This Sunny Lesser Known Coastal City Is The ‘Venice’ Of Portugal

Now that we’re in the midst of fall, more travelers are seeking out sunny destinations to keep their sense of adventure alive and well.

For Europe, there’s no better place to scope out pristine beaches, fascinating culture, and affordability across the board than Portugal’s Algarve region, home to beautiful coastal destinations like the city of Faro, very popular Albufeira (though, way too touristy if you ask me), and my personal favorite hidden gem, Quarteira.

Lying East toward the Spanish border resides what’s been dubbed the ‘Venice’ of Portugal.

Split by a tranquil canal offering plenty of boat tour operators, you might not see guides rockin’ striped shirts and funny hats, but if you squint hard enough, you can tell yourself you’re in Venice.

We at Travel Off Path are definitely aligned with the experts ‘across the pond’ at the UK Sun, who are hyping up lesser known Tavira as one of the best European getaways to swap autumn leaves for sun-kissed shores.

Enjoy Venice Vibes In Tavira

Set along the Gilão River on Portugal’s vibrant Algarve coast, if you enjoy delightful waterfronts and golden beaches — you’re in the right place.

Boasting a Venice-esque canal dividing the white-washed townscape, this sunny hideaway pairs old-world charm with cozy riverside cafés and easy access to under-hyped beaches, far overlooked with neighboring beach towns closer to Faro’s airport.

Tavira is tucked away from any hustle and bustle of the big city grind, swapping honking horns for cathedral bells and the aroma of home-cooked meals at one of Tavira’s many family-run tavernas.

When venturing through the town center, the canal is your North Star. Not only does it make a great reference point to learn the ropes of navigating a relatively unknown town, it’s also the main attraction given its ‘Venice’ moniker, making it slightly confusing given the most popular photo-op here is the Roman Bridge.

There are numerous cruises and boat rides to truly enjoy the calm river, which leads into the UNESCO-protected Rio Formosa lagoon system.

Solar Moves is an eco-friendly option, and just so happens to hold a perfect Google rating even though they’ve been in business 7 years — talk about impressive in a world of whiners!

Lining the waterfront are numerous cafes where you can still savor Italian staples like velvety cappuccinos, but maybe leave the spaghetti to actual Venice.

At local tavernas as mentioned before, you can indulge in Algarve staples, like oodles and gobs of fresh seafood, such as grilled sardines, octopus stew, and prawn cataplana.

Discover Tavira’s Crowd-Free Golden Beaches This Fall

Besides sweltering heat across the globe, we all know the worst part of summer — crowds!

Who wants to rub elbows with strangers trying when you’re just trying to relax and turn the page of your new favorite read?

The good news is much of the Algarve’s crowds have dwindled down, even in aforementioned Albufeira that felt to me nothing short of a textbook “tourist trap”.

But thats not the case for Tavira since it’s so off-path. Beaches here are easy to reach and even more enjoyable to lounge around, walk about town, and stop for a very, very cheap local beer and take in the views.

There’s shortage of beaches to choose from, each with their own unique vibe ranging from island escapes to letting it all hang out in typical Euro fashion.

According to TripAdvisor, travelers love these 3 beaches the most:

• Praia do Barril
• Praia de Cabana
• Isla de Tavira

For the record, Praia do Homem Nu is a “clothing optional” beach just so you’re not surprised by what you see.

Food, Hotels & Attractions: So Affordable Across The Board

The UK Sun claims worthy hotels start at $99, but maybe they should hire me because I did some digging and found some way better deals for you!

Princesa do Gilão is a delightful boutique hotel with unmatched canal views for just $66 in November.

No matter what you’re consuming, whether it be a glass of local wine, a fresh “catch of the day”, or late-night tapas, unless it’s exclusively high-end gourmet, it won’t break the bank — and that’s why digital nomads love this town!

But nothing beats free, right?

Tavira’s most popular attraction is Tavira Castle, and it’s free to enter. This staggering landmark sits high above Tavira’s old quarter, offering some of the best views in the Algarve.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.