• Need help booking? Contact us now +351 967 493 732 info@seagullcircuit.com
  • Tavira – Visitors Guide & Best of Tavira, Portugal 2021

    Castelo de Tavira
    +

    Tavira Algarve is a coastal city in southern Portugal. It is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, especially for visitors from Northern Europe and the United Kingdom. Visitors can expect to find beautiful beaches, fantastic weather, and some of Portugal’s best restaurants.

    Tavira is famous for its delicious cuisine and seafood-based dishes. Its proximity to the water means that you can always have fresh seafood or fish on your menu when you dine out at any restaurant in town. But there are other fantastic options as well!

    This post will guide you on what to see and where to visit whilst exploring Tavira Algarve and the surrounding areas.

    Beaches in Tavira

    Portugal is known for its beautiful beaches and the beaches of Tavira are protected under the Ria Formosa Natural Park, therefore they are undeveloped and in their natural state, full of soft golden sand and crystal clear waters. Lacem Beach, Cabanas Tavira Beach, Ilha Tavira Beach, Estreita Beach, Barril Beach, Homem Nu Beach are just some of the beaches in Tavira. Tavira is also one of the most authentic cities in the Algarve, unspoilt by gentrification, which often goes hand in hand with tourism.

    The beaches in Tavira are quite unique and different from each other. They are calm and perfect for families with children or older people who don’t like the waves that come from the Atlantic Ocean. Some of them have crystal clear water with white sand, some others have whirlpools, while few of them offer a more rocky experience. Regardless of the type, they all provide tourists with an unforgettable beach experience.

    Praia de Barril
    Praia de Barril

    A beach worth visiting is Praia de Barril (Barril Beach). Cross a bridge which takes you over the Ria Formosa where you can either catch a miniature train which takes you to the beach or if you’re feeling energetic, there is a walkway which runs alongside the train track and takes between 10 to 15 minutes walk depending on your pace. If you’re after refreshments for your beach day out, there are several restaurants to choose from just a stone’s throw away from the beach.

    Miniature train at Praia de Barril
    Miniature train at Praia de Barril

    Places To Visit In Tavira

    Tavira’s old town with its narrow streets, small squares and historical monuments can be explored on foot or by bicycle. There are many activities that you can do during your free time, including bike tours, fishing trips, and exploring the local markets.

    Places to visit in Tavira:

    Tavira Markets range from the food market that sells mainly local produce such as fruit, vegetables, meat, and fresh fish, to the Ártisans´ Markets. You’ll also find Antique Markets that sell all kinds of antiques, old things and collectors’ items.

    Castelo de Tavira. Just a short walk from the Central Square you’ll find this old Portuguese castle ruin. Within the castle walls is a beautiful garden comprising fruit trees and a variety of brightly coloured flowers. There are several viewing points around the castle that offer fantastic panoramic views of Tavira.

    Castelo de Tavira
    Castelo de Tavira

    Praca da Republica (Central Square in Tavira). The Square is a hive of activity, especially in peak summer. There is a market every first and third Saturday of the month where you can buy anything from clothing to curios. Lined by luscious green grass and attractive exotic flowers is a walkway leading to the central octagon pergola, which is circumference by a pond. Often entertainment such as live music adds a peaceful ambience to the overall setting of the square.

    Praca da Republica
    Praca da Republica

    Praca Dr Antonio Padinhais is another key area which a small square. Within the square you’ll find a lush green central garden area called Jardim da Alagoa. A host of restaurants and cafes surround the garden, and there’s a historical church called Nossa Senhora da Ajuda Church (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Ajuda ou de São Paulo).

    Jardim da Alagoa
    Jardim da Alagoa

    Food & Restaurants In Tavira

    One of the perks of living in the Algarve is the food. Every small town has its own cuisine and style. However, Tavira has a bit of everything from international cuisine to Michelin-star cuisine.

    Tavira is a small city with a popular vegan movement. The city has been attracting well-known chefs from around the world to set up their restaurants, making it an ideal destination for people who are looking for a culinary experience with different flavours and ingredients.

    The most typical foods in Tavira are salt-water fish from the coast. This Includes sardines, anchovies, tuna, mullet, sole and other species of fish; beef cattle from the inland regions; lamb from the Algarve region and poultry. Therefore, many restaurants specialise in local dishes like spicy shrimp soup “caldo de mariscos”, octopus or squid risotto “arroz de polvo ou molho de polvo”, and black rice “arroz negro” with chicken or meatballs “bolinhos de carne ou arroz negro com frango”.

    Places to eat in Tavira:

    The Veganices restaurant is the first vegan establishment in Tavira, Portugal, that is dedicated to serving vegan cuisine. Their menu offers a variety of dishes from traditional Portuguese cuisine to international dishes with a vegan twist. Whether it’s a light breakfast or a full meal for dinner, you can find what you are looking for at the Veganices restaurant.

    A Ver Tavira restaurant can be found just a stone’s throw away from the walls of Castelo de Tavira. It was founded on the idea of serving food that has been sourced locally. The excellent cuisine offered here has a contemporary flair and takes on a gastronomic edge in the evening, and boasts amazing views over Tavira. This restaurant is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy fresh ingredients and regional dishes. A Ver Tavira has been described as “a jewel” by many locals and tourists alike.

    Artefact Restaurant. Many guests who visit Artefact Restaurant are pleasantly surprised by the true nature of this restaurant. It has a historic, comfortable feel with a modern artistic style, serving tapas, European and contemporary Portuguese cuisine with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Artefact grow and serve their own fresh produce, and desire the diners to rediscover the true flavor of natural products. They only work with small producers and privilege short food circuits, to ensure better quality.

    Artefact Restaurant
    Artefact Restaurant

    Tavira Nightlife

    The Santa Lucia Bar on the left bank of the Gilao River, with its outdoor promenade and live music, is a great place to spend an evening for the entire family. Other family-friendly spots to enjoy the nightlife of Tavira include the previously mentioned Praca da Republica, which is the central square in the centre of town. Often live entertainment can be found here throughout the evening. Visitors who want to experience the nightlife of Tavira can visit Hello A&D, Arcada Cocktail & Wine Bar, and Rooftop Nomad Bar. Taviras nightclubs host some awesome parties, such as Echo Lounge and Ferry Point.

    There are also many other pubs and sports bars that are perfect for a fun and crazy evening with your best friends.

    Tavira Nightlife
    Tavira Nightlife

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, these are just some of the best things to do in Tavira, Algarve! However, there are a plenty more amazing things to do and places to visit in Tavira. This entices visitors to keep returning to this popular destination in order to explore them all.

    Seagull Circuit offer great tours to locations like Tavira, allowing you to explore the beautiful scenery and attractions of this popular destination.