Local guide · Ria Formosa
How to get to Tavira Island
Tavira Island can only be reached by boat. There are two ways: the scheduled ferry from Tavira town centre or Quatro Águas, and the water taxi, which leaves when you need it, day and night. Here is how both work, and how to get to Terra Estreita.
Updated · Titus Boat Tours, local skipper since 2010
Ferry or water taxi?
| Ferry | Water taxi | |
|---|---|---|
| From | Tavira centre (in season) and Quatro Águas | Tavira centre, Quatro Águas, Santa Luzia, Cabanas and other piers |
| When | Fixed timetable; last boat in the late afternoon | Whenever you need it, also at night |
| Price | Per person, ticket at the pier | Per boat, up to 9 people: €10 from Quatro Águas, €20 from the centre |
| Waiting | In summer there can be a queue to come back | No queue: you agree the time |
| Terra Estreita, Cabanas, Deserta | No | Yes |
The ferry: where it leaves from and what it costs
The Tavira Island ferry is run by another company and leaves from two piers:
- Tavira town centre: from the pier on Rua José Pires Padinha, by the Gilão river. In season only (in 2026, until mid-October).
- Quatro Águas: all year round, with fewer boats in winter. This is the shortest crossing.
In October 2026 an adult return ticket cost €2.00 (Quatro Águas) and €2.70 (Tavira centre), and the last ferry left the island at 7 pm. Timetables change several times a year: check them on the operator’s website or at the pier before you go.
Water taxi: prices to Tavira Island
| Route | Day 8 am–8 pm | Night 8 pm–8 am |
|---|---|---|
| Quatro Águas ⇄ Tavira Island | €10 | €15 |
| Tavira (centre) ⇄ Tavira Island | €20 | €25 |
| Tavira (centre) ⇄ Quatro Águas | €15 | €20 |
| Cabanas ⇄ Tavira Island | €30 | €35 |
| Santa Luzia ⇄ Tavira Island | €35 | €40 |
| Hotel Albacora ⇄ Tavira Island | €10 | €15 |
Price per trip for the whole boat (up to 9 people). With 9 people, Quatro Águas–Tavira Island works out at just over €1 per person. Pay on board: cash, card or MB WAY.
Where to catch the boat
The water taxi picks up and drops off at these piers. At Quatro Águas, in Cabanas and, from September to May, at Terra Estreita, we collect you by appointment; the exact spot is in your confirmation.
Tavira town centre pier
Cais MT, Rua José Pires Padinha, 8800-354 Tavira (next to the ferry)
961 850 450
Water taxi to Quatro Águas, Tavira Island, Terra Estreita, Santa Luzia and Cabanas, day and night.
Quatro Águas and Tavira Island
Tavira Island pier (Cais da Ilha de Tavira), 8800-406 Tavira
961 850 450
Water taxi between Quatro Águas and Tavira Island (€10), and on to Tavira or Santa Luzia, even after the last ferry.
Santa Luzia
Avenida Eng. Duarte Pacheco, 8800-537 Santa Luzia
965 890 566
Water taxi to Terra Estreita, Tavira Island and Tavira, and Ria Formosa boat tours.
Terra Estreita
Terra Estreita pier, Tavira Island, opposite Santa Luzia
965 890 566
Terra Estreita beach: water taxi to Santa Luzia (€15 in June, July and August; €30 the rest of the year), Quatro Águas (€20), Tavira Island (€25) and Tavira (€40).
Missed the last ferry?
Don’t get stuck on the island: the water taxi also runs at night, from 8 pm to 8 am, for €5 extra per trip. Call or WhatsApp +351 965 890 566 and tell us where you are and how many people.
Terra Estreita and Santa Luzia
Terra Estreita is a stretch of Tavira Island opposite Santa Luzia, the octopus village, and quieter than the main beach.
- From Santa Luzia: €15 per boat in June, July and August (€20 at night), when we are there all day; from September to May, €30 (€35 at night), by appointment.
- Also from Quatro Águas (€20), Tavira Island (€25) and Tavira centre (€40).
Further west is Praia do Barril, reached on foot or by the little tourist train from Pedras d’El Rei.
On the island
By the Tavira Island pier there are restaurants, cafés and a campsite (open in season), and the beach has lifeguards in the bathing season. On summer evenings expect a queue for the ferry, or agree a water taxi time in advance.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Tavira Island?
By boat from Tavira centre or Quatro Águas: the ferry runs to a timetable and the water taxi leaves when you need it, day and night. From Quatro Águas the water taxi costs €10 per boat (up to 9 people).
How much is the water taxi to Tavira Island?
From Quatro Águas €10 per trip; from Tavira centre €20; from Cabanas €30; from Santa Luzia €35. From 8 pm to 8 am add €5. All prices
Is the water taxi price per person or per boat?
Per boat, up to 9 people. Quatro Águas–Tavira Island costs €10 for 1 or for 9 people.
What time is the last ferry from Tavira Island?
It depends on the season: in October 2026 it left the island at 7 pm. Check the operator’s timetable before you go. After the last ferry, the water taxi takes you back at any time.
I missed the last boat. What now?
The water taxi also runs at night, from 8 pm to 8 am, for €5 extra. Call or WhatsApp +351 965 890 566.
Where does the boat leave from in Tavira town?
From the pier on Rua José Pires Padinha, by the Gilão river. The ferry leaves from there in season; the Titus water taxi leaves from the Cais MT pier, next to the ferry, all year round.
What is Quatro Águas?
It is the pier at the mouth of the Gilão river, about 2 km from Tavira centre, and the closest point to Tavira Island.
How do I get to Terra Estreita?
By boat from Santa Luzia: €15 per boat in June, July and August and €30 from September to May. Also from Quatro Águas (€20), Tavira Island (€25) and Tavira centre (€40).
Can I book the water taxi in advance?
Yes: online, on WhatsApp or by phone. In July and August, book ahead.