ALGARVE

Fuseta is a popular summer holiday town in East Algarve characterised by fishing boats, colourful cube houses with pattered tiles and as the gateway to the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It attracts locals and tourists to it’s tiny streets and white beaches during peak season, but outside of July and August it is a tiny slice of calm and a lovely introduction to the real Algarve. Even in season Fuseta manages to retain a sense of calm and authenticity that other towns have lost over the years.

I moved to Portugal in 2016 and spent my first four years living in a small village in Algarve close to Lagos. I’ve been living in Cascais since 2020 but the Algarve region remains close to my heart and you’ll find me back there several times a year. 

It’s a region I fight for time and time again because it has a reputation it doesn’t deserve. This guide is part of a series of Algarve Travel Guides aiming to show you a different side to the region. A slower, more inviting, and dare I say it, lesser-known side. 

Planning a trip to Portugal? You’re in the right place! Welcome to Travel Planning and Itinerary design by Candy. Olá! I’m an independent travel advisor living in Portugal (since 2016). I help people plan their dream trip to Portugal, Spain and Italy. You’re currently reading a post from my collection of travel guides. I also offer personal travel consultation and a bespoke itinerary service.

My Fuseta Travel Story

I last visited Fuseta bang in the middle of winter and the off-season, at the end of January. It was part of my most recent Algarve by Train Guide. I chose Fuseta because of its proximity to the sea (often a priority of mine) and to fold myself into the quiet, local village life (something I don’t get to experience as  much now I live in Cascais). Being mid-winter I was also craving some warmth in my bones. While Cascais is not exactly freezing, nowhere else in Portugal quite reaches east Algarve temps in the winter.

Where is Fuseta?

Fuseta is located on the coast, between Faro and Tavira in the eastern part of the region. The town has just over 2000+ residents. 

How to get to Fuseta

You can drive to Fuseta in 35 minutes from Faro airport. It is also accessible by train and has not only one but two train stations. The train station you need is Fuseta-A.

Algarve by Train Travel Guide

When to Visit Fuseta

As you know I visited in winter and during this time there is obviously less open and available but the town is far from shut down. Locals live and work here and not only for tourism. Visiting in the winter brings low prices and a relaxing pace.

Fuseta isn’t exactly a top tier tourist top spot but it does get more crowded and more expensive during the summer months and accommodation will get booked up (like most places on the south coast of Algarve). Summer is a good choice if you enjoy the summer holiday buzz which these eastern Algarve towns have in abundance. That excited feeling in the air and the enjoyment that comes with being surrounded by people happy to be on the beach!

Spring and Autumn remain wonderful times of year to visit basically everywhere in Portugal, including this part of Algarve. Since the weather is a bit warmer here than elsewhere in the country you can also get away with coming earlier and later in the shoulder seasons too – try March and November. 

Fuseta Barrier island – Ilha da Fuseta

One of the biggest attractions of Fuseta to me is the natural paradise Ilha da Fuseta. The barrier island is much more stripped back compared to it’s neighbouring islands Ilha da Cultara and Ilha da Armona in Olhão.

How to reach Ilha da Fuseta

There is a seasonal (Mar- Oct) public ferry that departs from the small boat ramp in the town. There are also private water taxis available from the marina, that run year round.

Traveling with a dog? The public ferry accepts small pets in carriers if wearing a muzzle. Private water taxis accept pets.

Where to Stay in Fuseta

Fuseta is the kind of place to rent a villa, apartment or townhouse and enjoy slow mornings eating breakfast on the patio, strolling back and forth the beach with sandy toes. There’s lots of cute and quirky local places to stay on BookingCom such as this old fishing cottage, and apartments with amazing views like this one. Outside of the main season you can find some very special places for low prices.

