Tavira

Can you imagine the Algarve as it was before it became easy to access? Before the resorts and golf courses? Well that's what Tavira is like. Tavira has more churches than hotels. The best places to stay in Tavira are guesthouses rather than resort complexes. it boasts a port crowded with fishing boats rather than day cruisers. An old Roman bridge and the ruins of a castle rather than themed pubs. Tavira is Portugal at its prettiest and most charming. Somewhere that feels a beautiful world away from modern life.

Tavira is colourful and small, so perfect for a winter city break. Walls are bright white and roofs are bright red - and the sky is impressively bright blue most days. Tavira is also the perfect size for exploring on foot.

The cobbled maze is dotted with pretty squares and gardens to discover. Along with the 20+ churches, including some impressive Renaissance era beauties and some with lovely Baroque touches.

The castle was last rebuilt in the 13th Century, but was ruined in an 18th Century earthquake. It's still worth visiting though, the ruins are covered with the colourful, creeping blooms of a beautiful garden.

Tavira's other main historic building is the Palacio de Galera, now a gallery. But the churches around the Palacio are very close thirds and fourths etc.. There's a huge clock tower, a grand Gothic portico, medieval facades and elaborate interiors.

The town was once the Algarve's main port, but the earthquake silted up the river. The town still has a fishing port and market, but 3kms from the coast, and the beautiful eight mile long stretch of golden beaches of the Ilha de Tavira.

Tavira is built on both sides the river, which then sprawls into a biologically diverse lagoon reserve, the Ria Formosa, as it meets the coastline. If you come at the right time of year you'll see flocks of flamingoes taking a break here on their migration route. Kingfishers and storks also use the Ria Formosa.

What not to miss:

• Bask on the wide swathe of white sands that is Praia do Barril.
• Discover Tavira Castle, the best remnant from the town’s Moorish era.
• Stop by the pretty Igreja da Misericórdia (mid-16th century church).
• Stroll over the Ponte Antiga Sobre o Rio Gilão, a bridge thought to be from Moorish times (in the 1100s).

The best places in Tavira get booked up quickly during the summer months so be sure to plan ahead.

For a central location

• The beautifully restored 19th-century Casa Beleza do Sol offer stylish suites and self-catering apartments that have been designed by the architect owner. Original mosaic floors and features have been left intact and find shady roof terraces with panoramic views.
• Pousada Convento Tavira is a beautifully restored 16th Century convent on Tavira’s castle hill. With Renaissance cloisters, courtyard pool and central garden. Pretty rooms with splashes of bright colour and private balconies. Plus the restaurant serves excellent regional cuisine.

For a Beach Break

• Quinta de Colina is the property to book if you're looking for an apartment or villa. This traditional Algarvian manor has been tastefully converted into B&B accommodation, plus there's self catering options in a separate cottage, house and apartment. Only six minutes from Tavira and even closer to the nearest beach, this is a great choice if you want to explore both the town and the local beaches.
• For those looking for resort type facilities try Vila Monte. It's Moorish in style with rooms separated into riads. A Kasbah spa offers Arab baths and hammams alongside more western treatments. The terrace has sea views, once you look beyond the orange groves. The driving range and pitch and putt course are a bonus for those wanting to improve their swing!

For an apartment or villa

• If you're travelling with family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a villa or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to Faro Airport located 40km from the town and offering flights across both Portugal and Europe.
• Travel between the months of May - September for beach weather. July is the hottest month in Tavira with an average temperature of 24°C.
• If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse though our list of all the best places to stay in Tavira.
• Expand your search to include all our properties in neighbouring Faro.
• Or call, or email, one of our gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Tavira