The Algarve is distinguished by its beaches and is their beauty that justifies the coming of hundreds of tourists to the southern region of Portugal, year after year. However, some of the algarve beaches are on distinct islands and to get there is necessary to take a boat. The different times of the year ask for different schedules of boats and there is an in particular island that saw the hours of calls change.
Access is made by boat
The island of Tavira is one of several barrier islands that make up the Ria Formosa Natural Park, in the leventy Algarve. It is on this island that is the most visited beach in the Tavira area. With a south -facing areal, Tavira Beach, also nominated, is sought by thousands of summer during the bathing season. Its access is carried out exclusively by river, through connections of ferry operated by local companies.
In summer there are paps and sun loungers
The total extension of the island rounds 11 kilometers long, with a variable width between 150 meters and one kilometer. This configuration guarantees the beach plenty of space available, even in periods of greater demand. The most frequented zone, next to the entrance of ferrieshas organized bathing concessions. There, visitors find Collo Hats, Sunflowers for rent, massage beds and even volleyball nets and beacons. This diversity attracts both residents and national and foreign tourists.
Despite the high influx during the summer, the beach rarely reaches excessive capacity levels. The amplitude of the sand allows you to distribute bathers through different areas, maintaining a sense of tranquility. The environmental quality of the space is recognized annually with the assignment of the blue flag. This international distinction confirms the criteria for cleaning, safety, accessibility and quality of bathing water. During the summer, surveillance is ensured by accredited salvator swimmers.
Water can reach 22 degrees
The average water temperature reaches 22 degrees in the hottest months, which contributes to the high family demand. The absence of strong currents and the usually calm ripple make Tavira beach a safe option for children. Upon arriving on the island, visitors travel a small forest rail between Pinheiros to the sand.
There are no urban infrastructures on the island
The island of Tavira has no permanent housing or urban infrastructure, and its occupation exclusively seasonal. The only buildings are beach supports, camping park and restoration establishments. From the central zone it is possible to explore the island on foot towards other beaches. Walking west, the sand becomes progressively quieter and less frequented. It is in this area that groups of naturists are found, especially in non -concession areas.
Continuing by the coastline, about 20 minutes walk from the main zone, is the narrow earth beach. This beach has alternative access by ferry From Santa Luzia, but can also be reached by the walk from Tavira Beach.
Barrel Beach is reached on foot
The tranquility of this zone attracts visitors in search of a more intimate contact with nature. Further, about 40 minutes walk, is located the Barril Beach. This place is known by the anchor cemetery and for being once a village of fishermen.
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A versatile destination for different visitor profiles
For those who wish to prolong the walk, it is possible to reach the naked man beach. This is an officially naturist beach, frequented by people looking for greater privacy and contact with the natural environment. All of these beaches share the same continuous sand of Tavira Island. The diversity of environments allows you to choose between concessioned, family or more modest areas. This possibility makes the island a versatile destination for different visitor profiles.
The transport to the island is made by ferries operated by the company, which depart from the quay of the four waters and the center of Tavira. During the summer, the exits are more frequent, often every 30 minutes. Outside the high season, the boats usually depart from hour to hour. The route is made on vessels with capacity for dozens of passengers.
Boat schedules are different
With the arrival of April, the boat schedules for the island of Tavira have moved and should consult them so that your visit is not compromised. From now on, the boats leave the center of Tavira at 9:30, 10: 40h, 11: 40h, 12: 40h, 14: 40h, 15: 40h, 16:40 and 17: 40h. If you choose to start from the quais of the four waters, be aware that the boats leave at 10am, 11h, 12h, 13h, 15h, 16h, 17h and 17: 50h.
The river crossing lasts about 10 minutes from the quay of the four waters and 20 minutes from the city center. Round trip tickets cost € 1.90 and 2.50 €, respectively, and are sold at the box office next to the boarding pier. The quay of the four waters is located about 20 minutes walk from the historic center of Tavira. For those who move from automobile, there is a parking lot near the boarding place. Access is done through the four waters road.
Trip through Ria Formosa
During the trip, passengers can observe the landscapes of Ria Formosa and the local fauna. Among the birds frequently spotted are flamingos, heron and other species that inhabit the shoes. The crossing is considered part of the tourist experience, allowing an introduction to the island’s natural environment. The vessel navigates channels and small islets before reaching the Pier of Tavira Beach. The landing is made by a wooden bridge that connects to the pedestrian rail between Pinheiros.
A reference in the leventy Algarve
The island of Tavira is one of the main bathing beads of the leventy Algarve, welcoming thousands of visitors every year. Its location within the Ria Formosa Natural Park gives it a distinct environmental and landscape value.
The management of the island follows principles of nature preservation and control of tourist occupation. All equipment and services are seasonal and removable, ensuring the natural recovery of the territory in late summer. The absence of permanent housing maintains its natural and protected character.
The combination of controlled access, environmental quality and extent of the Areal contributes to the popularity of Tavira Island. In addition to attracting national and international tourists, it is also a space frequented by residents of the county. The diversity of beaches and services available allows a bathing supply adapted to various preferences.
Conservation efforts and integration into the natural park help ensure the sustainability of this destination. Surveillance, cleaning and signaling reinforces the safety and comfort of those who visit it.
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