Avoid the crowds in Algarve by opting for the small beach town, Tavira. Joo Adlio Moreira

Tavira
Best for a quiet side of the Algarve

The Algarve, the country’s southernmost region, is the first place that comes to mind for many when considering a sandy destination in Portugal. Sadly, many of the region’s most famous beaches are overdeveloped. But Tavira, an ancient, riverside city a short distance from the ocean, offers easy access to some of the Algarve’s less-visited beaches.

Activities: Just offshore from town is Ilha de Tavira, one of the five barrier islands that form Ria Formosa Natural Park. The island can be accessed by a water taxi from Tavira or footbridge from neighboring Santa Luzia, and is home to a unique “anchor graveyard” and an 11km-long beach that’s considered one of the best in the region. The area surrounding Tavira features some of Portugal’s most famous salt pans, marshy areas where flaky sea salt is still harvested by hand.

Where to eat: The nearby fishing village of Santa Luzia is known for octopus, and several restaurants such as Casa do Polvo (House of Octopus) specialize in this ingredient.

Where to stay: Pousada Convento Tavira is located at the edge of Tavira’s historical center, in a former convent dating back to the 16th century.