Tavira Island
Tavira Island
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Tavira Island and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
42 within 3 miles
Attractions
51 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Randy JHouston, Texas6 contributionsA great little city on the south coast of Portugal.Good street side restaurants offering traditional Portuguese fare. Don’t miss the ferry to tavira beach, it is very inexpensive. There is also a little tourist train from barril that goes across to the island. In Tavira, wonder the cobblestone streets on both sides of the river and discover things along the way. Parking is fairly easy to find but you need coins for meters (4 hours max), or free parking in the lot by the Repsol station if you are early enough.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 21, 2023
- Susan SPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania1,138 contributionsSunny day in January gave us a chance to visit the Tavira beachWe took the ferry to Tavira island. It is inexpensive and lively. When we arrived, we walked down a path with some interesting sculptures. No beach chairs or sun loungers but beautiful surf and lovely sand. A few restaurants were open. Worth the trip to see the beach.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 24, 2024
- KateLondon_9London, United Kingdom1,852 contributionsBeautiful beachWe visited tavira island twice via a very reliable boat trip from tavira town. The beach is beautiful and the water was pretty warm for February. A couple of restaurants open for lunch too. The sandy beach is full of beautiful shells. Recommend visiting any time of year.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 19, 2024
- Jackie GAndover, United Kingdom331 contributionsWe will return and walk for milesMiles of beautiful soft sand and a calm sea which looked so inviting I had to take of my sandals and have a paddle. It wasn't as cold as I feared. Would have been happy to sit here for hours or walk from one end to the other, so peaceful and unspoilt. Not a lot of choice for lunch in January but we were grateful something was open as we hadn't packed a picnic. Very cheap ferry ride, worth every cent.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 24, 2024
- PH-Travel-LoversAda, Michigan654 contributionsLoved going to the oceanA cool little town right by the water. Easy parking. We walked a little ways then grabbed a tram the optional 3/4 miles out to the ocean. The little area on the beach had a restaurant and nice bathrooms. Beaches are wonderful. We walked back instead of taking the little tram.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 10, 2024
- amdgriggsSheffield, United Kingdom1,692 contributionsDelightful place, not too crowded, good facilitiesLovely place with enormous beach, lots of space, ample sun loungers, and a good range of restaurants for lunch. The boat trip out there is a delight too - 20 minutes each way, 2.50€ return, boats at least every hour. A great find:)Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 26, 2024
- Paul B3 contributionsNice beach and excursionNice excursion by boat to the island. Plenty of restaurants around. However, I didn't try any of them. Could do with a toilet block on the beach. The nearest public toilet is a good 20-minute walk in the heat where you disembark and embark on the boat. There are toilets in the restaurant's, though.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 10, 2024
- ejediLeeds, United Kingdom216 contributionsRelax in TaviraBooked Tavira, Portugal because of a number of reasons. Location. Tavira is 30 mins from Faro airport, has reasonable access to the beach and was small enough to get about by foot. Weather. The weather this week has been wonderful. between 28c to 34c (which by mid-day was a little too hot ) but shade and a cool drink helps. Food. The food in Portugal has always been a favourite of ours. Fresh fish, seafood, Piri Piri Chicken etc and. Friendliness. The people in Tavira have been as usual open, caring and friendly. There are some steep roads up to Maria Nova but only five mins so even with mobility issues, managed okay. Be aware of the taxi service not using meters and the road leading to the church and water tower are very steep and can be slippery. Overall, some fantastic meals, great food, quiet and long chats with new friends, a quieter more chilled vibe than Albufeira or Lagos. But a great place to recharge.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 10, 2024
- Lesley MAuckland Central, New Zealand137 contributionsA must do in TaviraEasy to get to on the ferry and a beautiful sandy beach. Plenty of food options too, especially if you want a nice seafood lunch with fresh fish. Awesome to see the efforts going into sustainability and preserving the sand dunes. You can rent a sun lounger or just sit on the beach. Even in September the sun is hot and because the wind picks up after lunch it can be deceptive. Expect queues for the ferry if going over first thing or coming back mid afternoon.Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,624 reviews
