Tavira, Portugal: The Venice of the Algarve

Tavira is one of the most charming towns in the Algarve, and is a wonderful destination for your holiday. It is sometimes also called the Venice of the Algarve.^[1]

This charming coastal town is located on the Algarve’s quieter eastern coastline. Tavira Island, a few hundred metres off the coast, boasts an 11km (6.8mi) long sandy beach. With winter temperatures ranging from 13C (55F) to 8C (46F), it might be a bit too chilly for sunbathing but it’s the ideal weather for a stroll along the water’s edge. There’s plenty more natural wonders to explore too. 

The Gilão River runs runs from here to the Ria Formosa Natural Park with its salt pans and spectacular birdlife which includes flamingos and spoonbills.  It was elected as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal recently.

For a more personal look at Tavira, please see the companion articles:

• Visiting the Mouth of the Gilão River: A Unique Experience
• Tavira's Free Gardens and Old Walls: Stunning Views and History
• Exploring Tavira's Roman Bridge and Its Picturesque Surroundings

Video 1.  15 Awesome Things to do in Tavira Portugal (YouTube link)

Praia do Barril

15 Things to Do in Tavira

In video 1, it lists 15 things that you can do in Tavira:

1. Beaches
• Walk to Tavira Island (Portuguese: Ilha de Tavira) and the Anchor Cemetery (Portuguese: Cemitério das âncoras)
2. Religious heritage
• Igreja da Misericórdia
3. Gastronomy
• Sol e Mar
4. Archeological finds
• Islamic Museum
5. Ria Formosa Natural Park^[7]
• Best to access via a boat trip
• The Ria Formosa plays an important role in the lives of the inhabitants of Faro, Olhão, and Tavira.
• Over 170 square kilometers has been designated as a natural park and ensures a nice influx of tourists. Outside the protected areas you will find other activities such as seafood farms.
6. Praca da Republica (Republic Square)
7. Municipal Market (Portuguese: Mercado Municipal de Tavira)
8. Bike ride
• Read "The 20 top rides around Tavira"
9. Galeria Palace
10. Tavira's Castle (Portuguese: Castelo de Tavira)
11. Tavira's Public Garden (Portuguese: Jardim Público de Tavira)
12. Salterns (or Salt Pans)
13. Traditional products
14. Horse riding
• Tavira Equestrian Tourism
15. Roman Bridge (Portuguese: Ponte romana de Tavira)

When everything else fails, you could simply get lost in Tavira old town and the fishermen’s quarter:^[4]

The tiled walls of the houses in the fisherman’s quarter are among the Tavira attractions you cannot miss. A stroll through the streets there will give a good idea of what Tavira looked like when it was a busy tuna fishing port.

Tucked away in Tavira old town where you’ll see most of the noteworthy churches like Igreja da Misericórdia and Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

Video 2.  TAVIRA | Most Charming Town of Algarve? (YouTube link)

Praca da Republica (Republic Square)

References

1. The Best Destinations for a Winter Break in Portugal
• Tavira, Lagos, Lisbon, Madeira, Alentejo, Albufeira, Serra da Estrela, Porto, Praia da Rocha, Vilamoura, Caldas da Rainha, Óbidos
2. Ria Formosa
3. Average Weather in Tavira Portugal Year Round
4. 16 Enchanting things to do in Tavira, Algarve
5. 10 Free things to do in Algarve Portugal
6. Salty Water Petisqueira (Seafood Restaurant; Portuguese: Água Salgada)
7. How to visit the Ria Formosa, Algarve? ( the complete guide for 2022)