Tavira (Portugal) – Sights and holiday tips

1. Camera Obscura Tavira

For a unique perspective on Tavira, you should start your visit to the city at the Camera Obscura Tower. This unique attraction is housed in the city’s old water tower.

Using a periscope and a specially designed mirror system, the camera obscura projects a 360-degree live image of Tavira in a dark room. The guide, who has a good sense of humor and speaks several languages ​​including a bit of Dutch, shows you the winding streets, the most popular sights and on a clear day you can even see Spain!

The experience lasts about fifteen minutes and costs €5.00 per person.

2. Ponte antiga de Tavira

The Ponte Antiga de Tavira , or Old Bridge of Tavira, is a historical monument that spans the Gilão River. Often wrongly attributed to the Romans, the current construction actually dates from the 12th century, during the Moorish rule.

The bridge consists of seven symmetrical arches, made of traditional stone masonry. It forms an ideal connection between the two parts of the city and is a favourite viewpoint for both residents and visitors.

The bridge is for pedestrians only, making it a peaceful place to enjoy the view of the river and the old houses of Tavira. When there is little water flowing under the bridge, you can see fish and crabs.

3. Fado com História concert

If you want to experience the soul of Portugal, a visit to Fado com História in Tavira is an absolute must. This unique music centre is dedicated to fado, the traditional Portuguese music that is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here you can enjoy live fado performances by talented musicians every day.

Each song tells a story of love, loss and nostalgic longings. The intimate, atmospheric theatre ensures that you are completely absorbed in the music. In addition, before the show you will receive a short introduction to the history and meaning of fado, so that you can appreciate the songs even more.

A ticket costs €10 per person for a concert of about 45 minutes. For the afternoon shows it is advisable to make a reservation, for the evening show (which takes place in the adjacent church) this is not necessary.

4. Castelo de Tavira

If you want to experience the atmosphere of medieval Tavira, you should definitely visit the (free) Castelo de Tavira . This fortress is located on a hilltop and offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding coastline.

You can climb the steep stone walls and imagine how the castle’s defenders used to scan the horizon for intruders.

Within the walls you will find a beautiful garden with many types of trees and plants that are well maintained.

5. Museu Municipal de Tavira

When in Tavira, you can’t miss the Museu Municipal de Tavira . Housed in the former palace of the Palma family, this fascinating museum takes you through the city’s rich history and culture.

You can admire ancient artefacts, from Roman mosaics to Moorish ceramics, which highlight the different civilisations that have left their mark on Tavira. There are also exhibitions of contemporary art and local crafts, making the museum a nice mix of old and new.

In addition to the permanent collection, the museum regularly organizes temporary exhibitions and cultural events.

6. Centro Ciência Viva de Tavira

For an interactive and educational experience, visit the Centro Ciência Viva de Tavira . This small science centre is a great place for families or couples who enjoy science experiments. There are a variety of science and technology experiments, with an emphasis on 3D puzzles, sound production and electricity generation.

The friendly guides are happy to explain how everything works, so you can feel like a child again. It is not a full day program, but a nice hour of entertainment for €4.00 per person or €7.00 for the whole family.

7. Museu Islâmico

Another small but interesting museum is the Museu Islâmico . Here are displayed remains from the Moorish rule. The collection consists mainly of pottery and at the entrance you can get a brochure with information in English.

The entrance fee is €2.00 and the museum is worth a visit of about half an hour to three quarters of an hour. Start your visit by watching the video about the history of Tavira.

8. Santa Luzia

Neighbouring village Santa Luzia is known as the ‘octopus capital’ of the Algarve. Well, that’s not because the inhabitants have tentacles, but because octopus has been caught and processed here for centuries.

During your visit, take a stroll along the quayside and see the many fishing boats moored before sitting down at a restaurant to sample the local speciality.

Across the water lies Tavira Island.

9. Salinas do Forte do Rato & Forte do Rato

The salt pans of Salinas do Forte do Rato are a nice stop for a walk. See how they evaporate seawater and then collect the salt that remains for sale.

The area is popular with wildlife such as flamingos, crabs and seagulls and at the end of the road is the Forte do Rato ruin.

10. Tavira Island

Off the coast of Tavira lies the island with the predictable name: Tavira Island . This 11 kilometre long island has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve and if you visit on a windless and clear day, it is clear why. Clear blue water, golden sand with sailing boats and catamarans scanning the water surface for wild dolphins in the background.

To get to the island you can take the taxi boat from the centre of Tavira for about €2.50, or you can park your car in front of the pedestrian bridge at Baril trail.

There are restaurants and cafes on the island, but they do charge a high price. For a better price/quality ratio, it is best to continue to Santa Luzia after a visit.

11. The mini-train to Tavira Island

From the footbridge at Santa Luzia, you can take a mini-train to Tavira Island! This way you don’t have to walk the entire distance of 1100 meters to Praia do Barril, but you are pulled by a mini locomotive.

In the past this railway was used to transport fish caught; nowadays it is used to transport tourists caught on the hook. A single ride costs €2.00 and the ride takes about 4 minutes.

I recommend walking the way there so you can read the informative signs about the local flora and fauna along the way and then take the train back. Keep an eye on the trees as you walk, as chameleons live in this nature reserve. At low tide, there are lots of crabs running through the mud.

12. Cemetery of the anchors of Tavira Island

The 
Cemitério das âncoras (anchor cemetery) is an interesting piece of dune on Tavira Island where dozens of old anchors are displayed. In the past, these anchors were used for fishing, but thanks to more modern techniques, they were no longer needed. Instead of throwing them away or melting them down, it was decided to display them in the dune area next to Praia do Barril. Although there is a fence around it, you can still take a nice photo of it.