Viceroy At Ombria Algarve

Viceroy At Ombria Algarve

5 out of 5
Price was €860, price is now €580 per person
€580
per person
19 Apr - 24 Apr
found 6 hours ago
Return flight included
Dublin (DUB) to Faro (FAO)
9.4/10 Exceptional! (73 reviews)
Outstanding hotel, upgraded on arrival. Staff couldn’t have been more helpful. Excellent pools for kids, great kids club, very good gym. We were not even playing golf, just a great place regardless of golfing or not. On site restaurants/cafes a little too expensive if staying on site. Recommend hiring a car to get out and explore local vicinity/restaurants etc. overall fantastic hotel for a family or couples.

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025

Tours & day trips

See all 48 activities
Seville day trip from the Algarve

Seville day trip from the Algarve

Activity duration is 12 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 22 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €66 per adult
Seville day trip from the AlgarveOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 19 activities
Tavira City & Chocolate

Tavira City & Chocolate

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €49 per adult*
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Private & custom tours

See all 17 activities
Ria Formosa: Sightseeing boat Tour from Olhão

Ria Formosa: Sightseeing boat Tour from Olhão

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €220 per traveller*
Ria Formosa: Sightseeing boat Tour from OlhãoOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 6 activities
From Olhao: Benagil Hiking Cliffs 4 Treasure Experience

From Olhao: Benagil Hiking Cliffs 4 Treasure Experience

Activity duration is 6 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €50 per adult
From Olhao: Benagil Hiking Cliffs 4 Treasure ExperienceOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 4 activities
Tavira City & Chocolate

Tavira City & Chocolate

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €49 per adult*
Tavira City & ChocolateOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit

Terra Estreita Beach featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach

Terra Estreita Beach

Make the most of the space at this gorgeous stretch of Ilha de Tavira’s coastline, where you can enjoy beach fun or explore the surrounding nature reserve.

Terra Estreita Beach
Ilha de Tavira Beach showing a lighthouse and general coastal views

Ilha de Tavira Beach

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Stretch out on the broad beach facing Tavira’s neighboring island, where the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean meet soft, golden sands.

Ilha de Tavira Beach
Tavira Castle featuring a city

Tavira Castle

4/5(64 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
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
Praca da Republica showing a fountain and a square or plaza

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
Roman Bridge which includes a river or creek and a bridge

Roman Bridge

4.5/5(64 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

Top Hotel Deals

Pedras d'el Rei

Pedras d'el Rei

3 out of 5
Pedras d'el Rei, Santa Luzia Tavira
Pedras d'el Rei
Vila Gale Tavira Resort Hotel

Vila Gale Tavira Resort Hotel

4 out of 5
Rua 4 de Octubro s/n Tavira
Vila Gale Tavira Resort Hotel
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 EAST ALGARVE
Your ideal, affordable place in the sun! St-Luzia apt. with sea-view.
Charming Santa Luzia Flat near Terra Estreita Beach

Charming Santa Luzia Flat near Terra Estreita Beach

Santa Luzia Faro
Charming Santa Luzia Flat near Terra Estreita Beach
Apartment Studio with garden for 2 in the village of Santa Luzia

Apartment Studio with garden for 2 in the village of Santa Luzia

Santa Luzia Faro
Apartment Studio with garden for 2 in the village of Santa Luzia
Bright & Comfortable Flat by HostWise

Bright & Comfortable Flat by HostWise

Santa Luzia Faro
Bright & Comfortable Flat by HostWise
Great 2 Bedroom apartment in Santa Luzia Tavira

Great 2 Bedroom apartment in Santa Luzia Tavira

Santa Luzia Faro
Great 2 Bedroom apartment in Santa Luzia Tavira
AP Cabanas Beach & Nature - Adults Friendly

AP Cabanas Beach & Nature - Adults Friendly

4 out of 5
Rua Tuberaia Major. Cabanas de Tavira Tavira Algarve
AP Cabanas Beach & Nature - Adults Friendly
Apartment facing the Atlantic Ocean and Ria Formosa

Apartment facing the Atlantic Ocean and Ria Formosa

Aldeamento Pedras d'el Rei Tavira
Apartment facing the Atlantic Ocean and Ria Formosa
See all 2,362 properties in Barril Beach
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.