Here are some of the best things to do in Tavira, Portugal, that I personally recommend after spending a month there recently. Tavira is one of the most beautiful and interesting towns in the Algarve. It’s totally unlike some of the tourist-orientated and tacky areas that you might think of in the Algarve. I feel like I know Tavira really well now, so wanted to share some ideas for my readers who may be planning a trip here. This guide should give you a good flavour of the place and help you cobble together a bit of an itinerary. 

Tavira is set on the banks of the Gilão River, with classic Portuguese whitewashed buildings and those iconic terracotta-tiled rooftops. The town overall is incredibly clean and pretty, perfect for mooching around and relaxing but also packed with stuff to see and do, including museums, galleries and quaint independent shops to browse. It has a plethora of cafés and restaurants where you can find the best Algarvian food (including plenty of pescetarian and vegan options) and drinks. It’s nicely bustling with good bars and an atmosphere at night, too. And of course, the sea is close at hand wherever you are in the town. Bliss.

If this all sounds up your street, pour yourself a vinho and read on for 40 of the best things to do in Tavira…

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Tavira and where to eat in around the town more generally, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve sampled so many of Tavira’s eateries recently that I feel a) chunky and b) ready to recommend my favourites. 

I love Tavira and I love eating so this is my guide to combining the two. I’ve listed some of the best restaurants in Tavira, because that’s probably what most people will be looking for in their holiday research, but I’ve also covered some of the best cafés/snack bars/bakeries/food stalls too. I should also add that finding any veggie or vegan-friendly restaurants here (or indeed in any Portuguese town) generally requires some effort. Like most of Portugal, the Algarve is both fish- and meat-heavy. But there are restaurants that do cater to vegetarians and vegans really well. As I eat a mostly plant-based diet, I’ve made sure to include them here.

Anyway, dig out all your clothes with elasticated waistbands. Let’s get onto some of the best cafés, bakeries and restaurants in Tavira…