Barril Beach Tours

Ilha de Tavira is one of six barrier islands that makes up 18400 hectares of protected nature reserve along the Ria Formosa along with wetlands, mudflats and hundreds of species of plant and wildlife.

The island itself has a commercialised centre with wooden walkways and cafes, bar, restaurants as well as a camping area (no hotels on the island). I felt a bit like i'd arrived at a theme park but once you go thought this and on to the beach, its lovely. A blue flag beach, 11km of coastline, sun shades and sun beds to rent but plenty of sand to spread out a towel away from the hustle and bustle.

The island beach is only accessible by boat and there is a water taxi and ferry service that operates daily. During the summer tourist months the ferry runs from Tavira centre from the quay side near the indoor market. But in the offpeak months (even in May) you have to go to the Quatro Águas pier. (Don't be fooled by the ferry moored on the quay looking like it is waiting for passengers!)

The walk to the ferry felt long, it was probably 20 minutes of so but in the baking sun along deserted road and salt fields it felt a trek. I'd recommend getting the bus if you can work out the timetables.
Ferry Times: http://tavira.algarvetouristguide.com/beaches/tavira-island
#NationalPark #Beach

Tavira Island, Algarve - Portugal.

Tavira Island (Portuguese: Ilha de Tavira) is found South of the city and can only be reached by boat, which departs from the city center and from Quatro-Aguas. The Island is 11Km long and varies between 1Km and 150m width. It's considered to be one of the best beaches in the Algarve Region, and it includes areas where naturism can be practised without problems. The Island belongs to the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve, which is popular it's birds and flamingos, a delight for bird lovers.
The access to Tavira Island is provided by boats from Quatro Águas peer in Tavira. The parking areas are fairly large and organised. The beach has basic support facilities, like restaurants and toilets, and is supervised during the bathing season. This beach often holds the blue flag, proof of its environmental quality and superiority.

The Island includes a Camping Park and restaurants, which makes the place one of the most popular tourism destinies for Camping lovers. #nationalpark #riaformosa #taviraisland #Algarve #Portugal #Beach #NaturalReserve #campingpark #ecology #bestSpots #sportactivities #landscape #naturespot

Visit Barril Beach

Activities

Browse tours and tickets to explore Barril Beach

Tours & day trips

See all 31 activities

Seville day trip from the Algarve

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 11 activities

Tavira City & Chocolate

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities

Ria Formosa Bout Tour with sunset - Olhão

Free cancellation available

Popular places to visit

Terra Estreita Beach

Make the most of the space at this gorgeous stretch of Ilha de Tavira’s coastline, where you can enjoy beach fun or explore the surrounding nature reserve.

Ilha de Tavira Beach

Stretch out on the broad beach facing Tavira’s neighboring island, where the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean meet soft, golden sands.

Tavira Castle

Look out across the rooftops of historic Tavira from a tower in this ruined fortress, which has withstood royal sieges, pirate attacks and natural disasters.

Misericordia Church

Dating back to the 16th century, this church is one of the Algarve’s most exquisite pieces of Renaissance architecture that includes remarkable stonemasonry.

Praca da Republica

Check out Tavira’s main square, which served as the town’s marketplace for centuries and is now surrounded by restaurants and elegant heritage buildings with preserved façades.

Roman Bridge

Despite its name, Tavira’s central footbridge wasn’t constructed during the Roman Empire, but it does sit where an ancient bridge once was.

Best Lodging Options Near Barril Beach

Check availability on hotels close to Barril Beach

Hotel Don Rodrigues

Estrada Nacional 125 Km 134 Tavira Faro

AP Cabanas Beach & Nature - Adults Friendly

Rua Tuberaia Major. Cabanas de Tavira Tavira Algarve

AP Maria Nova Lounge - Adults Friendly

Rua Antonio Pinheiro Tavira

Residencial Marés

Rua Jose Pires Padinha 140 Tavira

Vila Gale Albacora Eco-Resort Hotel

Quatro Aguas Antigo Tavira

Quinta do Caracol

Rua de Sao Pedro No 11 Tavira

Pousada Convento de Tavira - Historic Hotel

Rua Dom Paio Peres Correia Tavira

VILAPURA - Naturism

Sitio do Bernardinheiro Tavira Algarve

CV BC - Convento das Bernardas

Tavira Faro District

See all 2,346 properties in Barril Beach

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.