If hotels are more you thing you have some other options including:

• Villa Loreto
• Moinhos dos Marés

Where and What to Eat in Fuseta

Considering I arrived in January I wasn’t expecting much food wise but I was so wrong. I ate really well during my few short days in town. My first recommendation is Maresia for simple grilled fish cooked to perfection over coals – the Algarve way! You can eat outside in the sun or for a slightly more elevated feel or at dinner with family, head inside. They work with Quinta do Paral so they have fantastic wines too.

Another spot to head to in the evening is Tapas do Nik who have daily specials and petiscos. Best shared with friends because they have too many dishes to choose from. This was fully booked on a random Wednesday in January so definitely book in advance. I managed to grab a seat outside under their festoon lights, and even in the winter it was a lovely experience.

A few more to add to your list…

• Restaurante Casa Corvo Grilled fish (only open lunch 12-13)
• Borda d’Água Drinks right on the sand
• NanoBrew Small bar with craft beers and tapas

Best Experiences in Fuseta

Here is a run down of some of the best things to do and see in lovely Fuseta. 

• Marvel at Antiga estação Salva-Vidas da Fuseta (the old lifeguard station)
• Dine on freshly caught and grilled fish and seafood
• Take a boat trip to the Ria Formosa natural park
• Hike, run or cycle the trail between Fuseta, Praia do Barril and Tavira

Places nearby

Fuseta is in a great location for discovering the towns, villages and beaches of east Algarve.

Olhão

A popular, much larger fishing town with one of the best farmer’s and fish markets in Portugal

Faro

Algarve’s main hub has a few worthwhile restaurants to check out and is the connection point to the rest of Portugal.

Tavira

Pretty Tavira deserves a day or two of your time while in Algarve. The town straddles the river, has beaches with white, fine sand, a castle and dozens of alfresco dining and drinking options.

Tavira Travel Guide

Algarve off-the-beaten path

Updated 2026

If you know me, you may be confused to see a guide on train travel in Portugal. Outside of Lisbon and Porto, I am a huge advocate for traveling by car in Portugal, especially Algarve. I love the freedom it gives me to explore without having to rely on public transport, which can be limited here in Portugal. 

Sometimes however, it’s nice to have a break from driving and to see the country at a slower pace; to look out the windows at the scenery, not only at the road ahead. I realise driving is not always an option whether that’s because you are unable to or you simply don’t want to drive while on holiday. So although I do love driving in Algarve, and indeed Portugal, I wanted to show you that it is still possible to explore without a car. I’ve used the train all over Portugal but in 2025 I took myself on a 5 day adventure to Algarve where I used nothing but trains and my own two feet. This guide is the result of that, mixed with previous knowledge of living in and traveling around Portugal.

Planning a trip to Portugal? You’re in the right place! Welcome to Travel Planning and Itinerary design by Candy. Olá! I’m an independent travel advisor living in Portugal (since 2016). I help people plan their dream trip to Portugal, Spain and Italy. You’re currently reading a post from my collection of travel guides. I also offer personal travel consultation and a bespoke itinerary service.

Why Travel around Algarve by Train

Between the main airports (Lisbon, Porto and Faro) the train service is frequent and reliable (although in all cases you  need to connect to the city first by metro, bus or other transport) making transport between the hubs relatively easy without a car. Once you stray away from this main line, train lines become more sparse and frequency drops. Trains also become older, and traveling on some lines can feel like you’ve gone back in time. Which, if you’re prepared for it, is actually kind of enjoyable! 

We live in such a fast paced time now that even on our holidays we find ourselves darting around from one place to the next with little focus on the journey. I’m a big fan of slow travel, but admittedly I often don’t travel that way anymore. The train is the perfect way to slow down and see the country at a slower pace, making you feel closer to the places you are visiting, and all the little-known places in between. Rediscovering the trains has been one of my favourite parts of travel in Portugal in 2025.

There are many pros to train travel in Portugal. There is actually something special (fascinating might be more apt) traveling around a country that isn’t your own by public transport. While it’s almost certain you won’t be the only foreigner or tourist using public transport, it’s likely you’ll be sharing journeys with locals too. 

