Tips for your holidays in Tavira
If you want to immerse yourself in
Southern Portuguese culture without the touristic crowd of the central Algarve, Tavira is the place for you to spend your holidays at. This little town in the Eastern Algarve has maintained its
authentic Portuguese charm and the family-run businesses will give you a glimpse of what Portugal is all about.
The proximity to the nature reserve,
Natural Park of Ria Formosa, invites for a boat tour to discover the local flora and fauna of that beautiful park. Just outside of the town, you can visit the islands and relax on one of the sandy beaches or go on a
fishing tour. Fishing is very popular and promises the biggest catch of your life. You can choose to go
Big Game Fishing or even opt for
Shark Fishing and feel the adrenaline rushing through your veins. We will help you find the best boat tour. The Tavira Hotels are appealing to all kinds of visitors.
- Our favorite beach: Cacela Velha
- Our favorite restaurant: Restaurante O Castelo
- Our favorite boat trip: Sunset Tour
- Our favorite water sport: Big Game Fishing
Best things to do during your holidays
During your holiday, you will find so many things to do, that you will have to think about how to get around. There are many train stations along the Algarve, if you want to stay in and around the city center this is an option. But if you want to discover the countryside we recommend to rent a car.
Going to the beach at Ilha de Tavira is a must. In fact, the city is surrounded by beautiful beaches for all tastes.
You can find amazing beaches, that you can reach by boat ride, boat ferry or water taxi, crowded beaches full of lively beach bars or endless empty beaches.
Some of the islands have bar and restaurant service, umbrellas for sunbathing and enjoying some shade as well.
The city has a beautiful avenue along the Séqua River, Roman bridges, pleasant squares and beautiful city gardens are part of this cute town. The main city garden, “Jardim público de Tavira” is located just along the Rio Séqua.
There is a second beautiful garden, located on the other side of the Gilão river, called “Jardim da Allagoa”. The “Praça da República ” square is ideal for some quality time with friends and family, with restaurants and place for the kids to play.
For the cyclers, there is a
bicycle way along the Salinas - the salt pans - where salt is produced. We promise some amazing views. And the good news? It’s a rather flat path.
In and around the city, you can find many
historical landmarks and churches. So if you want to taste some local history and culture here are some historical landmarks, churches and museums worth a visit.
Forte de São João da Barra is a fortress in Cabanas de Tavira which was transformed to a guesthouse.
Forte de Santo António de Tavira is also known as Forte do Rato or Forte da Ilha das Lebres. There is not much left from this fort but you have a wonderful view over the city all the way out to the islands of Ria Formosa. And if you like ruins, how about checking out the
Ruínas Fenícias de Tavira.
If you’re fond of
churches, you might want to put Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo, Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Luz, Igreja do Antigo Convento de Santo António dos Capuchos, Igreja de Santiago, Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo, Ermida de São Sebastião, Sé de Tavira and Igreja da Misericórdia on your list.
In
Faro, you can find a
Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve (Living Science Centre of the Algarve). This Museum is the perfect option for a day of bad weather. It’s suitable for all ages.
The small but interesting Núcleo Museológico da Pesca do Atum (
Tuna Fishing Museum Center) is a nice thing to do too if you’d like to learn more about tuna fishing in the Algarve. If you want to see Tavira from above visit the Camera escura.
For adventure lovers, a day trip to
Pego do Inferno, a small waterfall and lake located in the parish of Santo Estêvão, is always nice. It's not easy to get there, but it's surely an adventure that's worth it.
In sum, This is one of the most interesting towns in the Algarve, with many things to do and see.
The best boat tours
In this city, there are many amazing boat tours. The boat tours to
discover the Ria Formosa are the most famous. And did you know that, you can even go on a cruise to search for
wild dolphins?
There is no better way to enjoy the sunset, than on a
sunset tour in the Ria Formosa. Or even better, chartering your own yacht to explore the Ria Formosa at your own pace.
The
fishing tours, are provided on a professional fishing yacht, which takes you for half or full day fishing tours. You’ll be guided by local fishermen.
The birdwatching tours are very popular, many bird species can be seen, including white storks. Whatever boat tour you want to do, we will help you find the best choice.
What and where to eat
At Mercado Municipal de Tavira, you can find the freshest local food. It’s the place to go, to walk around, and see local farmers and fisherman selling their products. Near Mercado Municipal, you can find typical restaurants. Some of the best ones are “Saudade em Português” and “Água Salgada Petisqueria”.
There are also some nice typical restaurants in places around, as Santa Luzia and Olhão.
The most recommended typical restaurants are: “O Tonel”, “Aquasul” and “A Barraquinha”. And, of course, the cute and authentic “Restaurante O Castelo” for high-quality fish or steak.
The best beaches
The city is surrounded by beautiful and comfortable white beaches. Some of the beaches we like most are Praia do Golden Club and Praia de Cabanas de Tavira of golden sand.
These two are wonderful for sunbathing, swimming or spending hours just wandering. Praia de Cacela Velha is great for kids as, depending on the tides, the beach creates some type of lagoons where the kids can safely play in.
The choices are endless, Praia da Ilha de Tavira, Praia da Terra Estreita and Praia do Barril are a must. These two are the closest to the town.
Powell Beach is in between Cabanas and Cacela Velha. Praia do Forte da Barra is the most Western point of Cabanas.
In sum, there are many beaches to choose from. Thus take your time, and if you have the possibility book a boat tour.
Whatever you decide to do during your holiday, we promise you will love the best watersports and boat tours! Sunshine and a lot of fun are guaranteed! For any further tips or requests, feel free to contact us anytime.