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.
Tavira, river Gilao
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 bougainvillea’s, 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 in 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.
Fishing boats in Tavira
With just a few restaurants and bars, it’s a peaceful and safe beach, excellent for kids.
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.
Being in Portugal, you know that you’ll be treated to excellent food and wine.
Colorful typical houses 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: We suggest visit the beautiful Roman bridge. Enjoy this itinerary until the end, and at 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 again 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.
Gilao river in Tavira
Day 3
Day at your leisure
Suggestions for activities: We suggest visit 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 Castle was small and rectangular. It now consists of 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 until 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.
Fishing boats in Tavira
Day 4
Day at your leisure
Suggestions of activities: We suggest visit “4 Águas” from the Hotel until “4 Águas” you have a walking path between the salt bans where you can see workers taken out the Salt from the reservoirs.
At the end of the walk, you reach the Tavira pear where you can see an Intersection of waters that come from the hills and mixed into the river and go to the Ocean.
We do suggest having a drink at the end and enjoy the view. (Very good if you enjoy at the end of the day the sunset).
Tavira has over 30 beautiful churches
Day 5
Day at your leisure
Suggestions of activities: We suggest visit the Ria Formosa tour and Lunch in Tavira Island. Departure at 10h45 from Tavira pear from the Séqua Tours Stand area. Visit the Natural Park Ria Formosa by boat and afterward go to the Island where you can have a delicious Regional Lunch in Sal Restaurant and lounge, at the end of the afternoon collect the boat and enjoy your way back to Town in the River Gilão. (Fees apply and we suggest pre-booking at least 2 days before).
Holidays Algarve
Day 6
Day at your leisure
Suggestions of activities: We do suggest a visit to 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) after rehabilitation works. It hosts exhibitions that deal with the history and diversity of the county heritage while taking into account the new artistic expressions of contemporary times.
Details of a church in Tavira
Day 7
Day at your leisure
Suggestions of activities: Free day to visit Tavira Island, you can get the boat in Tavira docks and have a relaxing boat ride until the island where you can see the beach and local fauna (fees apply).
Tavira Island
Day 8
Transfer to the Airport for Departure
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.