Excellent
1,558
Very good
788
Average
191
Poor
53
Terrible
33
AnnRead
London, UK15 contributions
Jan 2020
We took the morning ferry boat from Tavira (right by the city centre close to our hotel) and it was incredibly cheap for the sightseeing and the whole experience (I believe 2 adults was less than 5€ for return tickets). The island itself is so beautiful you don't want to miss it. We took a walk for 2 hours and went back to Tavira and again the ferry trip never stops surprising you.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
068man
England, UK209 contributions
Aug 2020
Been here a few times now and since charges started by the end of the road by the flats we now go from town ferry as can park for free in market 5 mins walk away and longer ferry ride our kids preferred. Strict on covid measures but once past local officials many dumped masks. Lots of eateries and bars on walk to beach and jetty is now much improved, Nicely shaded and departure times clear so you can plan your day. We always hire a lounger if there all day and thankfully lifeguards hot on folk setting up own parasols in that section where its forbidden. Regular visits from bolina men (doughnuts) which are a local delicacy not to be missed. Safe and guarded for swimming for all ages.
Written September 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dianne N
Surrey, Canada68 contributions
Feb 2020
We walked to the ferry dock on the river Gilao - an inexpensive return ferry ride at 2.20 euros pp. It was very quiet due to the time of year but a lovely sunny day for walking a good part of the 11 km of beach. Watched some fishermen casting into the Mediterranean... We finished by eating our picnic lunch in the treed area. Can just imagine what it would be like in summer!
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
068man
England, UK209 contributions
Aug 2021
Been here many times now and since charges started by the end of the road by the flats we now go from town ferry as can park for free in market 5 mins walk away and longer ferry ride our kids preferred. Strict on covid measures but once past local officials many dumped masks. Lots of eateries and bars on walk to beach and jetty is now modern and well equipped with some shade, Departure times clear so you can plan your day. We always hire a lounger, this year taking the "four poster bed ones" if there all day and thankfully lifeguards hot on folk setting up own parasols in that section where its forbidden. Regular visits from bolina men (doughnuts) which are a local delicacy not to be missed. Now do more of the mix of plain, Cream and chocolate. Safe and guarded for swimming for all ages. Some issues and concerns this year about seaweed on the beach and when a very large jelly fish came near to the beach everyone worked together to inform others and ensure folk kept clear.
Written September 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kay B
London, UK365 contributions
Oct 2020
We caught the ferry, 2.20 euros per person return, which took about 20 minutes to get to the island. We arrived to a beautiful, very wide, very long beach with restaurants, cafe's, sun beds - every facility you needed. Great day to spend the day and you don't have to worry about parking at the beach.
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lance B
Manchester, UK52 contributions
Dec 2019
Visited here late December as part of a 60th birthday holiday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Short, cheap ferry trip was great. Beach was practically deserted due to time of year but still fantastic for a lovely walk. Only one cafe open but good enough for the number of people visiting. Not sure how busy it gets in the summer but was perfect for us as it was.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JBow
York, UK147 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Tavira island is picture perfect. You can travel here by a passenger ferry from Tavira for €2.20 return and if you’re lucky on the way you might spot flamingoes on the salt flats. The island itself is a nature reserve and has miles of pristine white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. Lots of restaurant options available for lunches.
Written September 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRM
Penetanguishene, Canada116 contributions
Aug 2022
We did not read much about Tavira Island before taking the inexpensive and speedy ferry across from the main town to this bucolic little sanctuary. The crowds were oppressive but the island was so utterly beautiful and unique that it hardly mattered. Lots of great restaurants and snack bars to choose from but also endless stretches of beach and plenty of quiet little spots to explore and enjoy. And the water: clean blue and invigorating. If I had to do it all over again, I would have packed a picnic lunch and a back pack and spent the day exploring the entire island before sitting down to a dinner of fresh caught seafood. The town of Tavira itself is pretty and quiet with wonderful castle ruins rising high above the town.
