Tavira

For many visitors to the Algarve—especially those interested in history or anthropology—a visit to Tavira is a must. You’ll get a sense of the town’s history as soon as you arrive. Simply cross the historic 17th-century bridge (built on the site of an earlier Roman version) or visit the tomb in nearby Santa Rita—a 5,000-year-old burial site that can still be explored today.

It’s easy to join a multi-stop tour that takes in Tavira along with other highlights of the region, like Faro and the Ria Formosa wetlands. Once your sightseeing is done, you can sit back and relax on the expansive beaches at Ilha de Tavira; the beaches are only accessible by boat, giving you the chance to play Robinson Crusoe for a day.

• The center of life in the town is Praça da República, where you’ll find shops, bars, and restaurants.
• Local ferries take passengers from Tavira to the beaches on Ilha de Tavira.
• If you’re heading to the beaches, remember to bring sunscreen and water with you—umbrellas and sun loungers can be rented on-site.

Tavira is located in the eastern Algarve, close to the border with Spain. The closest airport is in Faro, 30 minutes away by car or taxi. Lisbon’s international airport is a 3-hour drive away. Cost-effective trains run along the coast, with connections around the country via Faro. To see multiple places in one trip without driving, multi-day tours with transportation provided are also available.

The Algarve region has pleasant weather all year round. Tavira is busiest during July and August, when vacationers from all across Europe head to the area to enjoy the beaches.

Built by the Moors on a Roman site, then rebuilt in the 13th century by the Portuguese, Silves Castle is steeped in over 1,000 years of history. From the ramparts with their glorious views to the ornamental gardens, this imposing sandstone building is a must for history buffs.