Tavira Algarve Beaches, Ilha Tavira

To reach Praia do Barril, Ilha Tavira's most popular beach, you'll see the sign just before Tavira off the N125. Follow the road down to the large carpark near the holiday home park. You then have to walk on foot or alternatively take the mini tourist train to Praia do Barril. The walk is recommended though to spot numerous migratory birds, the varied fauna of the mudflats and to absorb the beautiful pungent smells.

Just to the east of Barril beach the Ilha (island) narrows into a thin sandy strip around 50 metres wide and is the site of another of Tavira's renowned beautiful beaches - Praia da Terra Estreita meaning Narrow Land Beach naturally. It's also known as Praia de Santa Luzia (you can catch a boat from Santa Luzia to reach this Tavira Beach). It's an idyllic peaceful beach retreat this one, and the waters are incredibly warm, as they are along all the East Algarve coastline, but particularly around Ilha Tavira.

Other beaches near Tavira include Ilha de Tavira, Illha de Cabanas and Praia do Lacem. A full guide and information on all these Tavira beaches is on the Visit Algarve beach guide (weblink right).

Tavira Algarve Sports, Cycle Hire

Freedom Gym, Rua Poeta Emiliano da Costa 47, Tavira. Tel: (351) 281 326 567.

Sport Nautica, Rua Jaques Pessoa 26, Tavira. Tel: 351 281 324 943. See also Balsa on Rua Alvares Botelho 51, Tavira. Tel: 281 322 882. They also offer bike rental and guided tours around Tavira.

Renta a Bike, Rua do Forno 33, Tavira. Tel: 281 321 973. Mountain bike hire & walking tours around the Ria Formosa.