Looking for the best beaches in Tavira Portugal? Look no further! I just returned from a trip to Tavira and have visited my favorites all over again with updated information.
With the stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park dominating Tavira’s coast and the barrier islands protecting it, you can expect a lot calmer beaches than in western Algarve making it a perfect beach destination for relaxing.
The beaches in Tavira are generally untamed and backed by dunes, yet they don’t lack on amenities which means you will have a great beach day in a remote-feeling place no matter which of these beaches you choose.
Read on to uncover the most beautiful Tavira beaches.
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Table of Contents
Best beaches in Tavira Portugal
Tavira Beach
Facilities:
- loungers
- parasols
- toilets
- beach bars
- restaurants
- lifeguards
- recycling
Tavira Beach is located on Tavira Island and is easily reached by ferry boat from Tavira town. The ticket is only a couple of Euros and can be paid directly in the booth by the ferry stop. It’s a lovely beach and so easily accessible.
When you arrive at Tavira Island, you need to walk 350 meters across the island to reach the beach. There, you’ll find a fine sandy beach with amenities like beach loungers and parasols for rent, and some beach bars. You can also rent paddleboards to explore the coast from the water.
If you want to set up your own parasol a bit away from the crowds, walk along the beach, and you’ll find plenty of space to have some privacy.
Barril Beach
Facilities:
- loungers
- parasols
- toilets
- beach bars
- restaurants
- lifeguards
- recycling
Barril Beach is another fantastic beach on Tavira Island and the only one you can reach by walking. There is a small footbridge by Pedras d’El Rei you can cross with parking along the street. It fills up quickly, but you can park in Santa Luzia and walk 15 minutes to the footbridge.
Once you cross the footbridge, you can take the little tourist train the 1.3km across the island for only 2 Euros each way or you can walk on the small path next to the train line.
Once you arrive at Barril Beach, you’ll first be met by the anchor cemetery. This is a quirky attraction showcasing 250 rusty anchors lined up in the dunes behind the beach.
It’s a fabulous monument to the tuna fishing era that once thrived on Tavira Island. The train line was once used to transport fishing gear to the little settlement on the island.
Barril Beach itself is wide and fine sanded with parasols and sun loungers for rent. Lifeguards are on patrol in the season too.
On the beach, you’ll find recycling bins to throw your rubbish and portable beach ashtrays for your cigarette butts.
Behind the anchor cemetery, you find toilets and restaurants in the repurposed shacks where they once stored fishing gear and where the families of the fishermen lived during the 6-month long tuna fishing season every year.
Terra Estreita Beach
Facilities:
- loungers
- parasols
- toilets
- beach bars
- lifeguards
- recycling
Terra Estreita Beach, also known as Santa Luzia Beach, is reached by boat from the fisherman’s village of Santa Luzia. It’s set on Tavira Island between Tavira Beach and Barril Beach.
Its name “beach of the narrow land” refers to the narrow strip of island in the area where the beach is set. It’s only 50 meters wide.
Once you reach the island, you’ll cross a wooden footpath to the beach. In the bathing season, you’ll find loungers, parasols, a beach bar, and paddleboard rentals on the beach.
Terra Estreita Beach is a lot more remote and less crowded than the other beaches in Tavira Island, yet you have the basics for a great day at the beach.
Cabanas Beach
Facilities:
- loungers
- parasols
- toilets
- shower
- one restaurant
- lifeguards
- recycling
Cabanas Beach on Cabanas Island is by far one of the best beaches near Tavira with lovely, powdery sand. This might just be the reason why it’s my favorite Tavira beach.
To get there, you need to take the boat from Cabanas de Tavira. They shuttle back and forth all day and take a couple of minutes to cross the lagoon. It’s only 1.50 Euros return for the boat trip.
Once you arrive at Cabanas Island, cross the wooden boardwalk. It takes you through the restaurant complex where you also find toilets and showers.
On the beach, there are sunbeds and parasols for rent and lifeguards on duty all summer. If you want more privacy, just walk along the beach and you’ll find a spot to yourself where it feels like you have the entire beach to yourself, even in the high season (you might have to walk a little further though!)
Reflections on Tavira beaches
Altogether, there are many incredible beaches near Tavira Portugal that are worth visiting. If I were to pick one, I’d go for Cabanas Beach for the fine sand and Barril Beach for the Anchor Cemetery and the little train ride. I know that was two. I’m a Libra, what can I do?!
Nonetheless, whichever beach in Tavira you choose to visit, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it because they are all magnificent!
Happy travels!
FAQ on Tavira Portugal beaches
Does Tavira have a beach?
Tavira has several beaches set on Tavira Island and Cabanas Island that you can reach by boat.
How far is Tavira from the beach?
It is only a 10-minute ferry ride from Tavira to Tavira Beach on Ilha de Tavira.
What is the closest beach near Tavira?
The closest beach to Tavira is Tavira Beach which is only a 10-minute ferry ride from Tavira on Tavira Island.