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The Best Bars in Tavira, Portugal

The Moorish architecture of Tavira makes it a stunning setting for a few drinks
The Moorish architecture of Tavira makes it a stunning setting for a few drinks | © Jacek Sopotnicki / Alamy Stock Photo

After a day spotting flamingos on the Algarve’s long, sandy beaches or visiting the Medieval Tavira Castle, stop by one of these top bars for some Portuguese petiscos, washed down with an ice-cold beer.

Tavira is best known for its peacefulness, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay home after a day at the beach. Ditch the hotel and venture into the town centre, where you’ll find an array of bars serving everything from live sport to artisan cocktails. Here is Culture Trip’s roadmap of the best bars in Tavira.

Tree House Bar

Bar, Portuguese

Tree House bar, Tavira
Courtesy of Tree House bar

With its palm thatch roof and colourful bar stools, the Tree House Bar would be easy to spot even without the small crowd in front of it. What this small bar lacks in space (being no bigger than a kiosk), it makes up for in character. In between serving crafty cocktails, the bartenders are always up for some friendly banter and, if you’re lucky, might even perform some magic tricks.

Ginjinha da Fonte

Bar, Portuguese

In a riverfront street, with a privileged view of the Roman Bridge, this unassuming bar is the best place in town for a cup of ginjinha – Portugal’s renowned cherry liqueur – best served in a chocolate cup. We recommend going at sunset or during high tide, and watching the fish leaping in the river on a warm evening.

Piano Bar Dom Paio

Bar, Portuguese

When you think of live music in Tavira, you think of Piano Bar Dom Paio. Placed at the heart of Ria Formosa Natural Park, this spacious bar draws an eclectic crowd, there to enjoy petiscos and wine while listening to the tunes. If you’re not content with only being in the audience, they also have a karaoke night once a week.

Arcada

Cocktail Bar, Wine Bar, Portuguese

DGDANX Portugal, the Algarve, Tavira, cafes in the Praca da Republica
© Mikehoward 2 / Alamy Stock Photo

Arcada Cocktail & Wine Bar is a staple of Tavira, with a large terrace perfectly positioned in the main square. This premium spot is a good choice for watching the world go by, and also has an extensive cocktail list – try the Moscow mule. It’s mostly frequented by tourists and emigrants, although it is possible to find locals having drinks and a laugh.

Somewhere Else - Dave’s Bar

Bar, Portuguese

Somewhere Else - Dave’s Bar
Courtesy of Somewhere Else - Dave’s Bar

Looking for a sports bar with a wide selection of beers? Dave’s is the place to go. Hidden in a small street close to the riverside, this cosmopolitan bar has a British feel – they show all the Premier League matches and even serve a proper full English. Grab a pint of Super Bock and enjoy the game.

Sitio Café

Cafe, Bar, Portuguese

Sitio Café
Courtesy of Sitio Café

Aside from the great location – just off the historic city centre with a top river view – what really sets Sitio Café apart are its incredible cheese toasties. In generous portions, made with artisanal bread and brimming with fresh ingredients, they’re a feast for the eyes and palate. Drinks range from local wine and beer to sangria, best enjoyed on the large terrace.

Looking for somewhere to stay? Book into one of the best hotels in Tavira, or widen your search to the best hotels in the Algarve, all bookable on Culture Trip. In the meantime, inspire your Algarve itinerary with the top things to see and do in the region.

About the author

They told me I could be anything I wanted, so I became a scientist, and then an adman, and then, finally, a travel writer. I'm sticking with this last one.

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