Tavira Island, Beach island in Algarve, Portugal
Description
Tavira Island stretches roughly 11 kilometers along the Algarve coast, widening at points to about 1 kilometer across. The landmass features multiple sandy beaches and small settlements distributed along its waterfront.
History
From 1841 to 1967, the island served as a tuna fishing hub where around 80 families used the ancient Almadrava technique at Barril Bay. This industry shaped island life for over 125 years before gradually fading away.
Culture
Old fishermen's houses have become restaurants and shops that keep maritime traditions alive in the daily life of the island. Walking through these spaces, you feel the ongoing connection between past seafaring practices and contemporary island activities.
Practical
You can reach the island by ferry from Quatro Águas pier or by water taxi, with more frequent services in summer months. Outside peak season, plan for fewer departure options when timing your visit.
Did you know?
An open-air anchor collection from the former tuna fishing industry has stood on the island since 1966 as a memorial to maritime heritage. This overlooked open-air museum preserves tools that once defined the island's economy and way of life.
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Praia do Barril
563 m
Castelo de Tavira
4.5 km
Tavira island beach
4.5 km
Igreja Paroquial de Santiago de Tavira
4.4 km
Igreja da Misericórdia de Tavira
4.5 km
Praia da Terra Estreita
2.5 km
Ponte antiga sobre o Rio Gilão
4.7 km
Torre de Aires
3.8 km
Church of São Francisco
4.2 km
Great War Memorial, Tavira
4.6 km
Igreja de Santa Ana
4.8 km
Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Consolação, Tavira
4.4 km
Ermida de São Roque (Tavira)
4.4 km
Tavira d’Artes Art Gallery
4.7 km
Mercado da Ribeira de Tavira
4.6 km
Cine-Teatro António Pinheiro
4.5 km
Maria Flaminga - Organic Food Store
3.5 km
Convento das Bernardas
4.2 km
Câmara Municipal de Tavira
4.6 km
Igreja e ruínas do antigo Convento de São Francisco, incluindo o cemitério e atual jardim público e o património integrado
4.2 km
Edifício na Rua Nova da Avenida
4.5 km
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz, matriz da Luz de Tavira, e rossio fronteiro
3.4 km
Capela de Nossa Senhora da Piedade
4.6 km
Estação Arqueológica Romana da Luz
2.8 km
Edifício Arte Nova
4.5 km
Beira Baga
3.7 km
Tavira's Salt pans
4.6 km
Palácio da Galeria
4.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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