Tavira

Travel Guide

Tavira Castle featuring a city
Roman Bridge
Praca da Republica showing a fountain and a square or plaza
Ilha de Tavira Beach showing 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

Though Picota may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Roman Bridge and Old Town.

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 €287 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
€287
6 Aug - 7 Aug
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! (220 reviews)
"Relaxing and chilled out experience. Restful"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 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 €161 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€161
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (744 reviews)
"Very clean and well maintained hotel. Staff very professional and helpful. Created by everyone during interactions, check in, maintenance, housekeeping, and cook at breakfast. I literally checked in walking downtown, and the room was ready by the time I walked to the hotel."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Hotel Vila Gale Tavira
AP Maria Nova Lounge - Adults Friendly

AP Maria Nova Lounge - Adults Friendly

4 out of 5
Rua Antonio Pinheiro, Tavira
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €220 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€220
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Tavira. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (952 reviews)
"This was a lovely hotel in a great central location for visiting Tavira. Although we did not take advantage of many facilities, the pool was excellent. Much larger and deeper than most city hotels and great for swimming. Breakfast was very good and we enjoyed the piano player every morning playing ..."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

AP Maria Nova Lounge - Adults Friendly
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! (219 reviews)
"I really enjoyed my stay at Pedras d'el Rei. Short walk to the beach. Good food in multiple restaurants. Family friendly. Friendly, helpful staff. Could be better: Parking was cramped, sometimes hard to find a space."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2024

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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (133 reviews)
Nothing bad to say.
"All good - Nothing bad to say."

Reviewed on 1 Apr 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! (96 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 22 Apr 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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