Not quite the bustling scenes of other Algarve resorts, such as Albufeira and Lagos, however, if you’re looking for a more peaceful location, with the same stunning beauty, Tavira is the place to be.
Located on the Algarve’s east side, this charming town is a perfect blend of outstanding architecture, quaint cobbled streets, and sandy beaches. And with the River Gilão running through it, it is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the Algarve’. So, whether you’re in Tavira on a backpacking trip, a romantic couple’s getaway, a family vacation, or some time away with friends, you’re bound to find plenty to keep you occupied in these parts.
But every good vacation needs a good base, right? Well, let us help you out. We’ve put together a list of nine of the best hotels and places to stay in Tavira, from budget-friendly to kid-friendly, and of course, a little bit of elegance thrown in there also. So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Vila Gale Albacora
First up, we have one for the beachgoers. Vila Gale Albacora is just 200 yards from the Praia dos Tesos (also known as Fuseta Ria), so, you have stunning, calm waters practically on your doorstep. This beach boasts a wide sandy stretch and is the perfect place to do a little wildlife spotting, as plenty of crabs, clams, and oysters are often found around here.
The hotel itself is situated in a transformed tuna fishing camp, nestled in the Ria Formosa Natural Park (a labyrinth of canals, islands and marshes stretching along the Algarve coast). It boasts a variety of amenities to keep any traveler satisfied, including a restaurant, spa, games room, and kids’ entertainment, to keep the youngsters happy.
If you don’t mind being a bit further out from the center, this one is a perfect choice to immerse yourself in coastal life and enjoy the silence. And don’t miss the salt pans, an important part of Portugal’s salt production, which attracts many feeding birds, including Flamingos. So, keep your eyes peeled.
Address: Quatro Aguas, 8800-901 Tavira, Portugal
Best for: Couples, families, and backpackers
Rating: 8.3/10
Authentic Tavira Hotel
If you’re looking for a rooftop bar, well-equipped rooms, and free continental breakfast, all in the heart of Tavira, you’ve come to the right place. The Authentic Tavira Hotel has this and much more. Chill out in the shared lounge, decorated in funky artwork, and even funkier chairs, where you can make use of the free Wi-Fi to start planning your Tavira itinerary, or soak in the sun out on the terrace.
Conveniently located within walking distance of all the bars and restaurants, as well as the science center and river, you have plenty to keep you occupied. Or you can head over to the nearby Tesos beach and make use of your complimentary sun lounger voucher. The hotel is also a good base for anyone wanting to do day trips to the white-washed village of Olhao or the popular resort of Cabanas, all within a half-hour drive away.
Address: 82 Rua José Joaquim Jara, 8800-318 Tavira, Portugal
Best for: Backpackers and friends
Rating: 9.1/10
AP Maria Nova Lounge – Adults Only
Image by Booking.com
Sometimes you just need a bit of peace on vacation. So, whether you’re a solo traveler, on a romantic break, or parents getting some time off, you can be sure no screaming kids will disturb you at this resort. An adults-only paradise, the AP Maria Nova Lounge offers the ultimate in relaxation and top-notch facilities, including a pool, restaurant, bar, a range of massage treatments, and even deluxe suites which offer your very own spa bath.
And the location couldn’t be better, as you are just a stone’s throw away from central Tavira, where you can explore the many pretty churches, grab a bite to eat, stroll by the river, or perhaps take a trek up to the remains of the Castle of Tavira, which overlooks the town. And after a day of exploring, why not head to the hotel’s Nomad Roof Top Bar, where you can enjoy epic views out to the town whilst sipping down a cocktail or two.
Address: Rua António Pinheiro, 8800-323 Tavira, Portugal
Best for: Solo travelers, couples, and friends
Rating: 8.6/10
HI Tavira – Pousada de Juventude
Located in central Tavira, just 550 yards from the train station, the HI Tavira – Pousada de Juventude is a hostel with heart. With a selection of private rooms and dorms, you can take your pick of social vs private lodging. For the more social butterflies on vacation, there are several common areas, where you can meet fellow travelers and perhaps share tips on the sights to see around town.
Although having no restaurant on-site, you have a plethora of eateries within a 5-minute walk away. Here, you can choose from traditional Portuguese cuisine at places such as Come na Gaveta and Nikita, seafood spots, including Restaurante Mares and Copos & Petiscos, or head to the nearby Tavira Gran Plaza shopping center, where the food court has you covered for all tastes.
