The mayor of Tavira, Ana Paula Martins, identified the beach that awakens her most memories, in an interview given to POSTAL as part of the presentation of the municipality of Tavira in the 2026 edition of BTL – Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market. According to the mayor, Praia da Ilha de Tavira is the “beach of my childhood”, a place that she continues to frequent and that maintains a special personal meaning.
“For me, it’s the island of Tavira, it’s the beach of my childhood and I have very good memories there and even today it continues to be a beach I frequent”, he said, highlighting the emotional connection with the place and highlighting that this beach is “a very well hidden secret” in the Algarve. “It has a little bit of my heart”, he concludes.
Childhood memories and current choices
In the same conversation, Ana Paula Martins explained that, in addition to Paraia da Ilha de Tavira, she has also spent time in Cabanas de Tavira. “I also go to Cabanas de Tavira a lot now and in recent years and when my daughter was younger I used to go to Barril because she liked going on the little train,” he said.
The mayor highlighted that the municipality benefits from a diversified bathing offer. “We are lucky to have wonderful beaches, our beaches in Tavira are all great,” he said, adding that the fact that they are barrier islands conditions access, but preserves environmental quality.
Quality and space as assets
This condition ensures water quality and extensive sandy areas. “The fact that they are barrier islands actually makes access difficult, but, on the other hand, it allows us a higher quality, both in terms of water and in terms of being able to take advantage of the space, because they are not massive,” he said.
It should be noted that the island of Tavira is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and is very popular in the summer months. According to the tourist promotion portal, , the island extends for around 11 kilometers, varying from 150 meters to one kilometer in width.
Access by ferry and crossing the ria
Access is by ferry, operated by the company Silnido. According to the same source, boats depart from the Quatro Águas pier during and from the city center throughout the year. The crossing takes around 10 minutes from Quatro Águas and around 20 minutes from the center, explains the website, allowing you to observe flamingos in the Ria Formosa swamps.
Praia da Ilha de Tavira is located on the east side of the island and has a concession area with awnings, sun loungers and structures for activities such as volleyball or beach soccer. The water reaches an average temperature of 22 degrees in the hottest months.
During the summer season there is lifeguard supervision and the environmental quality is certified by the Blue Flag, says the same source.
Camping, glamping and new concession
Before reaching the sand, visitors cross a pine forest and a campsite. Regarding this space, Ana Paula Martins explained that the concession to individuals aimed to increase the quality of the offer. “The objective of granting the camping was precisely to try to get someone private to increase the quality and service offering there and I think it worked”, he stated.
ORLA operates on site, described by Orla Ecoglamping as “conscious, diverse and peaceful eco-glamping”, located between the estuary and the sea, in contact with nature and without the movement of cars.
Comfort close to nature
Ana Paula Martins recognizes that the glamping model responds to different visitor profiles. “Glamping tents allow a more comfortable experience not only for younger people, but also for those who are more comfortable”, he explained. This solution makes it possible to enjoy the island with additional conditions, combining nature and convenience.
Gastronomy is another point highlighted by Ana Paula Martins. “We are fortunate in Tavira to have very good restaurants and therefore I am not very weird”, she stated.
Among his preferences, he listed traditional dishes, such as cataplana, razor clam rice, seafood rice and shellfish, highlighting that the “clams from the Ria Formosa are spectacular”. He also mentioned spaces, such as Noélia, A Ver Tavira, Pedro restaurant and Pavilhão da Ilha, highlighting that he seeks to vary and try different proposals.
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