Using public transport in a foreign country can sometimes feel like a sense of achievement. With so much dependence on our phones, it’s nice to use your brain sometimes.

In my opinion, the best reason to travel around Algarve by train is because it forces you to slow down and take in your surroundings. Sometimes this is missed when focusing on driving. Watching the world go by from a train window has a somewhat romantic element to it and Algarve is one of the regions in Portugal where this is completely possible.

How to Travel in Algarve by Train

In the sections below, I’ll guide you through traveling by train. Much of this information can be used to help you plan train travel around Portugal but some parts will be more specific to the Algarve region

How to use the train system in Portugal

You can book most journeys in advance on the website. Always use the official website www.cp.pt to make bookings, not a third party as they can’t always guarantee your tickets. 

Train times and tickets are usually available 2-3 months before the travel date. You can’t book them before this. Some trains you cannot book online, for example Lisbon >> Cascais. For these journeys buy your tickets directly at the station.

Tips for using the train system in Portugal

• There are two different trains in Portugal. AP (Alfa Pendular) and IC (Inter city). AP trains are high(er) speed, more comfortable and have more amenities. IPs are cheaper with less amenities and slower.
• Book more than 2 weeks in advance to access special prices for most journeys. This makes first class tickets extremely good value. Sometimes you can find journeys between Lisbon, Porto and Algarve, for as little as €12.
• First class is worth the extra, especially on IP lines.
• Trains can get fully booked in peak months so try to book in advance if you can. This also applies to Algarve in the summer.
• CP.PT has a great app which allows you to store your tickets and add them to your wallet on your phone.

Where can you Travel by train in Algarve

To reach Algarve by train you will be coming from Lisbon or Porto. If you are going to the East of the region (east of Faro) you can take a direct train from Porto or Lisbon all the way to Faro. From Faro you will change trains to go east to towns such as Olhão and Tavira. 

If you want to go west of Faro, as far as Lagos, you will need to change trains at Tunes. 

You can’t reach everywhere by train in Algarve but it does take you to all the main destinations of interest and some smaller towns along the way. In some cases you will need to connect from the train station to the centre of town.

Lagos

Lagos is one of the most popular destinations in Algarve and is reachable by train. The town is the further west you can go by train. To reach Lagos from Lisbon or Porto, take the train to Tunes, and then change trains to go to Lagos. 

Lagos Travel Guide

Ferragudo

Ferragudo is a smaller, lesser-known town in Algarve, close to Portimão and 20 mins from Lagos. Its pretty streets are framed by some great beaches. It is reachable by train but the train station is not in the centre of town so you will need to walk or take an Uber to the centre (4km).

Ferragudo Travel Guide

Faro

Faro is the capital of Algarve, and hosts the second busiest airport in Portugal. The airport is well connected so it is an entrance point to Portugal for many.  The city itself has some pretty historical parts but much of the city is rundown. It does have a fantastic island beach just a few minutes from the airport. Faro is a hub you can use to reach many places in Algarve (such as Tavira or Lagos) and also other parts of Portugal via bus or train.

There is a little secret gem offering for you below – the restaurant pictured below is one of the best places I’ve had the pleasure of eating Portuguese grilled chicken in Algarve. Don’t miss it!

Olhão

Just 10 minutes on the train from Faro, you can find the fishing town of Olhão. The town itself has developed a lot over the years but the farmer’s market is still one of the best in the country. Olhão can also be used as a springboard to explore the barrier islands of Ria Formosa Natural Park – a must visit during your trip to Algarve. 

Fuseta

One of my favourite little towns in Algarve. The small colourful fishing village of Fuseta (see also: Fuzeta) is right in the middle of Faro and Tavira on the train line. Its charming streets and cubist houses adorned with colourful tiles manage to hold onto authenticity despite being a popular holiday destination in the summer. 

