Beaches in Tavira, Algarve

Many Algarve beaches are now classified as 'Accessible Beaches' meaning that not only do they provide ramps, footpaths and walkways directly to the sand but also meet certain criteria for restaurant tables, bar and counter heights. They also have first aid posts and disabled toilets and should be equipped with wheelchairs, walking aids and other equipment capable of being used in the sea as well as on the beach. We include which beaches have been awarded the 'Accessible Beach' flag , although depending on individual abilities you may just want to know that you can park nearby or that there are no steps involved.

We also indicate which beaches have lifeguards during the season (normally April to the end of September) and as a reminder for you: a green flag - swimming permitted; yellow flag - swimming forbidden; red flag - swimming and entering the water forbidden; blue and white chequered flag - beach temporarily unattended.

Ilha de Tavira-Mar

The beach in Tavira is a 'sandspit' beach, separated from the mainland by the sea and has to be reached by a ferry boat or water taxi.
 
It is certainly worth doing as the Ilha is beautiful- it feels like being on your own tropical island! To get there from Tavira town either hop on a bus, or if you are driving, follow the signs for Ilha de Tavira and you arrive at Quatro Águas. Leave your car in one of the car parks and head for the jetty where a ferry will either be waiting or you can see it on its way back from the Ilha- you won't have long to wait!

The ferries run constantly and in summer time carry on until midnight or so (although water taxis are available when the ferries aren't running). In September 2006 the cost of a ride to the Ilha was just 1 euro 30 cents per person- don't throw your ticket away- it's a return! ('Ida e volta').

Ilha de Tavira is about 14km long & stretches nearly all the way to Fuzeta. On the ilha there are a variety of restaurants, beach bars, a campsite, 'multibanco' (cash point), & some houses nestling under the pine trees. All of this is within a very short walk of the landing point- the rest is a glorious stretch of white sand as far as the eye can see and of course, the sea!  It really is perfect for a totally relaxing day, and it is easy to see why it is thought of as one of the best beaches on the Algarve.

We did see people taking bicycles across on the ferry, so if you want to explore a little further why not hire a bicycle in Tavira and tour the ilha?

Aquataxis....
Aquataxis not only run to Tavira's Ilha, but to Tavira itself, Santa Luzia, Cabanas and they provide guided tours for up to 6 people.

The 'organised' beach where the restaurants and beach bars are is on the seaward side at the eastern end of the ilha - just across from where the ferry docks. This area is supervised and there are also various water sports available.

There is access to the middle of the ilha from Pedras D'el Rei, either by foot or on the tourist train that crosses the Ria Formosa to Praia do Barril. The beach here is classed as an 'Accessible Beach' and is supervised as well as having places to eat and drink. 

Ilha de Cabanas-Mar

The unspoilt island beach in Cabanas, Ilha de Cabanas-Mar (or Praia de Cabanas or Ilha de Cabanas.) is 7 kilometres long boasting beautiful white sand and perfect tranquility for sunbathers. Boats to the island run from throughout the day from April to October, tickets costing as little as €1 euro return per person.

Ilha de Cabanas-Mar has its own café-bar, showers and toilet facilities, sunshades to rent and water sports such as windsurfing, sailing and jet-skiing. It is a supervised beach during the season.