Ilha de Tavira-Mar
Faro, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Ilha De Tavira-Mar is a Blue Flag-certified beach located 4.81 km from Tavira. The beach maintains high standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The best time to visit is May, June, or September, when crowds are lighter. July and August draw the…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Ilha de Tavira-Mar
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Ilha de Tavira-Mar?
Ilha De Tavira-Mar is a Blue Flag-certified beach located 4.81 km from Tavira. The beach maintains high standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The best time to visit is May, June, or September, when crowds are lighter. July and August draw the most visitors. Check local water safety conditions before swimming. The Blue Flag designation, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, makes this a solid choice for families and swimmers.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Faro, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Visitor Feedback
What Visitors Say About Ilha de Tavira-Mar
What visitors appreciate
- little train|anchors|tour|anchor cemetery|access on foot|crystal clear water|train to the beach|fine sand|white sand|sandy beach
- Excellent EU-rated bathing water quality
Points to consider
- Can be busy during July and August peak season
- Limited parking near the beach
- No lifeguards outside the official season
- Facilities may be reduced outside peak months
Based on aggregated public visitor feedback. Themes are synthesised from multiple sources, not individual quotes. Zeach does not reproduce individual reviews.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Ilha de Tavira-Mar faces west toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Feb | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Mar | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Apr | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
| May | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jun | 23°C | 20°C | Med |
| Jul | 26°C | 23°C | High |
| Aug | 26°C | 23°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Oct | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Nov | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Ilha de Tavira-Mar is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 25.9°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 22.9°C in July.
How crowded does Ilha de Tavira-Mar get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Ilha de Tavira-Mar sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Ilha de Tavira-Mar open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Ilha de Tavira-Mar
Is Ilha de Tavira-Mar safe to swim?Ilha de Tavira-Mar is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Ilha de Tavira-Mar?Peak water temperature at Ilha de Tavira-Mar reaches around 22.9°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.5°C.
What is the beach like at Ilha de Tavira-Mar?Ilha de Tavira-Mar on the Faro coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Ilha de Tavira-Mar have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Ilha de Tavira-Mar meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Toilet facilities are on site.
Ilha de Tavira-Mar sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Planning a trip to Portugal? Blue Flag Beaches Portugal , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Ilha de Tavira-Mar
How do I get to Ilha de Tavira-Mar by car?Ilha de Tavira-Mar is approximately 4.81 km from Tavira. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Ilha de Tavira-Mar?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 28.4 km away.
Can I get to Ilha de Tavira-Mar by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Tavira. The nearest recorded bus stop is 1.5 km from the beach.
Is there a train to Ilha de Tavira-Mar?Ilha de Tavira-Mar lists Praia do Barril as the nearest railway station, 0.33 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Ilha de Tavira-Mar
Open the map or get directions to the Ilha de Tavira-Mar pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Official Season | July – August |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Sand | White / ivory sand |
| Parking | ✗ No parking listed nearby |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.5 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 1.5 km from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 37.0848°N, 7.6657°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Official Website | www.pedrasdelrei.com/praia-barril/ |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ilha de Tavira-Mar FAQ
Is Ilha de Tavira-Mar suitable for children?
Ilha de Tavira-Mar has a child-friendly score of 2/10. Facilities include toilets. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Ilha de Tavira-Mar free to access?
Access to Ilha de Tavira-Mar is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Faro, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Ilha de Tavira-Mar?
The best time to visit Ilha de Tavira-Mar is May, June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 22.9°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Ilha de Tavira-Mar?
Ilha de Tavira-Mar is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Ilha de Tavira-Mar?
Ilha de Tavira-Mar is located in Faro, Portugal. It is approximately 4.81 km from Tavira. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 28.4 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore PortugalWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Ilha de Tavira-Mar
- ABAE (Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.