Hotels in Tavira

Tavira: Roman Bridges and Eastern Algarve Salt Marshes

Tavira sits on the Rio Gilão in the eastern Algarve, 30 km east of Faro and 12 km west of the Spanish border. The city's Roman bridge — seven of its original arches survive — crosses the river near the old market hall, linking the medieval castle quarter to the lower town. Over 30 churches dot the skyline, more per capita than almost any other Algarve town, a legacy of the city's 16th-century wealth as a tuna-fishing port. The Ria Formosa Natural Park begins at the city's southern edge, where the barrier island Ilha de Tavira lies a short ferry ride across the lagoon.

Where to Stay

Hotels and guesthouses concentrate around Rua da Liberdade and the riverside Praça da República. Properties in the castle quarter offer views of terracotta rooftops and the Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo, where the tomb of Dom Paio Peres Correia — the knight who captured Tavira from the Moors in 1242 — is housed. Budget pensions cluster near the train station, a five-minute walk from the bridge.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Direct trains run from Faro in about 35 minutes; the station is a flat 800 m walk to the centre.
• Beach access: Ferries to Ilha de Tavira depart from Quatro Águas, 2 km south of town — water taxis also run in summer.
• Season: July and August bring peak crowds; April and May offer mild weather with fewer visitors.
• Currency: Euros accepted everywhere; ATMs are on Rua da Liberdade.