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

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AP Eva Senses

AP Eva Senses

4 out of 5
Avenida da Republica, 1 Faro
$133 nightly
The price is $143 total per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
$143 total
Feb 15 - Feb 16
Total with taxes and fees
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! (1,005 reviews)
The room and bathroom were very clean and comfortable. The breakfast had lots of choices. Staff were helpful.

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2026

AP Eva Senses
Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. da República 34 Olhao Faro
$58 nightly
The price is $64 total per night from Feb 18 to Feb 19
$64 total
Feb 18 - Feb 19
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! (615 reviews)
Everything was great, might be 3 stars but puts some 5 star hotels to shame

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel
Occidental Faro

Occidental Faro

4 out of 5
Praca D Francisco Gomes 2 Faro
$115 nightly
The price is $125 total per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
$125 total
Feb 15 - Feb 16
Total with taxes and fees
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! (1,001 reviews)
Nice room. Friendly staff great location. Nice breakfast

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026

Occidental Faro
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Pedras d'el Rei

Pedras d'el Rei

3 out of 5
Pedras d'el Rei, Santa Luzia Tavira
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)
Gardens lovely and location near to Praia do Barril and Tavira excellent

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2025

Pedras d'el Rei
Lakeside Country Club

Lakeside Country Club

4 out of 5
Avenida Ayrton Senna da Silva Loulé Faro
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

Lakeside Country Club
Golden Club Cabanas

Golden Club Cabanas

3 out of 5
R. Tuberária Maj. Tavira Faro
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Tavira. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Cabanas Beach and Benamor Golf are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (137 reviews)
Excellent hotel with friendly staff
I was pleasantly surprised by everything at the Golden club hotel. I'd been slightly worried by some reviews before we arrived but i can honestly say our stay in August was excellent. It's a great 3 star hotel. All the staff were brilliant, my children went to kids club on our last 2 days and loved ...

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Golden Club Cabanas
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Popular places to visit

Tavira Castle showing a city

Tavira Castle

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 bridge and a river or creek

Roman Bridge

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 featuring a square or plaza and a fountain

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

Learn about the local history of Santa Maria e Santiago when you spend time at Old Town. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Old Town

Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall during your trip to 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

Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop

Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop

$21
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop
Bateiras Traditional Boats Shared Tour in Olhão

Tours in Traditional Boats - Olhão

$47
per adult
Tours in Traditional Boats - Olhão
Tavira City & Chocolate

Tavira City & Chocolate

$58
per adult
Tavira City & Chocolate
Couple standing on the rocky coastal cliffs with Ponta da Piedade lighthouse in the background in Lagos

Amazing West: Silves, Lagos & Sagres Day Tour

$68
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Amazing West: Silves, Lagos & Sagres Day Tour
Olhão: 2 islands Ria Formosa Sunset Cruise

Ria Formosa Bout Tour with sunset - Olhão

$35
per adult
Ria Formosa Bout Tour with sunset - Olhão
Private Tavira Jeep Tour - Salt Pans, Nature & Santa Luzia

Private Tavira Jeep Tour - Salt Pans, Nature & Santa Luzia

$65
per adult
Private Tavira Jeep Tour - Salt Pans, Nature & Santa Luzia
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Cities near Luz de Tavira

Tavira Castle showing a city

Tavira

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

Santa Luzia

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