Things to do in Tavira

The municipality of Tavira is steeped in history.

One of its most significant historical landmarks is Tavira Castle, which served as a key strategic defense point for Portuguese territory.

Over the years, it was occupied by various peoples and underwent multiple changes to adapt to the needs and habits of each. The castle saw Phoenicians, Greeks, Gaul-Celts, Carthaginians, Cunii, Romans, and Muslims pass through its gates.

During the Islamic period, particularly in the 12th century, the castle held high strategic importance in the context of conflicts between Almoravids and Almohads. It was during this period that the Muslims established the foundations of the castle’s defensive system.

After the Christian Reconquista, the castle underwent further alterations when Tavira became part of the policy to strengthen the territory’s defense lines under King Dinis.

However, despite efforts over the years to maintain Tavira Castle as a strategic defense point for Portuguese territory, the devastating earthquake of 1755 caused significant damage to the castle. As a result, it lost its strategic function.

Today, visitors to Tavira Castle can still see remnants of the castle walls, a part of the Alcáçova that retains its medieval characteristics, and the Arco da Misericórdia.

For history enthusiasts keen to delve into Portugal’s past, Tavira Castle is a must-visit destination while vacationing in the Algarve.

On Tavira Island, you’ll find the main beaches of the municipality, including Praia da Terra Estreita, Praia do Barril, and Praia da Ilha de Tavira.

If you enjoy spending your holidays at the beach, you must visit Tavira Island.

Access is by boat, and on the island, you’ll find several restaurants where you can enjoy fresh Algarve coast fish and other regional products for lunch and dinner.

It’s undoubtedly the perfect place to spend the entire day.

The island spans around 11 kilometers in length, offering opportunities for exploration and leisure. There are infrastructures to keep you entertained throughout the day. For sports enthusiasts, there are volleyball nets and goalposts for beach soccer. For those seeking relaxation, massages are available.

Moreover, Tavira Island boasts calm and warm waters in the summer, along with fine white sand. These qualities have earned it a reputation as one of the best beaches in the Algarve, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility by the sea.

During the summer, the average water temperature can reach around 22 degrees Celsius in the hottest months.

Do you want to connect with nature during your holidays in Tavira?

Then you absolutely must visit the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Being the most important wetland in southern Portugal, the Ria Formosa is home to a variety of species that you can get up close with while visiting. Among them are bird species such as the purple swamphen, little egret, white stork, spoonbill, and purple heron.

Many fish species also call the Ria Formosa their home, with 65 fish species identified in the Natural Park, including gilthead bream, common bream, sea bass, flounder, and European eel.

In addition to the various species, the Ria Formosa offers the opportunity to experience a wide range of habitats, including barrier islands, salt marshes, sand banks, dunes, salt pans, freshwater and brackish lagoons, watercourses, woodlands, and agricultural areas.

So, take advantage of your stay in Tavira and the proximity of the AP Maria Nova Lounge hotel to the Ria Formosa Natural Park to immerse yourself in nature and explore various species and habitats.

The Republic Square of Tavira is one of the most emblematic places in this Algarve city.

And if you’re on vacation in Tavira, you should definitely set aside some time to visit this area of the city, which is perfect for strolling, relaxing, and observing the characteristics of the region’s traditional architecture.

The square is a historic place and for centuries was the place where slaves, fish, and fruit were traded.

Today, it’s one of the city’s main commercial hubs, where you can find various cafes, restaurants, shops, and the historic Ribeira Market.

In addition to exploring the local commerce, when you visit the Republic Square of Tavira, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the city’s amphitheater and the obelisk, a monument that pays tribute to Tavira’s soldiers who fought in the Great War and lost their lives in battle in Flanders (France).

Pego do Inferno is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Algarve.

Located about 7 kilometers from Tavira, Pego do Inferno is one of the main watercourses in the region, forming a round lagoon where water cascades down the rocks surrounded by lush vegetation.

The sunlight, along with the greenery of the forest, gives the water in this lagoon a greenish color that invites you to take refreshing dives during the peak of the heat.

At present, pedestrian access is made through a 100-meter path that leads to a wooden staircase. This is where the descent begins, allowing you to appreciate all the details of Pego do Inferno.

This place started as a secret known only to the people of the Algarve region, and over the years, it became more well-known to visitors from all over the country.

Today, it’s a historic and attractive spot for many curious tourists who wish to treat their eyes to one of Portugal’s natural wonders.

A location that exudes natural beauty, like few others still do in modern times. An experience that is truly worth living.

In Tavira there are restaurants for all tastes.

If you want to explore Portuguese gastronomy, the Artefact restaurant is ideal. It is a small and cozy restaurant that provides total immersion in the Tavira and Portuguese tradition and promises a unique tasting experience.

If, on the other hand, you are curious to try traditional Portuguese seafood dishes, visit the Copos e Petiscos restaurant. Here you can taste typical dishes such as prawns flambéed in anise, fresh clams, sea bass fillets, oysters, octopus rice and many more. It is, without a doubt, one of the best seafood restaurants in Tavira.

But, in the Algarve city, you can also enjoy a delicious meat dish. The Aurora Steakhouse restaurant has a huge variety of excellent meats and is the restaurant of choice in Tavira for fans of good steakhouse. Chuletón, Tomahawk, Tornedó, T-Bone, Wagyu and Picanha are some of the dishes you can taste in this place.

And if you want to travel the world without leaving Tavira, discover the best international cuisine restaurants in the Algarve city:

Bartô – Sushi and Japanese Cuisine Restaurant

Acqua e Sale – Italian Gastronomy Restaurant

Little India – Indian Cuisine Restaurant

Also at the AP Maria Nova Lounge hotel you have the opportunity to taste fantastic dishes in our restaurants and bars.

At the Balsa Restaurant by Quinta São Sebastião you can enjoy a delicious Buffet with the best of traditional Portuguese and international cuisine and at the Rooftop Nomad Restaurant & Bar you can enjoy fine dining signature dishes with a combination of exclusive flavors created by Chef Milene Nobre.

Whatever your choice, in Tavira you will enjoy excellent cuisine.