Fuseta Travel Guide

Tavira

Aptly named one of the prettiest villages in Algarve, Tavira is a joy to visit year round.  The old town has a river, a castle and lots of nooks to explore. A wide range of restaurants to suit every taste and of course, access to some of the best beaches with the whitest sand you can imagine. It’s almost at the end of the train line (but not quite) and just a short hop from the Spanish border. 

Tavira Travel Guide

Places not accessible by Train in Algarve

Anywhere west of Lagos, including Sagres and the Costa Vicentina

The west coast of Algarve is not reachable by train. If you love the coast and want to escape the busier south coast beaches of Algarve, consider hiring a car to explore this part of the region.

How to Hire a Car in Portugal

Most of the interior of Algarve (north of the N125)

I consider interior Algarve, everything north of the N125. This part of the region has many smaller towns and villages but most are not accessible by train with exception to Alte. Use a car or rely on buses (not frequent) to explore this area.

ALGARVE OFF THE BEATEN PATH

ALGARVE VINEYARD | MORGADO DO QUINTÃO

Best Experiences Algarve by Train

Now that you know the locations you can visit by train you probably already have an idea of what types of experiences you can enjoy. Here is a run down of some of my favourite things to do in the Algarve region of Portugal, and which train station to stop at to enjoy them.

• Ria Formosa Natural Park (Faro or Olhão)
• Eat Octopus in Santa Luzia (Santa Luzia)
• Praia do Barril beach train (Luz)
• Olhão Saturday Market (Olhão)
• Ecovia do Litoral Cycling Route (Tavira)
• Ponta de Piedade (Lagos) for sunset 
• Watersports in Lagos (Lagos)

Algarve by bike and train

If you’re a keen cyclist, you’ll love to know that most trains in Portugal have a carriage suitable for bikes. I have personally taken my bike on a train all the way from Cascais to Lagos, 4 trains, all of which had a space to hang my bike. When booking longer distance trains such as Lisbon to Faro, select the bike option (its free) and it will automatically allocate you a seat in the same carriage as your bike if it is available.

Algarve without a Car

Using a car in Algarve give you the most freedom and choice when it comes to exploring but if a car is not an option for you then know that there are still ways to see the region and experience it meaningfully without one.

There we have it, Algarve by train. I hope this helps anyone wanting to explore Algarve without a car and inspired those of the hardcore road-trippers amongst us to consider another option to travel in the region. Happy planning!

BEST ROAD TRIPS IN PORTUGAL

Updated 2026

After living in the middle of Algarve (Lagos) for 4 years I’m a huge advocate for the region. It’s the most misunderstood place in Portugal and let’s face it, sometimes Algarve gets a bad rap.

Algarve isn’t just sardine-packed beaches and late night British revellers. Those two things represent only a tiny part of Algarve yet somehow they have tarnished the whole region. Still many people shake their head when I mention Portugal’s south …”no thanks, that’s not my type of place”.

Those that choose not to look past the mistakes of a tourism era mostly in the past, will miss out on one of the best and most untouched regions of Portugal. Yes, really. On the other side of the N125 national road sits villages of a time gone by. Just a very short drive from any of the big towns of Lagos, Albufeira or Tavira you can find tradition like no other place in Portugal. You could spend 3 weeks in this region and not see everything. Whether you’re wanting nature, food, adventure or wine Algarve has plenty of off-the-beaten path experiences to make your trip a unique story.

Planning a trip to Portugal? You’re in the right place! Welcome to Travel Planning and Itinerary design by Candy. Olá! I’m an independent travel advisor living in Portugal (since 2016). I help people plan their dream trip to Portugal, Spain and Italy. You’re currently reading a post from my collection of travel guides. I also offer personal travel consultation and a bespoke itinerary service.

Best one-of-a-kind experiences in Algarve

I now live close to Lisbon but a piece of my heart always stays in Algarve and I visit several times a year. I’m always looking for new experiences and I’ll continue to update this travel guide. Use this guide to find the best unique experiences in Algarve.

