Luz de Tavira

Travel 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
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$113 nightly
The price is $122 total per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
$122 total
Feb 1 - Feb 2
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Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Great location, amazing view from the 5th flloor - dinning room. Very nice staff.

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4 out of 5
Praca D Francisco Gomes 2 Faro
$94 nightly
The price is $102 total per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
$102 total
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Book a stay at this spa hotel in Faro. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
place is very accessible the main problema only is the heating in the room cannot adjust the heater and uts cold at night.. and since we are close in the main city we can hear the people talking and shouting on the road … but its nice place it just the heating and noise maybe because it weekends ...

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2026

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Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. da República 34 Olhao Faro
$53 nightly
The price is $59 total per night from Jan 31 to Feb 1
$59 total
Jan 31 - Feb 1
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Olhao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (608 reviews)
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Reviewed on Jan 23, 2026

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel
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
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Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Tavira. Enjoy free parking, 3 beach bars, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Barril Beach and Terra Estreita ...
7.8/10 Good! (225 reviews)
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Reviewed on Oct 11, 2025

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Lakeside Country Club

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4 out of 5
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Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Loulé. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Falesia Beach and Faro Island Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (121 reviews)
We were massively impressed with this resort. The apartment was so much better than we had anticipated. It was spacious and immaculately clean. It also had lots of amenities that we hadn’t expected - washing machine, dishwasher, iron, ironing board etc. There were also 2 x sofas, and dining tables ...

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2025

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Real Marina Residence

Real Marina Residence

4 out of 5
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Stay at this residence in Olhao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Olhao Municipal Market and Olhao Harbour are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (588 reviews)
The apartment was excellent with nice view nice a clean everything was perfect im gonna back there next time again

Reviewed on Dec 26, 2025

Real Marina Residence
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.

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