Tour Description
Tavira is a charming town in the East Algarve, not far from the border with Spain.
Set in the margins of the River Gilão, next to the Ria Formosa and an eight-mile-long beach, Tavira is a relaxing retreat!
The town shows an alluring Portuguese appeal, with crisp white walls, fine azulejo tiles, and waves of triangular roofs.
Gilao river in Tavira
Along the quiet streets, layers of history can be witnessed, from doorways decorated with Islamic motifs to Baroque flourishes.
From the ruins of the Castle, surrounded by oleanders, jacarandas, and bougainvilleas, you get a privileged view of the town’s typical roofs and its over 30 churches.
Taking a boat from the bustling fishing port, you exit the river to cross the main channel of the Ria Formosa lagoon, a rich nature reserve of exceptional beauty, perfect for birdwatching and nature observation.
The ferry ends its short journey on one of the best beaches in the world, Tavira’s Island. Be prepared for miles of golden sand and turquoise waters, awarded with a Blue flag.
Tavira, river Gilao
With just a few restaurants and bars, it’s a peaceful and safe beach.
In the surroundings, within a short distance, you can enjoy a completely different landscape and ways of life, marked by fields of orange trees, heavy with the scent of blossom.
Scattered white houses with lacy chimneys show an off-beat Algarve, where eagles soar.
And being in Portugal, you know that you’ll be treated to excellent food and wine.
. It’s Fishing boats in Tavira
In Tavira, there is a combination of ingredients from the coast and the countryside. From the sea, comes the freshest fish and seafood, cooked with simplicity and respect, paired with salads seasoned with one of the best olive oils in the world.
If you are a meat lover, you won’t be disappointed, with stews and grilled dishes.
And the sweets are an exquisite mix of almonds, figs, honey, and carobs, abundant in the area.
In Tavira, you’ll surely have a relaxing time, with heritage, nature, stunning beaches, and fun activities!
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival
Meet & Greet Airport Transfer to the hotel (pick-up available for other locations, on request, with extra charges)
Rest of the day at your leisure
Roman bridge in Tavira Venice of Algarve
Day 2
Day at your leisure
Suggestions for activities: visit the beautiful Roman bridge. In the end, you can see from the street the São João da Barra Fort.
The Bridge, once crossed by cars and people, was partially destroyed by a flood on the 3rd of December 1989 and restored sometime later, but now just pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles are allowed. Tavira always managed to maintain its original appearance and yet, evolve in time.
Fishing boats in the Gilão River
Day 3
Day at your leisure
Suggestions for activities: Visit the Tavira Castle at the top of the Old Town. It isn’t known when the first castle at this site was built but sources say a fortress was already being rebuilt by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC. The Castle probably dates back to the 11th century. Tavira’s Castle was small and rectangular. It now consists of the remains of two square towers, one octagonal tower, and walls on three sides. None of the towers nowadays possess the characteristics of a keep but there surely had been one. The interior is used as a small garden. You can have a unique view from the walls and towers of Tavira to the sea. The castle can be visited, for free, during the daytime. Around the old town, you can find several parts of the towers and walls of the old medieval city walls but are not open to visitors.
Tavira’s Island
Day 4
Day at your leisure
Suggestions for activities: Visit “4 Águas”. Departing from the Hotel and until “4 Águas” you have a walking path crossing the salt pans where you can see workers extracting the salt from the reservoirs.
At the end of the walk, you reach a pear where you can see an intersection of waters that come from the hills and mix with the river and then head to the Ocean.
We do suggest having a drink at the end and to enjoy the view.
Tavira has over 30 beautiful churches
Day 5
Day at your leisure
Suggestions for activities: Visit the Ria Formosa and have lunch on Tavira Island. Visit the Natural Park Ria Formosa by boat and afterward go to the Island where you can have a delicious regional lunch at Sal Restaurant and Lounge. At the end of the afternoon take the boat and enjoy your way back to Town on the River Gilão. (Fees apply and we suggest pre-booking at least 2 days before).
Fishing boats in Tavira
Day 6
Day at your leisure
Suggestions for activities: Visit the Islamic Museum and Municipal Museum in Tavira’s old Town. Get the Combi Museum Tickets at one of the museums and enjoy both for a special rate (fees apply).
The Islamic Centre hosts a vast and diverse archaeological collection from the Islamic period from interventions at various sites in Tavira.
The Municipal Museum (also called Palacio da Galeria) has been recently rehabilitated. Get to know more about the history and diversity of the county’s heritage. The museum also has exhibits by contemporary artists.
Long-Stay Holidays Algarve
Day 7
Day at your leisure
Suggestions for activities: Free day to visit Tavira’s Island, you can get the boat at the docks and have a relaxing boat ride to the island where you can see the beach and local fauna (fees apply).
Birdwatching Kentish Plover, photo by Peter Dedicoat
Day 8
Day at your leisure
Suggestions for activities: We suggest visiting the 3 Main churches in Tavira, Mercy, Saint Mary & Clock Tower, and Santiago’s Church.
Mercy Church is in a Renaissance style. The ceiling is supported by eight columns finished with Renaissance capitals and its décor features a set of blue and white azulejo panels from the 18th century that show the 18 Works of Mercy (Spiritual Works, Bodyworks, and Christ Life).
Saint Mary’s Church is still the Gothic original, dating from a campaign of works of the end of century XIV or the beginnings of century XV.
Santiago’s Church, dating from the end of the XIII century, is devoted to Santiago Maior. It was donated by D. Afonso III to Bishop of Silves in 1270, having belonged to the Military Order of Santiago de Espada.
Tavira has over 30 beautiful churches
Day 9
Day at your leisure
Suggestions for activities: Visit the Fishing village of Santa Luzia. You can take the bus to Santa Luzia, and then enjoy a walk to Barril Beach, where you can visit the “Anchor Cemetery”.
Fishing boats in Cabanas
Day 10
Day at your leisure
Suggestions for activities: Visit the ruins of the Forte de Santo António de Tavira. It’s a lovely walk along with the salt pans in the Ria Formosa natural park.
Birdwatching Kentish Plover, photo by Peter Dedicoat
Day 11
Transfer to the Airport
Info
Maria Nova Hotel, Tavira
Maria Nova Hotel, Tavira
- This product is only for twin rooms (2 pax per room)
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Single rooms are available on request with an extra supplement
- Please inform your arrival and departure details – Flights details (arrival/departure) must be sent 30 days before arrival
- Pick-up and drop-off are free from/to Faro Airport, Faro bus station, and Faro train station. Other locations please request a transfer with an additional cost.
Hotel
Maria Nova Hotel (4****) or similar
Located a 5-minute walk from Tavira’s bustling town center, Maria Nova Lounge Hotel – Adults Only enjoys a quiet hillside location. Its modern rooms feature a private balcony with panoramic views. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools.
Maria Nova Hotel’s rooms are decorated with tiled floors, wooden furniture, and large windows. All rooms have a minibar, satellite TV, and an en suite bathroom.
The Bar Panorâmico offers an extensive list of cocktails and stunning views over Tavira.
