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Awhile ago we visited the quaint city of Tavira, Portugal, and as there was plenty more we could have seen I felt like a simple and slow weekend in Tavira was perfect. Naturally, with two kids in tow, you are often ‘given the opportunity’ to take things not as fast as others. It was our first trip since moving to Spain, so we wanted to only walk, and not have to take kids in and out of a car.
Thankfully, once parked this city is extremely walkable. There were cafes, restaurants, ferry pick-up, historic sights and plazas all at our doorstep of our airbnb. In general, we have found this area of Europe very accommodating to kids, as families are out late in restaurants, a norm. Prepare for later dinners, leisurely walks along the river and small side streets with charming shops and cafes.
A weekend in Tavira: How to get there
If you are taking a flight to Tavira, you will want to fly into Faro, and drive to Tavira, 40 minutes away. Another option is a train or bus, for under 10 euros.
Since we were coming from Spain, it was an easy 3 hour drive.
A weekend in Tavira: Where to Stay
We opted for an airbnb (there are many options)! Houses a little far off from the city center, restored convents and small apartments walkable to everything – all depending on your type of trip.
This seemed like a fun option! A shared kitchen, wonderful rooftop, superb location and the rooms look gorgeous.
Beautiful hotel with modern comforts set in an older building – my camera and I would have loved to stay here.
Comfort and luxury in the heart of Tavira. If you love design and sun-filled rooms this place is for you. They also have one community pool and 5 private pools for those hot summer days.
A weekend in Tavira: What to do
With all slow guides, this isn’t a ‘see everything you can jam packed in one weekend’ type list. We are slowly seeing the city at sunrise, picking a few restaurants to enjoy and seeing a few of the main ‘attractions’.
Take in the view atop Castelo de Tavira
The gardens in the castle are lovely and the views are spectacular. You can see the main city center and the river from different view points. Situated in the Old City, I found it worth it (this was a stop on our Tuk Tuk ride, mentioned below).
Explore all the tiled houses & buildings
I know Porto gets all the praise when it comes to tiled buildings, but Tavira also has beautiful facades, houses and restaurants adorned with tile. You don’t need to walk far to find it!
Take a Ferry to Tavira Island
Portugal is known for their beaches, and although the island doesn’t have the dramatic cliffs that some other areas of the Algarve have, it is still stunning. Tons of shells, and you can rent a chair/umbrella for pretty cheap. The boat ride itself is worth it just to be on the water. The ferry is €1.70 for adults and €0.90 for children up to the age of 11. So affordable! Another option is the water taxi, although more expensive than the ferry. Whatever you choose, you can only access to beach by boat!
Visit the Roman Bridge
One of the most picturesque symbols of Tavira is the bridge. I personally like the view from the recently build bridge, but it is worth it to walk over and hopefully like me, you have a violin player music accompanying you. Very fairy-tale like.
Tuk Tuk Ride (Great for kids)
Of course, we need to have some kid-friendly, easy for parents things to do during a weekend in Tavira. Even with the flat tire we got (they fixed it very fast) I would still recommend this! Especially if you want a feel of the city in the beginning of you trip. I love that they took us to the salt flats and areas we wouldn’t be able to walk to with kids.
A weekend in Tavira: Where to Eat
Flavour Cafe – If you have kiddos, this is a wonderful spot that has a menu they will like. Excellent and robust coffee menu for you parents, as well. Stop here then walk to the nearby ferry pick-up headed to Tavira Island.
No de Gosto – On our list for next time – They create their menu with Traditional Portuguese cuisine in mind, offering it ina new way.
Veneza – Darling cafe with great baked goods in The main square (Praca da Republica).
O Tonel – The only nice dinner we were able to get to. Delicious food and dessert – highly recommend. Make sure you make reservations as well.
Come na Gaveta – We ended up cancelling reservations here but this came recommended by another travel writer and seemed like a great option for lunch or dinner. They have a creative tapas and drink menu.
Since I am not an expert on food in Tavira, this guide by someone who knows much more was very helpful!
Tavira is a city you can simply enjoy and explore all on your own. I passed by shops that looked quaint and interesting as well as numerous cafes. I tried to enjoy the city, at a slow pace – I hope you get to do the same.
Next time, I want to take an afternoon and go to Olhão. Olhão is a small fishing village not known for tourism, but I would love to take a day to see it. Or better yet, a stay at Casa Rosa Villa Hotel Olhão as it looks stunning.
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