Tavira
Algarve

District of Faro

Beaches, Gastronomy and Wine

Tavira, Algarve - Tavira, city (pop. 13,400) and municipality with 26,167 inhabitants (INE, 2021), district of Faro, in Algarve, is one of the sixteen counties (municipalities) in this southern region of Portugal.

Discover Tavira

Crossed by the River Gilão, defended in other times by the walls of its castle, Tavira combines its beauty in the islands located in the incredible Ria Formosa that extends, to the west, to Faro.




"There is a certain oriental charm to this city, in its "scissors" or hipped roofs, that cut themselves out of the sky in a peculiar way and on the lattice doors made of woven wood that protect the houses by letting in air and sound, a legacy of the Arabs who inhabited the region" [Visit Portugal].

Island of Tavira and Beaches

In addition to beautiful beaches, concentrated on the islands of Tavira and Cabanas, visitors enjoy their stay in the county (municipality) to go hiking and boat trips in this natural landscape of great beauty. Find out more: Beaches of Tavira

Best Beaches

Among the beaches in the municipality (municipality) of Tavira, the highlights are the following beaches and their sands:

• Praia do Barril

• Praia da Ilha de Tavira

• Praia de Cabanas

Find out more: Beaches of Tavira

Ria Formosa

The river, Ria Formosa and the sea: a beautiful combination that makes Tavira a special place for active holidays close to nature.

Castle of Tavira

Among the attractions of Tavira, its castle and its walls are witnesses of past struggles and wars.

Medieval castle, classified as a National Monument. Located in the parish of Santiago, imposing, strategically facing the mouth of the Asseca River. The lands of Tavira were donated by the king Dom Sancho II to the Templars of the Order of Santiago.

From the castle's tower there is a beautiful view: "without a doubt the best viewpoint of the city, spanning the undulating roofs, church domes, river and salt flats, to the blue line of the sea that is its limit on the horizon" [Visit Portugal].

What to see in Tavira

In addition to its varied historical, cultural and religious heritage, Tavira offers visitors the opportunity to discover one of the richest ecosystems in the Algarve: the Ria Formosa.

Find out more: Attractions of Tavira

What to do in Tavira

Fans of an active holiday will have several options in front of them: hikes, walks, excursions, boat trips or practice your favorite sport (see below).

Find out more: What to do in Tavira

Where to stay in Tavira

Apartments or houses for vacation rental, comfortable hotels or other accommodation with cheaper prices, accommodation with the locals, there are several options. To look for booking in advance and booking are steps to be followed to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

Find out more: Where to stay in Tavira

Area and Population

With an area of 607 km², the municipality (municipality) of Tavira currently has a population of around 27,500 inhabitants (INE, 2021). The city of Tavira has, as to it, about 15 thousand inhabitants.

In Tavira the natural landscapes include the sea, the estuary and further north the mountains.

Location

The municipality (municipality) of Tavira borders on the north with Alcoutim, to the east with Castro Marim, to the west with Vila Real de Santo António, still to the west by São Brás de Alportel, to the southwest with Olhão, to the northwest with Loulé and to the south with the Atlantic Ocean.

Sun, Beaches and Mountains

The pleasant and relatively warm climate almost all year round and the beautiful beaches are, without a doubt, the main attractions of Tavira.


As in most of the Algarve, temperatures are quite pleasant for most of the year. The average temperatures are: maximums: 23° C, minima: 13° C, with a variation of 6° C for more in summer and for least in winter.

Castle of Tavira

Medieval castle, classified as a National Monument. Located in the parish of Santiago, imposing, strategically facing the mouth of the Asseca River. The lands of Tavira were donated by King Dom Sancho II to the Templars of the Order of Santiago.

Attractions

The main attractions of Tavira are the following:

Church of Santa Maria do Castelo

National Monument - Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, from the 13th century, located in the parish of Santa Maria, is the mother church of the city of Tavira.

Gastronomy

Tavira is also the land of gastronomy and authentic products, such as Sal de Tavira (DOP) or Flor de Sal de Tavira (DOP). The Diet Mediterranean represented in Portugal by the gastronomy of Tavira is classified World Heritage by Unesco.
Find out more: Tavira Gastronomia

First wine producer in the Algarve

In addition to good beaches, Tavira is also the leading wine producer in the Algarve, with 3,843 hl, which 2,695 hl of red wines (IVV, 2020-2021).

Learn more: Vinhos de Tavira

Where to eat in Tavira

Land of fishermen and good food, in Tavira visitors can taste the delicious dishes and specialties of the traditional Algarve cuisine (based on fish and seafood), of Mediterranean or international cuisine. There are good restaurants, bars and cafes for all tastes.

Find out more: Where to eat in Tavira

Sports in Tavira

Tavira offers several options to lovers of sports activities: water sports, boating, hiking, golf and many other sports.

Find out more: Sports in Tavira

Parishes of Tavira

The parishes of Tavira are as follows:

• Tavira (Santa Maria e Santiago)
• Conceição e Cabanas de Tavira
• Luz de Tavira e Santo Estêvão
• Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo
• Santa Luzia
• Cachopo

+ Information about Tavira

• Town Hall of Tavira
• Address / Address: Praça da República. 8800-951 Tavira
• Phone: +351 281 320 500
• Official Link: CM Tavira
• Contact by email: camara@cm-tavira.pt
• Social networks: www.facebook.com/CMTavira/ , Instagram: @municipio_tavira_oficial
• Opening hours:
  From 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday