Things to do in Tavira

Activities, attractions and tours

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
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Top places to visit

1. Tavira Castle

Tavira Castle is one of the historic town’s most prominent landmarks. Known locally as Castelo de Tavira, the castle is a remnant of Tavira’s dramatic past. Go on a trip through time when you explore the ruined fortress and climb to the top of its battlements. The views from the old castle tower encompass the town’s historic streetscape and the surrounding nature reserves.
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Tavira Castle

2. Roman Bridge

Wander across the Roman Bridge (Ponte Romana) and look upriver at the old town of Tavira. The bridge that stands today does not look like the structure that was originally built here. The original bridge dates back to the 12th century, when the ancient township was a part of al-Andalus, the Moorish territory that stretched across Islamic Iberia.
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Roman Bridge which includes a river or creek and a bridge

3. Praca da Republica

Praça de República is the historic heartland of the town, where townspeople and merchants would gather daily to meet and trade goods. Go for a stroll around this preserved plaza and admire the architecture of its pretty 19th-century townhouses and riverfront amphitheater.
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Praca da Republica showing a fountain and a square or plaza

4. Terra Estreita Beach

Terra Estreita Beach is a spacious sandy beach in front of the tiny fishing village of Santa Luzia on Tavira Island (Ilha de Tavira). Named for the narrow sandbar on which it sits, Terra Estreita Beach is loved for its secluded atmosphere and natural appeal. The beach is located within the Ria Formosa Natural Park and is home to interesting flora and fauna. Swim in the waters and relax on the soft golden sands of this beach with a laidback atmosphere.
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Terra Estreita Beach featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach

5. Misericordia Church

Gaze in awe at the beautifully carved front portal of the Misericórdia Church. Also known as the Mercy of Tavira, this 16th-century church is regarded as one of the region’s architectural treasures. Inside the church, you’ll find three naves adorned with blue-and-white tiles and Baroque imagery.
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Misericordia Church featuring a church or cathedral, interior views and heritage elements

What to do in Tavira

Popular places to visit

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
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
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
Tavira Castle

Mother Church of Santa Maria do Castelo

If Mother Church of Santa Maria do Castelo is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Santa Maria e Santiago.

Mother Church of Santa Maria do Castelo

Old Town

4.5/5(2 reviews)

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

Benamor Golf

Play a round of golf at Benamor Golf and enjoy other activities in Conceição such as boating. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Benamor Golf

Tavira Tower

You can learn about the history of Santa Maria e Santiago with a trip to Tavira Tower. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Tavira Tower

Areas of 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 Old Town and Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall.

Picota
Vilamoura showing food and drinks or beverages

Loulé

Olhao showing a city and a sunset

Olhao

Photo by Jo Zel

Sao Bras de Alportel

Ria Formosa Natural Park showing general coastal views and boating

Moncarapacho e Fuseta

Frequently asked questions

Is Tavira worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Tavira is explore Ilha da Fuzeta. Check this top sight off your list, then discover more of the area's underwater activities and golfing.
How do I spend a day in Tavira?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Ilha da Fuzeta and Praia Fuseta. Then, check out other areas of Tavira for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Tavira?
The top tourist attraction in Tavira is Ilha da Fuzeta, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Tavira?
Book a trip to Tavira for three days and you'll have enough time to tick off its most in-demand sights and get a feel for the local way of life. For the chance to enjoy attractions in nearby areas and venture off the tourist trail, consider sticking around for seven to ten days.
Is Tavira a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Tavira. Several attractions, including Tavira Tower and Terra Estreita Beach, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Tavira's best neighbourhoods, Santa Maria e Santiago is 0.16 kilometres away from downtown, while Conceicao e Cabanas de Tavira is 5 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Tavira with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all of your group, here are some fabulous ideas for what to do in Tavira with kids.

What to do in Tavira for adults?
Casa das Portas is one of the best things to do in Tavira. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Tavira?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Tavira is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Terra Estreita Beach is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.