ALGARVE TRAVEL GUIDES

PORTUGAL TRIP PLANNER

Watch a Spectacular Sunrise from the Ocean

Many people love a lie in when they are on holiday. If you’re one of those people I urge you to break that habit for just one day while in Algarve and I promise you won’t regret it. Everyone knows about the famous Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, but not everyone knows how to skip the crowds that come with it. The answer is to get down there for sunrise and you’ll have the place pretty much to yourself. Want to turn it up a notch? Join Nowhere2Far for a sunrise SUP tour. It’s one of the best experiences in Lagos and the Algarve!

Wine Tasting under a 2,000 year old olive tree and a Farm Stay at Morgado do Quintão

When you think of wine in Portugal Algarve probably isn’t the first region that comes to mind but before you dismiss it completely did you know Algarve has some really unique and wine experiences? Morgado do Quintão is a fourth generation family vineyard on a drop dead gorgeous estate. The estate is beautifully serene and genuinely understated which makes it a perfect break from an often hectic Algarve. I visited Morgado do Quintão for a wine tasting and wrote about it here. Alongside wine tastings the estate offers some really unique wine tasting experiences including Oysters & Vinho Verde.

BOOK A TASTING OR FARM STAY

Spa Experience at Villa Termal das Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort

Annnnnd relax. As Algarve’s highest point, Monchique should already be on your list of places to see in  the region. There are some fantastic restaurants (Lua da Fóia, Paraíso Montanha to name a few) on the way up to the point, and the town itself is a quaint place to spend an afternoon. There is some great hiking too! But have you heard of the spa hotel? Villa Termal is located in Serra de Monchique Natural Park and home to a spa with thermal with 9.5ph alkaline water. The perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. The hotel itself is impressive and deserves a night or two of you time in Algarve. Also It’s worth noting that out of the main summer season this hotel has some great deals. I stayed during November and got a ridiculously good rate.

Beach Hopping on the Wild West Coast

If you’re in Algarve the chances are you’re planning on spending at least some of your time on the beach. Algarve has no shortage of coastline to explore. I spent 4 years beach hopping and I’m not even close to stepping foot on them all. Algarve is a super popular beach destination which means some beaches in summer can get sardine packed. The solution? Head west! Hire a car, drive towards Vila do Bispo and turn right to find some of Portugal’s most atmospheric and remote beaches. Spend a day taking the roads less traveled and explore this wild stretch of coast.

HOW TO HIRE A CAR IN PORTUGAL

BEST ROAD TRIPS PORTUGAL

Algarve by Train

Although Algarve is best explored by car to give you the freedom to get away from it all, the train can also help you reach some lesser known towns and villages. One example being a cute fishing town of Fuseta (also known as Fuzeta) in East Algarve (20 mins from Faro by train). Fuseta is a popular spot in summer but outside of July and August it is an absolutely stunning area to explore with direct access to the Ria Formosa Natural park.

ALGARVE BY TRAIN GUIDE

FUSETA TRAVEL GUIDE

Eat a BBQ Fish Lunch at an Authentic Churrasqueira

Incase you weren’t aware, Algarve and grilled fish go together like cheese and wine, and if you‘re going to do it, you need to do it properly. Chico Zé is a churrasqueira (bbq restaurant) and local favourite in Lagos and surrounding areas. It’s also my favourite restaurant in Algarve. Chico Zé does several dishes but I highly recommend choosing a fish main, try dourada (sea bream) or robalo (sea bass). If you’re lucky enough to be there in summer then sardines are a must – obviously! Worth noting Chico Zé is only open for lunch and is closed on Sundays.

Frango piri-piri

While we’re at it, it is a cardinal sin to visit Algarve without sampling the frango grelhado (bbq chicken). You can find good chicken all over Portugal, but Algarve does it best. I keep my most favourite churrasqueira cards close to my chest but now and again I find a real gem that deserves to be out in the world. My most recent find was during a 5 day trip to Algarve by train. Just before I took a train back from Faro to Lisbon I dropped by O Recife, and it blew my little mind. Everything was perfect, and as traditional as it gets. Order couvert, frango, batatas fritas palitos, salada, um meio litro (or um litro if you’re in full holiday mode) de vinho branco da casa, and finish with a mousse de chocolate. You can thank me later.

My favourite typical restaurants in Algarve

Over the years I’ve eaten in all types of restaurants in Algarve but the best ones, the ones I keep returning to, are the ‘restaurantes típicos‘ or typical restaurants. The places that serve traditional food with a jug or wine and no unnecessary fuss. Simple dishes, cooked well. These are my favourite local restaurants in Algarve. (Please don’t instagram them).

• Chico Zé (Torre, Lagos)
• O Caseiro (Arão, Lagos)
• Paraíso da Montanha (Foía, Monchique) This one is popular with tourists too, but it has held on to its traditional charm and typical dishes. It has incredible views too.
• Pont’a Pé (Aljezur)

If you like restaurants like these, there are loads more available on the Travel Portugal Map. If you are in Algarve or Portugal for more than a few days this map is completely worth it. Hundreds of restaurants, things to do, things to see, local experiences, best markets and so much more. Not just in Algarve, but in every region in Portugal.

Hike the Fisherman’s Trail

For the active amongst you…Algarve has some of the best coastal hiking in the whole of Portugal. Lagos is the start (or end) of the 226km hiking trail that follows the coast all the way to Sines in Alentejo on the west coast. the trail is known as The Fisherman’s Trail and is gaining popularity with each year. The Algarve section of the trail between Lagos and Odeceixe follows some of Portugal’s most dramatic coastal paths, winding up and down cliffs to remote beaches and unbelievable views. It is possible to do day hikes on certain sections. I completed the full trail in 2024, and wrote about it here.

FISHERMAN’S TRAIL ALGARVE COAST

Farmer’s markets in Algarve

Algarve has some of Portugal’s best fresh produce markets. Local markets teeming with life, jars of local honey, the day’s freshest catch and seasonal fruits and veggies. Portugal’s farmer’s markets are an experience in themself and Algarve has some of the best. These aren’t exactly off-the-beaten path but they are an easy way to experience genuine local life. The two I most recommend in Algarve:

• Olhão
• Loulé

In Lagos is there is also a daily fish market which is worth a stop if you’re in town.

LAGOS TRAVEL GUIDE

Lunch with a View of Spain in Alcoutim

Known for it’s beaches not many venture away from the Algarve coast but one little town is worth a visit and a great way to escape the hot spots. Alcoutim is deep into north east Algarve, just a few miles south of Alentejo and only a literal stones-throw from Spain. It sit’s quietly on the Guadiana river, Portugal one side, Spain on the other. A great way to get off the beaten track and see real Portugal (and a glimpse of Spain!).

If you enjoy exploring more remote places definitely take a trip to Portugal’s most undiscovered region – Alentejo.

10-DAY ALENTEJO ITINERARY

Tavira is a gorgeous Algarvian town located in the warmest and sunniest corner of Portugal. Tavira has it all – a charming old town, a medieval castle, authentic restaurants, river-side bars, an 11km island with white sand beach and a beautiful natural park.

WHERE IS TAVIRA

Tavira is located in east Algarve on Portugal’s south coast. Just a 30 minute drive from Faro and close to the Spanish border (just two hours from Seville). It is an alternative to the usually more popular Lagos.

WHERE TO STAY IN TAVIRA

There is no shortage of accommodation options in and out of Tavira but during my search I did find it difficult to find good quality rooms. When I finally found Formosa Guest House I was able to celebrate. The photos looks great online but it is even more wonderful in real life. The guest house is right on the Praça da República in the old town and offers bright, well- styled rooms with balconies and a spectacular view over the river. My stay here turned out to be one of my favourites in Portugal to date.

