There are two ferry routes to Tavira Island Beach. One leaves from the city centre, next to the Ribeira Market, and take 20 minutes to reach the island. And the other goes from Quatro Águas, next to the mouth of the River Gilão, taking 10 minutes to reach the island. The timetables are updated periodically and you can find them and other information online on the Silnido website:

For anyone wishing to spend a bit more time on Tavira Island, the only accommodation option is the campsite, where you can pitch a tent or rent a bungalow. The island also has a small supermarket for campers and a number of restaurants and bars.

This is a heavenly place that is much sought-after by tourists because of the facilities it offers for beach-goers. With both maritime and fluvial characteristics, the area is surrounded by pine trees that provide some welcome shade.

This beach has been considered one of the ten best family destinations in the world by the highly-regarded Lonely Planet magazine.

It consists of a line of dunes that runs parallel to the coast, with five sandy islands (Barreta, Culatra, Armona, Tavira and Cabanas) and adjacent saltpans.

This is considered a wetland area of international importance and is a protected reserve due to the aquatic birds that live here. It is also classed as a special protection area, among other names.

You will find many pretty salt- or freshwater beaches with idyllic views on the islands formed by the Ria Formosa Nature Park; Barril and Praia do Farol are just two of them.

This park is home to more than 600 species of plants, 300 species of molluscs, 80 species of fish, 15 species of reptiles, 200 species of birds, 20 species of mammals and 8 species of arachnids. The purple swamp-hen and the chameleon are the park’s most emblematic creatures.

And there is much more to discover in this protected area. Go on a guided walk, go cycling or kayaking, or take a boat trip and become better acquainted with this paradise in the Algarve.

For more information visit the Passeios Ria Formosa website

In the Dream and Fantasy amphitheatre, Zoomarine’s resident dolphins display all of their grace, tenderness and agility. You will be amazed at the acrobatics and surprising behaviour of these animals. And always under the watchful eyes of their helpful trainers.

Wonderland! The scenario is a tropical island and a pirate ship! The actors: seals and sea lions that take to the stage to choreograph an imaginary world and teach us how we can better protect the environment. But don’t be so distracted by the animals’ acrobatic tricks that you forget their advice.

Zoomarine Beach, an extensive space dedicated to watery fun, with a wave pool, water slides and swimming pools.

A truly magical experience.

Opening Times

Zoomarine theme park is open from the 01^st of March until 30^th of November: 10:00 – 18:00

Entrance Tickets

Infants under 1,00 meter high have free entrance to the park

1 Day entrance

Junior Entrance (>= 1,00 meter – 10 years) – 21,00 €

Normal Entrance (11 – 64 years) – 29,00 €

Senior Entrance (>= 65 years) – 21,00 €

Special Entrance (Disability >= 33%) – 14,50 €

For more information visit the Zoomarine website