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 2.746.817 ₫ per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
2.746.817 ₫
2.972.923 ₫ total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Clean, walkable and great view from our balcony!

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026

AP Eva Senses
Stay Hotel Faro Centro

Stay Hotel Faro Centro

3 out of 5
Rua de Portugal 17 Faro
The price is 1.428.943 ₫ per night from 15 Jan to 16 Jan
1.428.943 ₫
1.575.878 ₫ total
15 Jan - 16 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (993 reviews)
Good internet

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Stay Hotel Faro Centro
Occidental Faro

Occidental Faro

4 out of 5
Praca D Francisco Gomes 2 Faro
The price is 2.540.344 ₫ per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
2.540.344 ₫
2.753.964 ₫ total
18 Jan - 19 Jan
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! (1,004 reviews)
Clean, Central

Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026

Occidental Faro
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Cardeal Suites & Apartments

Cardeal Suites & Apartments

4 out of 5
Rua Dr. Coelho de Melo 1 Faro Faro
Stay at this apartment in Faro. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a garden and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (206 reviews)
Modern facilities , clean room, wonderful and informative manager. Would definitely stay here again!

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

Cardeal Suites & Apartments
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (136 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 13 Aug 2025

Golden Club Cabanas
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (224 reviews)
Gardens lovely and location near to Praia do Barril and Tavira excellent

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Pedras d'el Rei
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Popular places to visit

Tavira Castle showing a city

Tavira Castle

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

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

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