>> BOOK YOUR STAY <<

Where to eat + drink in Tavira

Tavira is one of my favourite towns for cafe and bar hopping. There are so many great spots along the river to pull up a chair and bask in the east Algarve sunshine.

• Borda D’Agua Gastrobar Possibly one of the best riverside bar/restaurants. Busy but great atmosphere. consistently great reviews.
• Terraze Cute restaurant right next to the river with sun-kissed patio. Great prices.
• Avant-Garde Bistro Another riverside spot, eat on the pavement, with the best view of Tavira or inside their beautifully decorated restaurant.
• Tasca do Zé André – The cheapest and best Aperol spritz in town plus inexpensive tapas. Tucked away.
• Delizia da Ponte – Excellent ice-cream. Need I say more?
• The Table speciality coffee + co-work space
• Taberna Amaro (Santa Luzia – 9 mins drive from Tavira) The place to eat octopus in this small seaside town close to Praia do Barril.
  

As always my favourite thing to do while visiting a new place is wandering the backstreets with no plan and seeing what I can find. I recommend doing just that in Tavira; set off on a self-guided tour and breathe in the sights and sounds of the town. While you here there are a few experiences you shouldn’t miss.

Best Experiences in and around Tavira

Whether you are staying for a few days or a few weeks you will find plenty to do to keep you mesmerised with this Algarvian town.

• Escape the crowds on Ilha da Tavira. Pulling into Ilha de Tavira can be a little overwhelming in summer due to the crowds flocking off the beach. Luckily the Tavira island is 11km long so there is plenty of space for everyone. Take off behind the sand dunes and walk 10 minutes along the back of the beach to find your own private stretch of sand for the day.
• Boat trip to the Ria Formosa Natural Park Tske one of the mnay noat tours available to see the natural beauty of the nature reserve and barier islands
• Take the beach train to Praia do Barril and eat Polvo at Santa Luzia. The small seaside town of Santa Luzia is less than 10 minutes by car from Tavira and home to the best Polvo (Octopus) in Algarve. It’s also the town the connects the mainland to the barrier island of Barril. You can take the fun seaside train from Santa Luzia to right to the impossibly white-sanded beach year round.
• Cafe hop around town and make your own tapas tour Tavira has some great hidden tapas bars to be found. Take yourself on a wander around the cobbled streets in search of cheap and tasty tapas.
• Enjoy the beauty of Tavira from the Roman Bridge.
• Spend sunset at Praça da República. Tavira’s main square is a pleasure at all times of day but grab a seat for an hour or so before sunset, order a drink of something delicious and soak up the buzz.
• Take a train to Fuseta. If you’re in Tavira for a while you may consider jumping on the train to visit one of the other towns along the east Algarve coast. Fuseta (also known as Fuzeta) is a small fishing town with some great restaurants- highly recommend as an afternoon trip from Tavira.

Fuseta Travel Guide

Algarve by Train

Money in Europe

The majority of hotels, shops and restaurants in the bigger cities accept card but some smaller places only accept cash or non-foreign cards. Always carry some cash with you. ATM’s are easy to find all over the town. Unless you already have a Euro currency bank account I highly recommend getting a Wise Card. This will allow you to hold and exchange multiple currencies at the best possible rate. There is no charge for withdrawing or using your card to pay. I’ve been living in Portugal since 2016 and I use Wise as my primary bank card here despite also having a Portuguese bank account. I’ve also used Wise to pay and withdraw money in Spain and Italy.

 Top tip: Avoid Multi Currency machines such as ‘Euronet’ (usually set up outside souvenir shops etc) as they charge you 3 or 4 euro to withdraw. Look for ‘Multibanco’ machines to withdraw money. More info here…

HOW TO AVOID ATMS FEES + CONVERSION CHARGES IN PORTUGAL

Tavira is one of my favourite towns in the Algarve and I’m looking forward to spending some more time getting to know it. Hopefully this mini travel guide to Tavira can help you plan your next trip.