20 Terrific Things to Do In Tavira, Portugal

Are you planning a trip to Portugal and just aren’t sure which area is the best for your European adventure? You’ll be happy to know that the Algarve is full of quaint villages and towns with beautiful beaches, areas for hiking, exciting day tours, and gelato. Set your sights on Tavira as your Portugal home base for a week and discover all of the terrific things to do in Tavira.

“Is Tavira worth visiting?” you may ask. Yes, Tavira is perfect whether you are traveling for a couples weekend getaway, seeking solo adventures, planning adventures with your family, or a looking for the ideal destination for you and your friends.

20 Things to Do In Tavira, Portugal

Chris and I recently enjoyed a week in the Algarve region of Portugal with a few of those days spent staying in Tavira and exploring the area. Is Tavira worth a visit? Definitely. The coastline may not be the edge of the world as it once was thought, but it will definitely give you explorer vibes as you discover Tavira. Still in the early stages of planning? My international trip planning guide is a great first stop.

1. Wander the Old Town of Tavira

The first time Chris and I drove through Tavira, we were underwhelmed. It wasn’t until we parked close to the Old Town of Tavira and set off to explore the town on foot that we began to appreciate the beauty of this quaint town in the Algarve.

As you wander the streets, you’ll pass by churches, cross over a Roman bridge, climb stairs to the Castelo de Tavira, find colorful homes, and be enchanted by the brilliant pops of color with the blossoming bougainvillea.

2. See Praça da República (Town Square)

The town square of Tavira is called Praça da República and features a large statue. The square is lined with shops, bakeries and restaurants. It makes a great gathering place during the day or a lively spot in the evening to meet up with friends.

3. Peruse the Market

If you love markets as much as I do, you’ll appreciate the Tavira market—Mercado da Ribeira. This waterfront market sits next to the Gilão River and is open all day. If you want the sights and sounds of the morning market, complete with fresh produce, be sure to plan your visit early in the day for some of the best things to see in Tavira.

4. Climb to Castelo de Tavira (Tavira Castle)

From the Praça da República, climb the stairs to the Castelo de Tavira. Sitting at the highest point in Tavira, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the area from this partially ruined fortress of the castle. The castle was essential in guarding the fishing town from invading pirates and North African raiders in years long past.

Climb the steep stone steps to the battlements for the best panoramic views. Entrance to the Castelo de Tavira is free and you will also find free restrooms available within the castle walls. The small garden is beautifully kept.

5. Enjoy the Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo

After visiting the Castelo de Tavira, take some time to visit the Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo right next door.

Did you know that there are 37 churches in Tavira?

The Church of Santa Maria was built in the 13th century and was likely built on the site of an old mosque.

6. Take the Tourist Train of Tavira

There is a fun Hop On Hop Off Tourist Train in Tavira. The 50-minute tour features important landmarks and attractions within Tavira.

7. Take the Ferry to Ilha de Tavira

Tavira Island should be one of your stops when planning your itinerary of things to do in Tavira. Take an Aqua Taxi or ferry to the island from Tavira Center or Quatro Àguas Dock. The island is one of the islands of the Ria Formosa Nature Park.

If you wish to stay on the island, there are campsite available for reservation. You’ll want to spend some time on the island and relax at the beach—Praia de Tavira—as it is considered to be one of the best beaches in Tavira and the Algarve.

8. Enjoy Dinner Along the Gilão River

Chris and I enjoyed dinner at Borda d’Agua along the Gilão River. It might have been a tad chilly once the sun started to set, but we asked for two blankets. Those were great for a little bit and then we asked if there was a table inside. Brrrrr.

From our vantage point while sitting outside, we had great views of the Old Bridge.

9. Photograph Ponte Antiga de Tavira (Tavira Old Bridge)

Up until 1989, the Old Bridge of Tavira was a main thoroughfare within Tavira. The bridge was originally built to connect the Roman road between Castro Marim and Faro (Portuguese towns). This seven-arched bridge was closed to vehicles when a modern bridge was built nearby. Today, it connects the two sides of Tavira and offers great views and Instagram worthy photo opportunities.

