Tavira holidays

How to reach Tavira

• Flight time: There are no direct flights to Tavira. Flights to Faro Airport from London take about 2 hours 45 minutes.

• Transfer time: From Faro Airport, Tavira is about 40 minutes by car. The easiest option is to book a taxi or a private transfer. Alternatively, you can catch a bus or train; both involve a connection at Faro city centre and take roughly 1.5 to 2 hours in total.

• Price: Private transfers or taxis to Tavira cost around €50-€60, while bus and train fares range from €5 to €8, including connections.

Best time to visit Tavira

If you want to avoid the heat and crowds of summer, you might prefer to take your Tavira holidays during late spring or early autumn; winter can also be lovely for a more cultural trip.

• March to May: One of the best times of year to visit is spring, when the weather is warm (average temperatures climb from 18°C to 23°C), but not too hot, and the summer crowds are yet to arrive. Moreover, dazzling flowers carpet hillsides and the almond blossom lights up the countryside in the hinterland.

• June to August: In July and especially August (the Portuguese holiday month), the resort is at its busiest - meaning crowded beaches among other things - and prices reach their peak. Temperatures hover around 30°C during the day, with barely a drop of rain and a solid 12 hours of sunshine daily.

• September to October: Another fantastic time to visit. The weather remains warm, with temperatures in the mid-20s and plenty of sunshine, the sea is still very pleasant for swimming and you’ll find fewer tourists clogging up the narrow streets. Note, though, that no matter how lovely the weather, outdoor pools and river beach facilities are closed by the end of September.

• November to February: Although it is winter, the weather remains very mild, averaging 10°C to 16°C, with occasional rain showers (30–80mm per month). This is the time for cultural exploration and sipping coffee in quiet cafés.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Portuguese is the official language, but English is spoken all along the coast.

• Local habits and customs: Do respect the traditional siesta hours between 1 pm and 3 pm when smaller shops might close; dining is a leisurely affair and often starts late, around 8 or 9 pm. There is no hard and fast rule for tipping, which is not really a Portuguese custom; that said, in a café, restaurant or for taxis, it’s customary to round up the bill to the nearest euro or, for big amounts, the nearest note.

• Currency: Portugal uses the Euro. ATMs are easy to find, and most establishments accept major credit cards. For smaller purchases in markets or cafés, having some cash handy is a good idea.

• Getting around: Tavira is very walkable, with most attractions within easy reach on foot. Public buses operate within the town and to nearby villages, with tickets costing around €1.50. Taxis are also available with short rides costing €5–€10. For exploring the coastline, ferries to Ilha de Tavira cost about €2 each way.

• Electricity and plug types: Portugal uses the standard continental 220 volts, and UK travellers will need a two-pin adaptor for their devices.

• Time zone: Tavira is in Western European Time (WET), the same as GMT. Daylight Saving Time is observed, so clocks move forward by an hour in summer.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers do not need a visa for Portugal, but a valid passport is essential.

Best things to do in Tavira

A picturesque town that offers a blend of Roman and Moorish influences. Wander the peaceful Gilão River, visit the Roman bridge and castle ruins, and enjoy the tranquil beaches on Ilha de Tavira – ideal for a laid-back escape.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Torre de Tavira: On the northwest side of the castle, you can take a lift to the top of the 100m-high tower for an unusual perspective of the town. A former water tower built in the 1930s, it now acts as an interesting camera obscura with images of the town projected onto a white disc.

• Tavira Castle Walls: Climb the remnants of Tavira’s ancient castle for spectacular views across the rooftops and churches and out towards the horizon.

The best districts

• Riverfront: With its tranquil vistas and palm-lined gardens, the riverfront is the best part of Tavira for a wander.

Museums

• Núcleo Islâmico: Paying homage to the town’s Islamic heritage, the highlight here is a section of an earth-and-stone wall left in situ, though the museum’s most valuable item is the Tavira Vase, dating from the 11th century and lined with clay figures, probably made as part of a wedding dowry.

• Palácio da Galeria: A handsome palace with 16 rooms and 16 roofs, this fine building is now used as a gallery for temporary exhibitions of work by local artists or on themes related to the town’s history.

Historical monuments

• Santa Maria do Castelo: This elegant white church, built on the site of a former mosque, combines Gothic and Renaissance elements; look out for the beautiful 18th-century azulejos showing flowers and fruits.

• Castelo: Dates originally from the 13th century, though parts were rebuilt in the 17th century. Today you can clamber around the narrow walls (beware of steep drops) for great views over the town, or relax in the neatly tended gardens within the walls.

• Igreja da Misericórdia: A fine stone doorway carved by local master mason André Pilarte (1551) depicts a series of mermaids, angels and saints, and inside there’s a striking azulejo interior showing scenes from the life of Christ, below a wooden vaulted ceiling.

Parks and gardens

• Praça da República: The town’s main square features neatly manicured green spaces, a fountain and a lively atmosphere, especially in the evening when the locals congregate here.

Day trips in the area

• Ilha de Tavira: Take the ferry to this sizeable island with an enormous stretch of dune-backed beach – the best in the eastern Algarve.

• Olhão: With a superb market in its highly atmospheric old town, Olhão is also the departure point for boat trips to some fabulous offshore island beaches.

• Rio Guadiana: The river marking the border with Spain offers some of the region’s least spoilt scenery, meandering north to the pretty village of Alcoutim; a fabulous day out.

Activities for families in Tavira

Naturally, the beaches here are the default family activity - and why not - but there are other things to do if you’re looking to expend a bit more energy.

• Boat trips: Sequa Tours runs scenic one-hour boat trips around Tavira’s lagoon, as well as longer 90-minute birdwatching tours.

