Learn About The 8 Top Things To Do In Tavira, Portugal!

things to do in tavira
Tenissa
Tenissa 
Updated
| 3 min read

Situated on the south coast of Portugal, Tavira is the most enchanting town you can ever find in the Algarve. To witness how charming the town really is, book a flight ticket to visit this gem of Algarve. To help you out, here are the 8 top things to do in Tavira:

1. Admire the beautiful view of Cabanas Beach


In your mind, picture a beautiful beach in front of a fishing village. Basically that is what the Cabanas Beach looks like. The Cabanas Beach stretches for approximately 7 kilometers (4 miles) long on the east side of the Tavira Island. The beautiful white sand makes an excellent place for sunbathers, who can enjoy the clear blue water of the beach at the same time. To explore the Cabanas Beach, you can take a boat. The boats run regularly throughout the day, so you don’t have to worry about catching up with the boat schedule.

Cabanas Beach

Address: Largo da Armação da Abóbora, Tavira, Portugal

Website: Cabanas Beach (in Portugese)

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2. Take a walk on Tavira Island

things to do in tavira | take a walk on tavira island
Source: instagram

After fully marveling at the Cabanas Beach, your next destination should be the Tavira Island. The island is arguably one of the most fantastic beaches in Portugal. To get to the island, you have to take a ferry or a water taxi. The ferry departs from the Quatro-Aguas pier, while the water taxi departs either from the city center or the Quatro-Aguas pier.

You can spend half day or even the whole day on the island, it really is up to you. But one thing for sure, no matter how long you are going to stay on the island, you will never get bored of the beauty offered by the Tavira Island. Moreover, there are several restaurants near the island if you feel hungry.

Tavira Island

Address: south of Tavira

Website: Tavira Island

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3. Have a relaxed moment at Ria Formosa

Ria Formosa - Portugal
Source: Photo by Flickr user Vitor Oliveira used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Ria Formosa is one of the most beautiful natural parks in Portugal and has been selected as one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal, which should be enough reasons for you not to miss visiting this place and having a relaxed moment here. Habitats that will take your breath away at the Ria Formosa include a diversity of flora and fauna in the woodlands, freshwater lagoons, marshes, and barrier islands. Furthermore, you can also camp in the true sanctuary of nature.

Ria Formosa

Address: Quinta da Gomeira – Cabanas de Tavira, 8800-591 Tavira, Portugal

Website: Ria Formosa - in Portugese)

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4. Explore Tavira Castle

Tavira Castle 1293 by King Dinis (11952250953)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Peter Broster used under CC BY 2.0

Situated in the parish of Santiago, the Tavira Castle is a medieval castle that is worth exploring. In the region, the castle is located at the highest point as it once was used to protect the fishing town from enemies, which included raiders and pirates. From the castle, you will be able to see the sweeping views of the whole town as well as the national park surrounding the castle. Make sure you climb some of the walls and towers. The good news is, you can visit the castle for free.

Tavira Castle

Address: 8800-306 Tavira, Portugal

Website: Tavira Castle

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5. Get on the Tuk Tuk Tavira

Another happy couple. Thank you very much!

Posted by Tuk Tuk Tavira on Tuesday, 30 May 2017

To have a unique experience in Tavira, you should try getting on the Tuk Tuk Tavira, a motor vehicle that will help you get to know Tavira and discover the best of the town. Your Tuk Tuk driver will become your professional tour guide who will drive you around and tell you some interesting and fun facts about Tavira. Get on the Tuk Tuk Tavira, and gain insights about the history, cultural and natural heritage of the most seductive town in the Algarve!

Tuk Tuk Tavira

Address: R. Alm. Cândido dos Reis 43, 8800-318 Tavira, Portugal

Website: Tuk Tuk Tavira

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6. Take a stroll at the Old Town of Tavira


The Old Town area is a must-visit in every city, including Tavira. Take a relaxed stroll at the Old Town of Tavira. The Old Town of Tavira is very much influenced by the Arabic style because the Arabs used to inhabit the region. Pay attention to the latticed timber doors of the houses as well as the white houses and the narrow streets in the Old Town. The beauty of the Old Town of Tavira will stay forever in your heart.

Old Town of Tavira

Website: Old Town of Tavira

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7. Visit the Tower of Tavira


Located within walking distance from the Tavira Castle, the Tower of Tavira was built in an old water tower in 1931. The function of the tower was to supply water to the whole town of Tavira. But now, the tower has become one of the most unique and attractive tourist attractions in Tavira for the building itself is charismatic.

In addition to being charismatic, the tower has become an Astronomical Observatory with Camera Obscura, the first one installed in the Algarve. The Camera Obscura is like a periscope. You can capture live images of Tavira and then send the images to a horizontal screen inside a dark room. You will be able to admire the magnificent 360-degree view of the town and its surrounding.

Tower of Tavira

Address: Calçada da Galeria 12, 8800-306 Tavira, Portugal

Website: Tower of Tavira

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8. Spend the evening enjoying the beauty of Ponte Romana

Ponte Romana
Source: Photo by Flickr user Stephanie Kroos used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Last but not least on our list of the best things to do in Tavira is enjoying the beauty of Ponte Romana. The Ponte Romana is a bridge. But, it is not just a bridge – it is a beautiful seven-arched bridge near the Old Town of Tavira that is best enjoyed in the evening over the sunset.

Ponte Romana

Address: near the Old Town of Tavira

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Explore Tavira and be inspired!

There is nothing in this world that is quite like the inspiration you will get from exploring a new city. Travel to Tavira and get back home feeling inspired!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Tenissa is a content writer, translator and editor. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. She looks...Read more

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