Luz de Tavira Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ilha de Tavira is one of six barrier islands that makes up 18400 hectares of protected nature reserve along the Ria Formosa along with wetlands, mudflats and hundreds of species of plant and wildlife. The island itself has a commercialised centre with wooden walkways and cafes, bar, restaurants as well as a camping area (no hotels on the island). I felt a bit like i'd arrived at a theme park but once you go thought this and on to the beach, its lovely. A blue flag beach, 11km of coastline, sun shades and sun beds to rent but plenty of sand to spread out a towel away from the hustle and bustle. The island beach is only accessible by boat and there is a water taxi and ferry service that operates daily. During the summer tourist months the ferry runs from Tavira centre from the quay side near the indoor market. But in the offpeak months (even in May) you have to go to the Quatro Águas pier. (Don't be fooled by the ferry moored on the quay looking like it is waiting for passengers!) The walk to the ferry felt long, it was probably 20 minutes of so but in the baking sun along deserted road and salt fields it felt a trek. I'd recommend getting the bus if you can work out the timetables. Ferry Times: http://tavira.algarvetouristguide.com/beaches/tavira-island #NationalPark #Beach
Ilha de Tavira is one of six barrier islands that makes up 18400 hectares of protected nature reserve along the Ria Formosa along with wetlands, mudflats and hundreds of species of plant and wildlife. The island itself has a commercialised centre with wooden walkways and cafes, bar, restaurants as well as a camping area (no hotels on the island). I felt a bit like i'd arrived at a theme park but once you go thought this and on to the beach, its lovely. A blue flag beach, 11km of coastline, sun shades and sun beds to rent but plenty of sand to spread out a towel away from the hustle and bustle. The island beach is only accessible by boat and there is a water taxi and ferry service that operates daily. During the summer tourist months the ferry runs from Tavira centre from the quay side near the indoor market. But in the offpeak months (even in May) you have to go to the Quatro Águas pier. (Don't be fooled by the ferry moored on the quay looking like it is waiting for passengers!) The walk to the ferry felt long, it was probably 20 minutes of so but in the baking sun along deserted road and salt fields it felt a trek. I'd recommend getting the bus if you can work out the timetables. Ferry Times: http://tavira.algarvetouristguide.com/beaches/tavira-island #NationalPark #Beach
Tavira Island, Algarve - Portugal. Tavira Island (Portuguese: Ilha de Tavira) is found South of the city and can only be reached by boat, which departs from the city center and from Quatro-Aguas. The Island is 11Km long and varies between 1Km and 150m width. It's considered to be one of the best beaches in the Algarve Region, and it includes areas where naturism can be practised without problems. The Island belongs to the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve, which is popular it's birds and flamingos, a delight for bird lovers. The access to Tavira Island is provided by boats from Quatro Águas peer in Tavira. The parking areas are fairly large and organised. The beach has basic support facilities, like restaurants and toilets, and is supervised during the bathing season. This beach often holds the blue flag, proof of its environmental quality and superiority. The Island includes a Camping Park and restaurants, which makes the place one of the most popular tourism destinies for Camping lovers. #nationalpark #riaformosa #taviraisland #Algarve #Portugal #Beach #NaturalReserve #campingpark #ecology #bestSpots #sportactivities #landscape #naturespot
AP Eva Senses

AP Eva Senses

4 out of 5
Avenida da Republica, 1 Faro
The price is NZ$228 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
NZ$228
26 Jan - 27 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Balcony offered a nice view

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

AP Eva Senses
Occidental Faro

Occidental Faro

4 out of 5
Praca D Francisco Gomes 2 Faro
The price is NZ$156 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
NZ$156
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Faro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
place is very accessible the main problema only is the heating in the room cannot adjust the heater and uts cold at night.. and since we are close in the main city we can hear the people talking and shouting on the road … but its nice place it just the heating and noise maybe because it weekends ...

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

Occidental Faro
Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. da República 34 Olhao Faro
The price is NZ$93 per night from 31 Jan to 1 Feb
NZ$93
31 Jan - 1 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Olhao. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (607 reviews)
Rooms are always clean and tidy. I will always keep coming back to this hotel

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel
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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 beach aparthotel in Tavira. Enjoy free parking, 3 beach bars and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Barril Beach and Terra Estreita Beach ...
7.8/10 Good! (225 reviews)
Gardens lovely and location near to Praia do Barril and Tavira excellent

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Pedras d'el Rei
Cardeal Suites & Apartments

Cardeal Suites & Apartments

4 out of 5
Rua Dr. Coelho de Melo 1 Faro Faro
Stay at this apartment in Faro. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a garden and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (208 reviews)
Personalised service

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

Cardeal Suites & Apartments
Real Marina Residence

Real Marina Residence

4 out of 5
Avenida 5 de Outubro 2 Olhao
Stay at this residence in Olhao. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Olhao Municipal Market and Olhao Harbour are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (587 reviews)
The apartment was excellent with nice view nice a clean everything was perfect im gonna back there next time again

Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025

Real Marina Residence
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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.

Popular places to visit

Tavira Castle showing a city

Tavira Castle

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 featuring a river or creek and a bridge

Roman Bridge

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 which includes a square or plaza and a fountain

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 which includes 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

Old Town

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

Activities

5 Types of Olives Without Preservatives

Tavira Olive Experience Factory Tour and Tasting

NZ$58
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Tavira Olive Experience Factory Tour and Tasting
Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop

Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop

NZ$33
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop
Tavira: Olive Experience with Factory Tour and Tasting

Tavira: Olive Experience with Factory Tour and Tasting

NZ$58
per adult
Tavira: Olive Experience with Factory Tour and Tasting
Tavira City & Chocolate

Tavira City & Chocolate

NZ$99
per adult
Tavira City & Chocolate
Bateiras Traditional Boats Shared Tour in Olhão

Tours in Traditional Boats - Olhão

NZ$81
per adult
Tours in Traditional Boats - Olhão
Olhão: Ria Formosa Boat Cruise to Armona and Culatra

Ria Formosa: Armona and Culatra Islands 3-Hour Boat Tour

NZ$60
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Ria Formosa: Armona and Culatra Islands 3-Hour Boat Tour
See all activities in Luz de Tavira