Tavira: the Gilão river, old churches and the boat to the island
Tavira is one of the most elegant towns in the Algarve, cut through by the Gilão river and surrounded by salt pans and channels of the Ria Formosa. It is said to have an unusual number of churches for its size, and a centre that invites a slow walk.
The centre and the Gilão river
The river crosses the town under a bridge of Roman origin, now pedestrian, linking the two banks of the old centre. On both sides there are outdoor cafés, a small castle with a garden, and several churches, among them Santa Maria do Castelo, said to hold the graves of knights from the Christian reconquest.
The salt pans and the Ria Formosa
Around Tavira stretch salt pans that still produce salt using traditional methods, within the Ria Formosa. It is a flat landscape of water and salt, with birds feeding at low tide, which can be seen from a boat trip or from a few viewpoints near the town.
Tavira Island
Tavira Island is a few minutes by boat from the centre and one of the most sought-after beaches in the area, with a wide stretch of sand and calm water. In summer there are frequent crossings from the jetty; outside peak season, check the timetable before you go.
Food in the area
Tavira has a strong fishing and seafood tradition, with tuna standing out, historically caught off the Algarve coast. It is also a good place to try clams and other shellfish farmed in the Ria Formosa itself.
Getting there and parking
Tavira has a train station on the Algarve line and good bus connections. In the centre there are car parks near the river; on hotter days, it is worth parking and continuing on foot, as the streets of the centre are narrow.
Best time to visit
Spring and early autumn are great for walking around the salt pans and the centre without the intense heat of peak summer, when the town and the island get more visitors.
Where to stay and what to book
Tavira has accommodation in the old centre and in quieter areas by the river. To find accommodation and experiences in the region, such as boat trips around the Ria Formosa, visit Algarve Férias, and to see the ratings of homes and experiences, Algarve Reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to book the boat to the island? In summer it is worth it, as boats fill up; outside peak season it is usually quieter.
Is it worth seeing the salt pans up close? Yes, there are boat trips and a few walking routes that pass by the salt pans and explain how the salt is produced.
