The origins of Tavira go back as far as 400 BC when the town was an important port that traded throughout the Mediterranean and North Africa. Tavira suffered badly from the Great Earthquake of 1755 and was largely rebuilt. Elegant eighteenth-century townhouses and mansions beautify the town today on both sides of the river. Many houses retain fine old doorways with traditional knockers in the shape of hands.

Ponte Romana (Roman Bridge) & The Riverside

Joining the two halves of the town is the 17th-century bridge which is a reconstruction of the original bridge on the main route from Mértola to Faro. Modern scholars now believe the bridge is of 12th-century Moorish origins rather than Roman. Following damaging floods in the winter of 1989-90, it was pedestrianised. Its seven arches are often mirrored in the waters underneath where you'll often find people searching for clams at low tide.

Grand buildings, palm-lined gardens and the occasional seafood restaurant line the banks of the river Gilão and make a picturesque place for a leisurely stroll. The small boats moored up on the southern edge of town are a testament to Tavira's fishing heritage.

Praça da República

On the west bank you can find the arcaded Praça da República, with its little modern amphitheatre. Following the river south are the public gardens. Amongst the fine buildings that adorn its perimeter is the old town hall and its arches as well as a handful of cafés and restaurants. In the centre is a First World War memorial whose modern style seems ill at ease with its surroundings.

Mercado da Ribeira

Tavira's old town market building was built in 1887 and occupies a dominant spot on the western bank of the Rio Gilão. Its original use was discontinued in 1999 and has now become a cultural centre, with boutique shops, cafés, temporary exhibitions and cultural events. The Mercado da Ribeira is the focal point for the Baixa District of Tavira where you'll find the largest concentration of restaurants.
37° 07' 30.8" N | 07° 38' 49.9" W

Igreja da Misericórdia

A short climb up into the old town following Rua da Galeria stands a 16th-century church with a fine stone doorway carved by André Pilarte (1551) depicting a series of mermaids, angels and saints. The Igreja da Misericórdia is commonly considered the finest church in Tavira. Through the ornate doorway are 18th-century azulejos, magnificent carvings and scenes from the life of Christ. Originally built in 1541 and rebuilt after 1755, it is still one of the finest examples of Renaissance religious architecture in the Algarve.
37° 07′ 35.2″ N | 07° 39′ 02.9″ W

Castelo de Tavira (Tavira Castle)

The remains of Tavira's castle can be found on a short stroll up the Travessa da Fonte from the Praça da Repúblic to the top of a small hillock. It's believed a defensive structure has been on this spot since the town was a Phoenician trading post in the 4th century BC. The Romans who resided here afterwards made their enhancements to the fortress. A later Moorish castle stood here too but was sacked on the 11th of July 1239 by King D. Paio Peres Correia during the Reconquista of the Algarve. After passing ownership to the Order of the Knights of Santiago, the Castle was reconstructed by King D. Dinis in 1293 to help defend the area from pirate attacks. It was to the power of nature that the castle finally succumb, the earthquake of 1755 that devastated Lisbon reduced the structure to the ruins we see today.

Tavira Castle now consists of two square towers, one octagonal tower and three rampart walls. Inside is a tranquil landscaped garden that offers welcome shade from the midday sun. A climb up the ramparts and towers is rewarded by impressive views of Taviras distinctive terracotta-hipped rooftops, church spires and the Rio Gilão. Since 27th August 2012, it is classified as a National Monument.

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Castelo de Tavira, 8800, Tavira, Portugal. | 37° 07' 32.0" N | 07° 39' 07.5" W

Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo

Some of the Algarve's finest churches can be found at Tavira the town and surrounding area contain over 20. Santa Maria do Castelo has stood opposite the castle since the 13th century, however it was built on the foundations of a Moorish mosque. Its façade maintains some of its original gothic design, notably the ornamentation around the main portal, and the ogival and rose windows. Its distinctive clock tower also belongs to the original construction, albeit with some alterations. Following the reconstruction, after the 1755 earthquake, the church took on a more neoclassical appearance.

Inside one can find the tombs of crusading knights belonging to the Order of St. James and Dom Paio Peres Carreira who took the town from the moors in 1242. Also inside are some impressive pieces of art including 18th-century tiles found in the Chapel of Santissimon.
37° 07' 32.0" N | 07° 39' 07.5" W

The mouth of the river (Rio) Gilão spills into the Ria Famosa lagoon and nature park which runs parallel to the coast. On the opposite bank is the loverly Ilha de Tavira (Tavira Island) which spans almost seven miles along the Algarve coast and its breadth varies from 1000 metres at its widest to only 150m at its narrowest. As part of the Ria Famosa Nature Park, it's a draw for wading birds and flamingos. The island is also considered to be the best beach in the eastern Algarve which, although popular during high season, never feels crowded.

This Blue Flag beach has a range of facilities such as restaurants and toilets, and during the high season is patrolled by lifeguards. The Ilha de Tavira is reached by ferry which has departures from Tavira centre on the Rua Jose Pires Padinha and the other departure point is just over a mile south of town at the end of the Estada das Quatro Aguas where you'll find ample space for parking. Both services traverse the Ria Famosa and land at the same jetty from where it is a short stroll through a pine forest to the beach.
Tavira Ferries Timetables & Tariffs