Tavira is along the Gilão River, and you can see Moorish influence throughout this pretty white town. The Roman bridge is a great spot to watch the sunset, and the castle offers beautiful rooftop views.
Tavira’s main streetI love traveling with a purpose, whether I’m alone or with family and friends.
This idea keeps me interested on every trip. There’s never a dull moment!
Your reason for traveling can be anything you enjoy, like a favorite hobby, a workshop, walking, golf, historical research, or even a mix of these.
I went to Tavira to join a beginner’s Bridge tournament and to explore it as a tourist for a few days.
I have a love-hate relationship with Bridge. I enjoy the challenge, and even though it can be tough, it keeps me learning. Some days I play well for a beginner, but I often struggle. I didn’t do well in the tournament, but Bridge is a game where you’re always learning, and I love that there’s always something new to discover. I’m hooked!
Solo in Tavira
This lovely town is perfect if you want a taste of village life in the Algarve. Albufeira and Faro are busy during high season and can feel hectic.
Tavira is great for walking, and the hills are much easier than those in Lisbon! There are lots of cafes, like Tavirense, which became my favorite. If you need a break, you can always stop for water, coffee, or a pastry as you explore the town.
Is Tavira a safe place to visit for women over 50?
Yes, I felt safe. I went out to dinner alone and walked around the streets at night to take photos and enjoy the town.
It’s still smart to follow your usual safety habits. Leave your passport at the hotel and carry a copy with you. A cross-body bag is safer than a backpack.
What is the best way to get to Tavira?
Rent a car if you can. There are many lovely towns and beaches nearby.
Train
Buses
Fly to Faro and rent a car or get the train to Tavira.
Christmas decorations in Tavira
Winter time in Tavira
Tavira is a wonderful place to visit in winter. The city looks so festive with all the holiday lights, and theChristmas tree is beautiful!
What is the weather like during the winter?
Mornings are cool, days are warm, and you’ll need a coat in the evenings. It might rain, but it often lasts only a day or a few hours. Pack layers!
I enjoyed four sunny days and one cloudy day; it only rained on the day I left. It was just right. Winter is Portugal’s rainy season, and December is the wettest month in Tavira.
Packing for a 4-day Tavira trip in December
Lightweight thermal underwear for layering
Warm socks
Button-down cotton shirts
Long-sleeve cotton shirt
1 jeans and nicer evening trousers
Walking shoes, preferably waterproof
Some people like to bring a pair of shoes for evenings. I usually skip that on short trips because I prefer to travel light. If you enjoy dressing up, get a second pair, but keep in mind the cobblestone streets and possible rain.
Raincoat
Puffer jacket or a wool coat
Sweater
Scarves
Wool cap for the cold evenings
Cross bag
Umbrella (you can buy one there if you need it)
Where to eat in Tavira
A Mesa
A Mesa is a Michelin Guide restaurant. It offers a tasting menu and à la carte options. The owner will pair wines to make your meal even more special.
Solo travelers are welcome here. I had a great table, and the owner of Mesa brought me a lovely prosecco as I sat.
I chose the à la carte menu because I wanted to try a dessert that wasn’t on the tasting menu. 🙂
The table next to me ordered the tasting menu, and I listened as the owner described the different Portuguese wines and why they matched each dish. It felt like a mini wine pairing class.
My corvino fish was perfect, served with delicious rice. I didn’t have any wine, so I sipped my prosecco slowly—it paired perfectly with my meal. The dessert was amazing.
The service was excellent.
O Manel
They serve Portuguese food, and I enjoyed perfectly grilled sea bass with fresh, tasty vegetables.
Ti Maria Gastrobar
This restaurant gets busy and lively. Make a reservation for weekends, but if you come early during the week, you might get a table without one. They serve petiscos (tapas).
Restaurants recommended by friends
O Tonel
Borda d’Agua
Pedro
Pastelaria Venezuela
Cabanas de Tavira restaurants
Noelia is a Michelin Guide restaurant where I had the best sea bass. They’re known for their rice dishes, so be sure to try one. The food and service are great, and it’s a good spot for solo travelers.
Restaurants recommended by friends in Cabanas de Tavira
Sabores Asiaticos
My favorite cafes in Tavira
Tavirense is a local cafe that gets busy and lively in the afternoon when many Portuguese stop by for coffee and pastries.
Quinito is a great coffee shop where you’ll meet locals, ex-pats, and tourists.
La Baguette Artisan Boulanger Français is an excellent place for a cappuccino and a delicious croissant at breakfast.
What to do in Tavira
Castle view of Tavira
Spend one day walking around the town. Visit the castle and walk around the narrow streets. You must cross the Roman Bridge and photograph it from the other bridge.
Sunset
As you explore, take a moment to reflect on your own purpose for this trip. Is it culture, history, or just walking? By connecting these walks with your purpose-powered travel, you add another layer of richness to your experience.
Beaches: Praia da Ilha de Tavira, Praia do Barril, Praia de Cabana,
Photography: photograph the Roman Bridge, the bandstand by the river, the doors, and the gorgeous sunsets by the river.
Ilha de Tavira
Take the boat to Ilha de Tavira. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and you can have lunch at one of the restaurants and walk for miles along the beautiful beach.
Cabanas de Tavira
Drive to Cabanas de Tavira to walk along the boardwalk and through the town, and have lunch at Noelia or Sabores Asiaticos.
Visit Al Lagar Vineyard, just a 10-minute drive from downtown Tavira. You can book a wine tasting or go for lunch and try their wine with petiscos (tapas). Al Lagar also offers non-alcoholic wine if you’re not drinking.
Visit the Islamic Museum, check out their schedule.
Go up the Camera Obscura for city views.
Pop into churches, such as the Igreja Misericórdia, during your city walk. Not all churches will be open all the time.
Visit the Municipal Museum
Try the ice cream at Fabrica do Meu Avô Geladeria
Pousada do Convento de Tavira for drinks.
If you’re looking for beautiful straw crafts, drive to São Brás do Alporteland visit Palmas Douradas. I’ll share more about this wonderful atelier and shop below.
Visiting Palmas Douradas was one of my goals for this trip.
I love anything woven from straw, palm, or other plants, so I started following Palmas Douradas on Instagram. They make beautiful items from Algarve palms.
Palmas Douradas is located in São Brás de Alportel, inside the Museu do Trajo.
Maria João Gomes is the artist behind Palmas Douradas. She learned palm weaving from her grandmother, who also made palm crafts. Her pieces are pesticide-free.
Maria João’s work has been shown across Europe and featured in many magazines. If you’re in Luxembourg in December 2025, you can see one of her pieces at Camões Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua. She makes hats, bags, wall art, shoes, and other decorative items.
My favorite stores in Tavira
Kozii in Tavira
Kozzi sells beautiful cashmere scarves, summer dresses, and winter clothes. It’s a great place to find a gift for someone or for yourself.
Along the riverfront, you’ll find many shops selling Portuguese baskets, blankets, coats, and summer clothes.
Flavour has both a small coffee shop and a cafe.
Mercado Municipal has several shops selling wool products, leather belts, and more.
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