Written September 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David T
Whitley Bay, UK1,039 contributions
Apr 2022
We visited this island in early April 2022. It was still classed as "low" season and was quiet. This was good as we had no problem getting spaces on the ferry which was very efficient and only 2 Euros 20 cents return per adult. It took around 20 minutes to reach the Island and on arrival we realised that a lot of the restaurants were still closed. However, there were still a number open and all were well patronized. We had a walk onto the beaches and even in April it felt much hotter on the beach than it had been on the mainland. We really enjoyed our visit.
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
masterben
Gibraltar92 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Take the ferry over from Tavira town which is as cheap as chips and approx 20 minutes later you’ll arrive at this little paradise.
On one side is a wonderful beach looking into the Atlantic, on the other you can watch the yachts and boats.
There’s a few bars and restaurants to keep you nourished.
It’s a must do.
On one side is a wonderful beach looking into the Atlantic, on the other you can watch the yachts and boats.
There’s a few bars and restaurants to keep you nourished.
It’s a must do.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the price of a taxi from Faro airport to Tavira?
Written September 17, 2024
What is the price of a taxi from Faro airport to Tavira?
Written September 17, 2024
How much is it on average to rent 2 sunbeds please? & how much is the ferry return for an adult? Thanks!
Written May 13, 2024
2.50 euro return for an adult. Sunbeds range from 12 euro + depending on type.
Written September 10, 2024
We are hoping to visit in September 🤞🤞 can you please tell me if all the little restaurants are open ??
We love to go to the beach , are there any restrictions on the ferry e.g masks, capacity ?
Thank you
Written August 13, 2020
Hello
Will be in eastern algarve end of march , can anyone tell me if tavira island has been reopened to get to by ferry , also what sort of weather should I expect for the end of the march
Thankyou
Written February 22, 2020
Hello, Yes the Ferry runs from Tavera or Quattro Aguas every day now to the new boat landing on the Island. The weather is good around 18to23c however you can have cloudy day's..enjoy 😎
Written February 23, 2020
Hi I am considering Tavira for family holiday end July/beg August 2020. I love the look of the long sandy beach but can anyone tell me if it is a bit warmer than Meia Praia in Lagos where we went this year. Loved Lagos, but honestly the sea was bitterly cold even cooler than Dublin summer temps!! If not, does anyone have any recommendations, possibly heading towards Mediterranean side I suppose might help.
Secondly, would there be enough restaurants , bars for 21 year olds , not necessarily night clubs , just a little bit of a nightime buzz, not looking for a mad strip. Thanks in advance
Written October 29, 2019
Only just saw this a bit late.However here goes. Tavira Town has plenty of restaurants and Bar. The best restaurant we found and can highly recommend is Bria do Rio (River Breeze) they serve some of the best food ever and great buzz - must book. Think there is an ''Irish type Bar'' The sea is Cold wherever you go in the Algarve and yes beaches are great. There is a cheap ferry from Tavira town to the Beach where there are plenty of places to eat and drink and good beach walking
Written November 29, 2019
Alguien que haya estado en esta semana (19/08/2019 a hoy 23/08/2019, puede indicar el estado de la playa respecto a las algas?
Written August 23, 2019
Hola. Pues está llena de algas. Al
Parecer lleva así 3 meses. Es un manto espeso que hace que no te puedas bañar. Una pena.
Written August 26, 2019
Buenas tardes. Qué tal las playas en la isla de Tavira hoy?
Todavía hay mucha alga?
Written August 18, 2019
@187garyh llegasteis a ir? Sigue habiendo algas?
Written August 23, 2019
Podria alguien decirme cómo está la playa? Estamos en isla canela y es imposible bañarse con las algas
Written August 17, 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 49
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing