Tavira Travel Guide

The holiday resort destination of Tavira lies to the east of Faro in the south-east corner of Portugal, and is one of the most photogenic towns along the Algarve coast, sporting white-washed houses topped with decorative chimneys and pyramid shaped Roman-tiled roofs, set among orange, fig and almond trees. This charming town on the Gilao River dates back to around 2,000 BC, and also boasts a Moorish Castle, which offers some splendid views from the ramparts.

There are some attractive churches (37 of them to be exact) to see in Tavira, including the Church of the Misericordia, which has a beautiful Renaissance door and carved high altar. Not many of the buildings pre-date the devastating earthquake of 1755, which destroyed much of the Algarve, but the town was painstakingly rebuilt with many fine 18th century buildings.

Tavira flanks both banks of the river, which are linked by a Roman bridge. Along the coast and on an island opposite the town (reached by ferry) are some beautiful isolated sandy beaches that well worth visiting while on holiday in the area.

Shopping

Tavira is well equipped with utilitarian supermarkets for self-caterers on holiday, and many souvenir shops selling cork items, lace, embroidered goods and shell art. There's an upmarket handcraft shopping centre called 'Old Market' for discerning shoppers. The town has a fresh produce market daily.

Restaurants

Like most of the holiday resort towns on the Algarve, Tavira is a food-lovers haven, especially for those who enjoy seafood. There are numerous restaurants along the quayside and riverbank, serving excellent cuisine at reasonable prices.

Nightlife

There are bars and cafés aplenty in Tavira, though the town isn't famous for its nightlife. Still, visitors will find relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere that blends traditional charm with modern energy. The town's bars and cafés line cobblestone streets, offering a laid-back setting for evening strolls. Locals and visitors enjoy casual conversations, live music and outdoor dining, creating a warm, inviting ambience under the stars.

Holiday activities

Visitors can hunt for seashells on a Tavira Island holiday, and enjoy a variety of watersports, explore the quaint town itself, or play golf at the nearby Benamor Course. It's a good idea to hire a car and explore into Spain to the East (Tavira is close to the border) and along the rest of the Algarve to the West.