Tavira Island is the closest beach to the city and also the busiest. Offering infrastructures for beach-goers, a vast expanse of sand and calm water, it is a favourite destination for visitors to the city.
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.