Address: Rua Miguel Bombarda Nº 36/38, 8800-419 Tavira, Portugal
Best for: Backpackers, couples, and friends
Rating: 8.5/10
Vila Gale Tavira
If you’ve got little ones on the trip with you, this next one is a good choice. The Vila Gale Tavira has its very own kids club, Nep, where an entertainer provides all sorts of fun activities, from painting to singing and dancing. And the good news is that while they’re occupied it leaves you free to enjoy the many other amenities this hotel has on offer. With a pool, spa, restaurant, bar and coffee house, there is plenty of onsite entertainment for the adults also. But to start your day right, a free breakfast buffet is supplied, offering a wide variety of morning staples and even the freshest made-to-order pancakes.
And once you’ve fueled your stomach, the best of Tavira’s sights are right on your doorstep. Stop off at Fisherman’s Quarter, with its tiled houses and maze of cobbled back streets, or marvel at the seven-arched Ponte Romana (Roman Bridge) over the Gilão River. And, if you’re feeling fit, why not make use of Tavira’s excellent cycling path up to the pretty fishing village of Santa Luzia or a little further to soak up the sun at Barril beach.
Address: Rua 4 de Outubro, 8800-362 Tavira, Portugal
Best for: Families, couples, and friends
Rating: 8.4/10
Quintinha da Foz Guest House
Calling all animal lovers, this one may be for you. If you struggle to say goodbye to your beloved pet before jetting off on vacation, you may be pleased to know that at Quintinha da Foz Guest House they welcome your furry friends. But, besides whether or not you decide to allow your pet to get a vacation this year, this guesthouse is the perfect base for your Tavira sightseeing.
The garden and pool area offer the ultimate in relaxation and the rustic setting is the perfect place to return to after a busy day of hitting the town. The property boasts private rooms, equipped with a minibar and tv, as well as a shared common area. There is also breakfast and bicycle hire for an extra fee.
The guest house is located just a short walk from the village of Santa Luzia, also known as octopus capital, as it is supposedly home to some of the best octopus dishes in the country. We recommend grabbing a meal at Polvo & Companhia Restaurante, where you can watch the fishing boats come and go as you tuck into those tasty tentacles.
Address: EM515, 132A – Quinta da Foz, 8800-534 Tavira, Portugal
Best for: Solo travelers, couples, and friends
Rating: 9.7/10
Hotel Rural Quinta do Marco
With amazing views of the lush greenery below, The Hotel Rural Quinta do Marco is tranquility at its finest. This 18-hectare property, surrounded by farmland has many amenities on offer, from the on-site restaurant, which provides organic fresh produce, to the pool and lounge areas, where you can make the most of the scorching sun.
And the added bonus of being located around farmland is that the hotel offers experiences, such as feeding the animals, donkey rides for the kids and, depending on the season, harvesting activities. Yep, this hotel is certainly a vacation in itself, but once you soak up all on offer here, you are about a 15-minute drive away from the heart of Tavira.
So, if you’re looking for a place to connect with nature, whilst being close enough to the main sights, this is definitely a top choice of where to stay in Tavira.
Address: Sitio do Marco, Caixa Postal 632-A, 8800-164 Santa Catarina do Bispo, Tavira
Best for: Families and couples
Rating: 9.1/10
Casa Charme
For those looking for a bit more independence on their vacation, look no further than this one. Casa Charme is the ideal home away from home. This gorgeous villa boasts a fresh, modern living space, equipped with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a washing machine. It is the perfect base for families on vacation and is conveniently located near all the sights of Tavira.
And if a beach is what you’re after, you are just 3km away from Praia dos Tesos, where you can swim in the warm waters, relax on the golden sands, or let your adventurous side out with a bit of watersports. Kite surfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboards are popular choices around these parts.
And once you’ve had your fill of beach time, why not head into Fuseta village. With several cafes and restaurants, plus a busy little harbor, where you can see an array of colorful fishing boats, it’s certainly worth a couple hours of your time.
Address: Rua Leonel de Sousa, n 24, 8800-435 Tavira, Portugal
Best for: Families, couples, and friends
Rating: 9.0/10
Bea’s Bed & Breakfast
They do say the best things in life are free. Okay, so this isn’t exactly free, but it is at the more budget-friendly side of the list. At Bea’s Bed & Breakfast, you may not get the hordes of amenities that some of the other hotels in the area provide, but what you will get is an authentic slice of Tavira living.
With a hearty continental breakfast each morning and rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV, free toiletries, and an air conditioner, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, you have everything you need for a pleasant stay.
Located within easy access of routes to both the beach and center of town, you have the best of both worlds at your fingertips. But if you need a little help deciding on your itinerary for the day, the host, Bea, is always happy to dish out some ideas.
Address: Rua José Pires Padinha nº 24, 1ºB, 8800-354 Tavira, Portugal
Best for: Backpackers, couples, and friends
Rating: 9.1/10