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 ₹8,564 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
₹8,564
₹9,289 total
25 Jan - 26 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! (1,002 reviews)
Stayed 2 nights and we liked it. The room is very clean, bed is comfortable except the quilt is a little thicker thus a little too warm for sleep. We tried to adjust the thermostat but it didn’t seem to work. Breakfast is very good. Staff are friendly and professional. Location is very central too. ...

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

AP Eva Senses
Occidental Faro

Occidental Faro

4 out of 5
Praca D Francisco Gomes 2 Faro
The price is ₹7,327 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
₹7,327
₹7,980 total
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)
Hi, This hotel had a nice entrance and well located to train and bus stations . The room was small and clean but we had a terrible view. Well equipped with mini fridge, safe . The breakfast was excellent and was served on the top floor of hotel with a nice view of the marina. I would stay at this ...

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Occidental Faro
Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. da República 34 Olhao Faro
Fully refundable
The price is ₹4,398 per night from 31 Jan to 1 Feb
₹4,398
₹4,874 total
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! (606 reviews)
So clean and all fresh lovely hotel

Reviewed on 9 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

4/5(64 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

Cities near Luz de Tavira

Tavira Castle showing a city

Tavira

Terra Estreita Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Santa Luzia