Luz de Tavira Travel Guide

Tourist 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
Avenida da Republica, 1 Faro
The price is 3.724.040 ₫ per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
3.724.040 ₫
4.070.600 ₫ total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Clean rooms,great helpful staff.Wonderful breakfast room with a piano player. Hotel is in a great location on the harbour.

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

AP Eva Senses
Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. da República 34 Olhao Faro
The price is 1.698.685 ₫ per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
1.698.685 ₫
1.862.165 ₫ total
3 Mar - 4 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Olhao. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (629 reviews)
Impressed with the hotel and staff

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel
Occidental Faro

Occidental Faro

4 out of 5
Praca D Francisco Gomes 2 Faro
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is 3.193.998 ₫ per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
3.193.998 ₫
3.508.873 ₫ total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Faro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Very nice the only issue

Reviewed on 24 Feb 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
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Tavira. Enjoy free parking, 3 beach bars and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Barril Beach and Terra Estreita Beach ...
Pedras d'el Rei
Real Marina Residence

Real Marina Residence

4 out of 5
Avenida 5 de Outubro 2 Olhao
Stay at this residence in Olhao. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Olhao Municipal Market and Olhao Harbour are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (597 reviews)
Everything was great, the friendly staff, the huge well equipped apartment and the location

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Real Marina Residence
Golden Club Cabanas

Golden Club Cabanas

3 out of 5
R. Tuberária Maj. Tavira Faro
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Tavira. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Cabanas Beach and Benamor Golf are located ...
Golden Club Cabanas
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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.

Popular places to visit

Tavira Castle showing a city

Tavira Castle

4/5(64 reviews)

Tavira Castle is just one of the places to see in Santa Maria e Santiago, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area or visit its lively bars.

Tavira Castle
Roman Bridge showing a river or creek and a bridge

Roman Bridge

4.5/5(64 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Santa Maria e Santiago when you take a trip to Roman Bridge. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Roman Bridge
Praca da Republica which includes a fountain and a square or plaza

Praca da Republica

Find out about the history of Santa Maria e Santiago when you take a trip to Praca da Republica. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area or visit its lively bars.

Praca da Republica
Misericordia Church which includes a city

Misericordia Church

Misericordia Church is just one of the places to see in Santa Maria e Santiago, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Misericordia Church

Old Town

4.5/5(2 reviews)

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

Old Town

Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall during your stay in Santa Maria e Santiago. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall