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
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 ฿6,495 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
฿6,495
฿7,037 total
25 Mar - 26 Mar
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
We were so happy to swim in the indoor heated pool and the lovely warm sauna was perfect after a day of exploring the old town. The breakfast we received as we waited for our taxi to the airport was delicious . Perfect location, great staff, comfortable bed!

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026

AP Eva Senses
Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. da República 34 Olhao Faro
The price is ฿2,594 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
฿2,594
฿2,826 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
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! (647 reviews)
Perfect in every way. Great rooms and facilities and wonderdul location. And the staff are great. So pleasant and helpful. They ready made our stay an A* experience. Thank you! We'll be back in the autumn.

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel
Roots Hotel

Roots Hotel

3 out of 5
R Francisco Barreto 32 Faro
The price is ฿3,162 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
฿3,162
฿3,504 total
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Faro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Faro Marina and Faro Island Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (333 reviews)
Room was really clean, Close & Easy walk distance to Faro town. Free access to pool & chill lounge

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026

Roots 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 Old Town and Cabanas Beach are located ...
Pedras d'el Rei
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 Harbour and Faro Marina are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (598 reviews)
Everything was great, the friendly staff, the huge well equipped apartment and the location

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Real Marina Residence
Aerya

Aerya

2 out of 5
179, Rua Professor Doutor Egas Moniz Faro
Stay at this aparthotel in Faro. Popular attractions Faro Marina and Faro Island Beach are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (5 reviews)
Spacious, clean, cooking at washing facilities on premises. Although bathroom was shared it was really clean and the communal kitchen area was also clean and well equipped. Would definitely use this again. Superb restaurant right next door. Really close to airport, a really good find!

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026

Aerya
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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

4/5(65 reviews)

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 showing a river or creek and a bridge

Roman Bridge

4.5/5(64 reviews)

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 fountain and a square or plaza

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

4.5/5(2 reviews)

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

Things to do

Tavira Olive Experience Factory Tour and Tasting

Tavira Olive Experience Factory Tour and Tasting

฿1,063
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Tavira Olive Experience Factory Tour and Tasting
Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop

Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop

฿642
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop
Olhão: 4-Hour Ria Formosa Islands Tour

Olhão: 4-Hour Ria Formosa Islands Tour

฿917
per adult
Olhão: 4-Hour Ria Formosa Islands Tour
Olhão and Salinas do Grelha Tour Culture Market Visita Wellness

Olhão and Salinas do Grelha Tour Culture Market Visita Wellness

฿1,027
per adult
Olhão and Salinas do Grelha Tour Culture Market Visita Wellness
Olhão: Ria Formosa Boat Cruise to Armona and Culatra

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

฿1,100
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Ria Formosa: Armona and Culatra Islands 3-Hour Boat Tour
Loulé Market Half-Day Tour

Loulé Market Half-Day Tour

฿1,100
per adult
Loulé Market Half-Day Tour
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