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
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €146 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
€146
21 Mar - 22 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
Great location and breakfast but the room was dated and smelled like sewer. The ac did not work and the construction next door shook our room.

Reviewed on 6 Mar 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 €65 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
€65
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Olhao. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (632 reviews)
it was close to Everywhere and clean.

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel
Roots Hotel

Roots Hotel

3 out of 5
R Francisco Barreto 32 Faro
The price is €90 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
€90
23 Mar - 24 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Faro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Faro Marina and Faro Island Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (319 reviews)
Great kitchen

Reviewed on 5 Mar 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
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Tavira. Enjoy free parking, 3 beach bars and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Old Town and Cabanas Beach are located ...
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Olhao Harbour and Faro Marina are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (597 reviews)
Everything was great, the friendly staff, the huge well equipped apartment and the location

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Real Marina Residence
Quinta da Amendoeira

Quinta da Amendoeira

Tábua - Luz de Tavira Portugal
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Tavira. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Colina Verde Golf Course and Praia do ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (12 reviews)
Our own little paradise
We had a wonderful 5 nights. Our little house could have easily slept 6. It was typically rustic country living and had all the amenities that we needed. We even had a covered parking area for our car to keep it cool. The pool was set in a lovely little garden with loungers and it was our personal ...

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Quinta da Amendoeira
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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

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 which includes a river or creek and a bridge

Roman Bridge

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 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
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

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

Old Town

Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall during your stay in 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

Olhão: 4-Hour Ria Formosa Islands Tour

Olhão: 4-Hour Ria Formosa Islands Tour

€25
per adult
Olhão: 4-Hour Ria Formosa Islands Tour
Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop

Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop

€18
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop
Olhão: Ria Formosa Boat Cruise to Armona and Culatra

Ria Formosa: Armona and Culatra Islands 3-Hour Boat Tour

€30
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Ria Formosa: Armona and Culatra Islands 3-Hour Boat Tour
Best of the East: Faro, Olhão, Tavira & Cacela Velha

Best of the East: Faro, Olhão, and Tavira

€54
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Best of the East: Faro, Olhão, and Tavira
Couple standing on the rocky coastal cliffs with Ponta da Piedade lighthouse in the background in Lagos

Amazing West: Silves, Lagos & Sagres Day Tour

€58
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Amazing West: Silves, Lagos & Sagres Day Tour
Loulé Market Half-Day Tour

Loulé Market Half-Day Tour

€30
per adult
Loulé Market Half-Day Tour
See all activities in Luz de Tavira
Tavira Castle featuring a city

Tavira