Best of Tavira

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Tavira
Stretching along the banks of the Rio Gilão, Tavira is one of the most captivating cities in the Algarve. You can see Phoenician ruins, Gothic churches and Renaissance-style town squares, along with views over the city from the ruins of a hilltop fortress. The compact old town has cobblestone lanes and outdoor cafes, making it a great setting for some unstructured exploring. You’ll also find market-fresh seafood restaurants and attractive guesthouses, along with golden beaches outside of town. 

Knowledgeable guides can take you back through the centuries on a tour through Tavira’s many highlights. East of town, you can wander around the tiny village of Cacela Velha and check out the views from the small fort overlooking the seaside. Another star attraction in the area is the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a coastal reserve of salt marshes, creeks and barrier islands. On a boat trip with a marine biologist, you can learn all about this biologically rich ecosystem, seeing birds and possibly dolphins along the way. 
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Take two days to explore historic Faro in Portugal's popular Algarve
Map of Portugal: The Algarve Region - 5 Days
Portugal: The Algarve Region - 5 Days

Spend five days exploring the stunning Algarve region, Portugal's southernmost area that sweeps westward to the Atlantic. You'll spend quality time in the region's two main cities—Faro and Lagos—and discover beautiful churches in Tavira, gorgeous beaches, phenomenal cliffside panoramas, and incredible food. Plus, you'll have plenty of time to lounge on the sand, cruise along the coast, and unwind amid urban charm and natural splendor.

Finish the trip with three nights in the Algarve, on the southern coast of Portugal
Map of Follow the Sun in Portugal: Azores, Lisbon & the Algarve - 14 Days
Follow the Sun in Portugal: Azores, Lisbon & the Algarve - 14 Days

Discover Portugal's sun-blessed landscapes on this relaxed 14-day adventure. Start in the far-flung Azores islands, where you'll hike among sparkling crater lakes, soak in steamy thermal pools, and stroll along black-sand beaches. Then fly to the mainland to enjoy Lisbon's cultural and culinary delights before touring the UNESCO-listed towns of Sintra and Évora. Your journey ends in the idyllic Algarve, where you'll laze on stunning golden beaches and explore whitewashed seaside towns.

Ponta da Piedade near Lagos
Map of Portugal Castles, Beaches & Vineyards: Lisbon to the Algarve - 15 Days
Portugal Castles, Beaches & Vineyards: Lisbon to the Algarve - 15 Days

Discover all four corners of Portugal in this epic 15-day road trip. Start in Lisbon, where the sounds of live fado music will lead you on a drive north to Porto and the wine country of the Douro Valley. Turn south and stop in historic towns like the Knights Templar-built Tomar and ancient Roman Évora on your way to coastal Lagos, where you'll beach-hop under the spectacular cliffs of the Algarve.

Marinha Beach in Portimão
Map of Best of Portugal, from Porto to Algarve - 8 Days
Best of Portugal, from Porto to Algarve - 8 Days

This tour mixes Portugal's vibrant cities with the incredible natural scenery of the Algarve region, starting with guided tours of Porto and Lisbon's hilly and historic neighborhoods. Enjoy a day trip to the Douro Valley for a tasting of the region's wine and port varietals, then head south to Algarve to explore its water sports, preserved coastal parks, and endless coastline filled with sandy beaches and rock formations. Spend hours relaxing on the beach, hiking along the coast, or meandering the historic fishing villages, all before watching dramatic sunsets and experiencing the area's exceptional nightlife.

Other popular travel destinations in Portugal
Lisbon · Porto · Algarve · Alentejo · Évora · Douro Valley · Lagos (Algarve) · Sintra · Coimbra · Cascais · The Azores · Nazaré · Madeira · São Miguel Island · Tomar · Braga · Funchal · Óbidos · Sagres · Ponta Delgada · Furnas · Marvão · Angra do Heroísmo · Guimarães · Peneda-Gerês National Park · Batalha · Mértola