10. Explore Santa Luzia

Santa Luzia is a parrish in the municipality of Tavira located 2 km to the west. It is a fishing village famous for the local speciality of octopus. While Chris and I didn’t try the octopus, we did enjoy fresh sea bass. There are many restaurants along the oceanfront.

From Santa Luzia you can visit Barril Beach, another one of the awesome beaches in Tavira that is considered an extension of Tavira Island and the Ria Formosa Nature Park.

11. Ride the Train to Praia do Barril (Barril Beach)

In getting to another one of the beautiful beaches in Tavira—Praia do Barril—you have two options: walk or take the train.

Chris and I opted to walk less than a mile through the Ria Formosa Nature Park to reach Barril Beach (meaning barrel in english). It was later on a Sunday evening. The train was running, but there was little else open once arriving at the beach. Tickets can be purchased from kiosks located at both ends of the train stops.

On our second visit to the beach, we took the train back to Santa Luzia. The cost was 2 euro per person for the ten-minute ride.

12. Enjoy Ria Formosa Nature Park

Ria Formosa Nature Park extends for almost 40 miles (60 km) along the south east coast of Portugal. You’ll find a number of islands, lagoons, marshy areas, sandbars, and canals. If bird watching is your hobby, the park is a critical habitat for many migratory birds.

13. Photograph the Anchor Cemetery

Once you reach Praia do Barril, take a few moments to explore the Anchor Cemetery on the sand dunes next to the beach. There are over 250 rusting anchors buried in the dunes. The anchors are so heavy that it takes 16 men to carry just one! They were once used to tether a web of nets at sea.

The cemetery—O Cemitério das Âncoras—is a memorial to the death of the local trade of tuna fishing.

14. Relax at Praia do Barril (Barrel Beach)

Praia do Barril offers a fun and relaxing place to spend the afternoon with family and friends. The beach stretches for miles and is one of the beautiful things to see in Tavira. You can rent beach loungers under canopies or stretch out on your own beach blanket or towel on the white sandy beach.

As with many of the beaches in Tavira (and Portugal), this one has a textile section and an au naturelle area. Typically, clothing and swimwear is worn in the area by the loungers. The au naturelle area is to the right on the beach at least 500 m BEYOND the end of the boardwalk. You will want to research the beaches of Tavira and Portugal to make sure you (and your family) are comfortable with the “fashion” or lack of fashion at the beach you have chosen.

15. Eat Gelato

Is Tavira worth visiting? Yes, especially if you get to enjoy gelato too… everyday.

You may be enticed by the brilliantly colored gelato, but if you are looking for an authentic-tasting gelato, follow these tips:

• Look for subdued earthy colored gelato indicating the gelatos are handmade, fresh and contain natural flavors and ingredients such as fruit and nuts
• Brightly color gelato is full of chemicals to preserve them (the same goes for the fluffy-looking gelatos in the cooler that are likely mass produced elsewhere)
• Check the banana gelato. If it is bright yellow, move on. If it has a grayish color, it was most likely made with real bananas

Things We Wished We Could Have Seen

There is so much more to see in Tavira, and all along the coast of the Algarve. Chris and I could have spent at least another week exploring and enjoying the beaches. Be sure to check the weather in advance as well. We happened to pick a week that was a little cool for beach visits, especially if the sun was behind the clouds.

16. Boat Tour to Benagil Caves

The Benagil Cave—Algar de Benagil—is one of the most famous sea caves in the Algarve. As such, booking a boat tour to visit the caves is one of the popular day tours in the area. Tourists are no longer allowed to disembark inside this cave or any others along the southern coast of Portugal. Once you enter the cave, each boat is allowed to stay for a few minutes and then leaves to make room for the other awaiting boats.

17. Fado com História

Chris and I saw Fado com História advertised in front of the Igreja da Misericórdia. We passed this church as we climbed the streets to the Castelo de Tavira. Daily Fado shows of traditional Portuguese music are held next to the Igreja da Misericórdia and are one of the interesting things to see in Tavira that introduces you to the music of the area.

18. Roman Ruins in Vilamoura

We had hoped to visit these ruins in Vilamoura when we stayed at the Hilton Vilamoura for a couple of nights, but Chris and I arrived in the area over a weekend and sadly the ruins were closed. These historical ruins—the Roman Ruins of Cerro da Vila—include two villas complete with baths, a necropolis (cemetery), and fish salting stations.

If you visit these ruins today, you will see a few standing walls, friezes of marble (broad horizontal bands of sculpted or painted decoration), stucco, and mosaic pavement decor.

19. Roman Ruins in Faro

This Roman villa close to Faro, Portugal is designated as a National Monument. As Chris and I visited Faro on May 1st—Labor Day—the site was closed. However, it would have been awesome to explore (just like when we visited Pompeii in Italy). The ruins consist of a once luxurious villa with a bath, temple, mausoleum, and outbuildings for commerce.

You can also see mosaics on the walls and floors depicting maritime scenes.

20. More Beaches in Tavira

There are some amazing beaches in and around Tavira. Praia da Ilha de Tavira is considered to be one of the loveliest beaches in the Algarve with white sandy beaches that stretch on for miles. Beyond the amazing things to see in Tavira, spending a relaxing day at the beach is probably one of the most popular things to DO in Tavira.

And just a reminder (in case you missed it above), be sure to check out the clothing options or requirements before you arrive so that you won’t be surprised.

• Praia da Ilha de Tavira – A beautiful beach. If you keep walking to the right or to the west (when facing the sea) the beach is fairly deserted except for a few nude sunbathers.
• Praia do Barril – If you keep walking to the west (or to the right on the boardwalk when facing the sea) for about 15 to 20 minutes, the beach becomes Praia do Homem Nu or “Naked Man Beach”.
• Praia da Terra Estreita – Located between Praia da Ilha de Tavira and Praia do Barril
• Praia do Homem Nu – The name literally translates to “Naked Man Beach.” Whether due to its name or its location on the western more deserted end of Tavira Island, this beach became an unofficial nude beach in the 1980s. It was officially declared a nude beach in 2004.
• Praia de Cabanas de Tavira – You can walk to this beach at low tide from Cabanas, but the preferred method of transfer is often a water taxi.
• Praia de Cacela Velha – Cacela Velha is a small village with a fort, a church, a cemetery, and a fantastic view of the beach. The water here is perfect for a day at the beach.

History of Tavira

Tavira is one of the oldest towns in Portugal and is located in the east of the Algarve along the southern coast of Portugal. Because of its strategic location, its roots can be traced back to around 2000 BC when the Phoenicians first settled the area. Even today, you can see the influence of Roman rule as the area grew, was conquered, was rebuilt, and survived as a thriving ancient civilization.

Much of what you see today in Tavira was influenced by the Moors. Who are the Moors? “Moors is a term generally used by Europeans to describe the Muslim people of North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages.” Study.com

The Moorish influence left a lasting impact on Tavira, even with reference to its name. The Arabic form of Tavira is “Tabira” which means “the hidden.”

Camera Equipment for Portugal

If you spend any time on social media, you may encounter people who are passionate about their brand of camera. There has long been a debate about which camera brand is the best—Sony, Canon, Nikon, etc.

The answer? Whatever camera you have with you!!!

Point and Shoot Camera

Mid-range DSLR

DSLR

Smartphone

Nowadays, with the advances in cell phone camera technology, the best camera might just be in your back pocket!

Beyond the “phone” capabilities, the travel apps, and having the ability to search for anything under the sun, your smartphone is perfect when you travel for the photography moments when you need to snap something quick, when the lighting is low, or you just want a back up to your camera shots.

Just remember, you don’t have to travel with ALL of your photography equipment. Pack lightly. Take only the essentials. That may mean your camera body and one possibly two versatile lenses and a few accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Final Thoughts on 20 Things to Do in Tavira, Portugal

Don’t be too quick in your exploration of the Algarve and Tavira. From the Castelo de Tavira to the white sandy beaches in Tavira, you’ll love the quaint laid-back vibe and beautiful old town.

Thinking of a few day trips from Tavira during your stay? Consider Faro, Lagos, and Albufeira. And, of course, you can’t plan a visit without a day or two at the beaches in Tavira!

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