Barril 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
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

Tours & day trips

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Seville day trip from the Algarve

Seville day trip from the Algarve

Activity duration is 12 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 22 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp1.315.945 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Porto to Algarve Up to 3 Stops: Aveiro, Nazaré & Óbidos

Porto to Algarve Up to 3 Stops: Aveiro, Nazaré & Óbidos

Activity duration is 10 hours
Free cancellation available
The previous price was Rp15.950.851 and current price is Rp14.355.766 per adult*
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Water activities

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Ria Formosa: Armona and Culatra Islands 3-Hour Boat Tour

Ria Formosa: Armona and Culatra Islands 3-Hour Boat Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 95 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp598.157 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Ria Formosa Bout Tour with sunset - Olhão

Ria Formosa Bout Tour with sunset - Olhão

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp598.157 per adult
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Popular places to visit

Terra Estreita Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach

Terra Estreita Beach

Make the most of the space at this gorgeous stretch of Ilha de Tavira’s coastline, where you can enjoy beach fun or explore the surrounding nature reserve.

Terra Estreita Beach
Ilha de Tavira Beach featuring general coastal views and a lighthouse

Ilha de Tavira Beach

Stretch out on the broad beach facing Tavira’s neighboring island, where the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean meet soft, golden sands.

Ilha de Tavira Beach
Tavira Castle showing a city

Tavira Castle

Look out across the rooftops of historic Tavira from a tower in this ruined fortress, which has withstood royal sieges, pirate attacks and natural disasters.

Tavira Castle
Misericordia Church which includes a city

Misericordia Church

Dating back to the 16th century, this church is one of the Algarve’s most exquisite pieces of Renaissance architecture that includes remarkable stonemasonry.

Misericordia Church
Praca da Republica which includes a fountain and a square or plaza

Praca da Republica

Check out Tavira’s main square, which served as the town’s marketplace for centuries and is now surrounded by restaurants and elegant heritage buildings with preserved façades.

Praca da Republica
Roman Bridge showing a river or creek and a bridge

Roman Bridge

Despite its name, Tavira’s central footbridge wasn’t constructed during the Roman Empire, but it does sit where an ancient bridge once was.

Roman Bridge

Top Hotel Deals

Vila Gale Albacora Eco-Resort Hotel

Vila Gale Albacora Eco-Resort Hotel

4 out of 5
Quatro Aguas Antigo Tavira
Vila Gale Albacora Eco-Resort Hotel
Quinta do Caracol

Quinta do Caracol

3 out of 5
Rua de Sao Pedro No 11 Tavira
Quinta do Caracol
Palacio de Tavira

Palacio de Tavira

4 out of 5
35 37 Praça Doutor António Padinha Tavira
Palacio de Tavira
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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.