The center of Tavira, as seen from the ancient castle tower

Tavira from the Tavira Castle - Tavira visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Tavira from the Tavira Castle' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Algarve.

Tavira Castle (Castelo de Tavira) is one of the attractions in Tavira, considered the most attractive towns in the Algarve in south Portugal. The area has been occupied for millennia, and it is thought that a fortress or castle of some kind has existed on the site since Phoenicians in the 4th century BC.

The current castle in Tavira probably dates from the 12th century and was certainly there when Tavira was captured from the Moors in 1239. It was re-modelled and strengthened during the reign of King D. Dinis to protect Tavira from pirates. The castle was badly damaged in the 1755 earthquake.

All that remains of Tavira Castle today are two square towers, one of the octagonal tower and three of the walls. The castle is open during daylight and offers good panoramic views over Tavira and Gilão river from the top. A second panorama shows another view from the top of one of the towers of Tavira Castle.

Tavira Castle
Alto de Santa Maria,
Tavira 8800 - Portugal

Walk: From the south side of the Roman Bridge west along the river a short distance and then south up Calcadia de Galeria to the castle entrance.