• Beaches: In Barril on the Ilha de Tavira, a long stretch of alluring sand lies beyond the lines of anchors wedged into the dunes. Facilities like toilets, lifeguards and beach cafés make it hassle-free for parents.

• Playgrounds and parks: Jardim da Alagoa and the playground at Praça da República offer green spaces for kids to play and let off steam.

Free things to do in Tavira

Tavira’s surprisingly varied cultural landmarks can all be enjoyed for free as can, of course, the many local beaches.

• Free events: Tavira hosts a good number of open-air concerts, traditional festivals and art exhibitions, the biggest of which is the Feast of São Sebastião.

• Explore on foot: Wandering Tavira’s cobbled streets is a joy in itself. Cross the Roman Bridge, wander Santa Maria’s winding lanes and take in the serene riverfront at Ribeira.

• Church visits: Tavira is blessed with some beautiful churches, including Santa Maria do Castelo and Igreja da Misericórdia, all of which are free to visit outside of service times.

Nature and outdoor activities in Tavira

Famed for its beaches, golf courses and tennis centres, the Algarve, including the area around Tavira, also has an ideal climate for a variety of other outdoor pursuits including surfing, windsurfing, walking and adventure sports.

• Golf: The Algarve is a year-round golf destination, with green fees on 18-hole courses starting at around €40, though multi-play packages and discounts are nearly always available, especially over winter.

• Sea kayaking: An increasingly popular activity, particularly along the more sheltered parts of the coast. There are places in and around Tavira hiring out kayaks if you want to go independently, or offering guided kayak trips that explore the local coves and beaches.

• Wildlife watching: A 60km long lagoon between Faro and Tavira, Ria Formosa Natural Park is a labyrinth of islands, peninsulas, sandbanks, white beaches and dunes with some of the country’s most special flora and fauna, especially birdlife.

• Sea fishing: For a more traditional experience, hop on a fishing boat for a chance to catch local species while enjoying a few peaceful hours at sea.

• Diving: Scuba diving for beginners is best off Praia do Carvoeiro in the Algarve, where Algarve Dive Experience and Divers Cove offer standard dives with equipment rental, plus night and wreck dives for experienced divers.

Discover the stunning beaches on Tavira holidays

One of the highlights of Tavira is its breathtaking beaches, offering endless opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Nestled along the Algarve’s idyllic coastline, Tavira’s beaches provide the perfect escape for sun-seekers, families, and adventurers alike.

Ilha de Tavira – the must-visit beach

No Tavira holidays are complete without a trip to Ilha de Tavira, the area’s most famous beach. Accessible by ferry, this expansive stretch of golden sand boasts calm, clear waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing. With plenty of amenities, including sun loungers, restaurants, and water sports, Ilha de Tavira is a must-see for any visitor.

Praia do Barril – a unique beach experience

A visit to Praia do Barril is a highlight. This stunning beach, known for its iconic Anchor Graveyard, combines natural beauty with historical charm. Reached by a charming miniature train or a scenic walk through the Ria Formosa Natural Park, Praia do Barril offers a tranquil atmosphere and pristine sands.

Cabanas Beach – quiet and peaceful

For a more serene beach day, Cabanas Beach is a top pick. Just a short boat ride from the village of Cabanas, this peaceful stretch of sand is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. Its calm waters and unspoiled beauty make it a favourite among couples and nature lovers.

Praia da Terra Estreita – a hidden gem

Another must-visit during Tavira holidays is Praia da Terra Estreita, a secluded beach that offers a quieter alternative to the more popular spots. Accessible by ferry from Santa Luzia, this beach is perfect for unwinding amidst stunning natural surroundings.

Beaches to elevate your Tavira holidays

Whether you’re relaxing on the golden sands of Ilha de Tavira, exploring the history of Praia do Barril, or enjoying the peace of Cabanas Beach, Tavira’s coastline enhances every holiday. Each beach adds a unique charm to Tavira holidays, ensuring a memorable getaway for every traveller.

Local dishes in Tavira

One of the joys of holidays to Tavira is savouring the authentic flavours of the Algarve, a region celebrated for its fresh seafood, Mediterranean ingredients and vibrant local dishes.

Some typical dishes

• Bacalhau: Pretty much the national dish, this dried salted cod reputedly has 365 different ways of being prepared: the best for first-timers to try are bacalhau á bras (fried with egg, onions and potatoes) and bacalhau com natas (baked in cream).

Fish and seafood dishes

• Cataplana: Named after the wok-like lidded copper vessel in which it’s cooked, this fish or seafood stew is simply irresistible.

• Octopus: Tavira’s Santa Luzia is famed as the octopus capital of Portugal, offering dishes like octopus rice and octopus salad.

• Grilled sardines: Providing one of the country’s most appetising smells, this summertime staple is served simply with olive oil, garlic and lemon.

Meat dishes

• Porco à alentejana: A delicious fusion of pork and clams cooked with paprika and white wine, served with fried potatoes or bread.

• Presunto: Portugal’s equivalent of Parma ham – a smoked leg of pork preserved in sea salt and cured for months or even years.

Sweets and desserts

Tavira’s desserts are primarily a celebration of almonds, figs and honey, key ingredients in the region, not least almond cake itself, made from ground almonds and sometimes layered with a fig jam filling.

Local drinks

• Vinho verde: Portugal’s excellent wines distinguish not only between tinto (red), branco (white) and rosé, but between verde (“green”, meaning young, acidic and slightly sparkling) and maduro (“mature”).

• Aguardente: The best-known Algarve firewaters are brandy mel, made from honey and the fruit of the strawberry tree and which tastes a bit like schnapps; and amêndoa amarga, made from almonds.