Things to do in Santa Luzia

Activities, attractions and tours

Terra Estreita Beach showing general coastal views and a beach as well as a small group of people
Terra Estreita Beach showing general coastal views and a beach as well as a small group of people
Terra Estreita Beach featuring a beach and general coastal views
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Top places to visit

1. Olhao Harbour

Life in Olhão centers on the city’s harbor and marina area. Watch as fishing boats pull into dock and unload their catches, many of which will be bound for nearby restaurants. Or, take a boat trip to the fabulous beach-lined barrier islands of Ria Formosa Natural Park.
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Olhao Harbour featuring a bay or harbor

2. Faro Island Beach

Faro Island Beach is one of the area’s most picturesque and popular sandy stretches. Cafés, restaurants and watersports operators sit along the strand, which lines 3 miles (5 kilometers) of a narrow sand bar. Enjoy the unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Formosa River on the other.
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Faro Island Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views

3. Ria Formosa Natural Park

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a large reserve on the Algarve coast that stretches between Garrão Beach and Manta Rota. With its intricate system of wetlands, canals, marshlands and beaches, the nature reserve shelters a vast diversity of coastal plants and animals. Explore this 37-mile (60-kilometer) stretch of landscape by boat or kayak. Join a guided walking tour and learn about the local fishing traditions that continue amid the resource-rich wetlands.
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Ria Formosa Natural Park which includes general coastal views

4. Ilha de Tavira Beach

Ilha de Tavira Beach (Praia de Tavira) is the main beach on the sandbar island fronting the town of Tavira. The beach has plenty of space for relaxing and playing by the sea. Look out across the ocean waters and watch boats sailing in through the adjacent channel or explore the surrounding Ria Formosa Natural Park. Splash in the waves or recline on a beach chair and soak up some sunshine.
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Ilha de Tavira Beach which includes rugged coastline, general coastal views and a sandy beach

5. Faro Cathedral

History has it that Faro Cathedral was erected on the remains of a mosque when it was built under King Alfonso, back in the Middle Ages, which was itself converted from a roman temple. The Cathedral was then redesigned once again in the fifteenth century. This wasn’t the last time it would be rebuilt. In 1596, the city and the cathedral were attacked and burned by the British troops of Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex. After the attack, the cathedral was rebuilt in the Mannerist and Baroque styles. Still, the bell tower is one of the originals from the medieval castle. You can climb this tower to enjoy beautiful views over the city.
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Faro Cathedral featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and heritage elements

What to do in Santa Luzia

Popular places to visit

Tavira Castle which includes a city

Tavira Castle

Look out across the rooftops of historic Tavira from a tower in this ruined fortress, which has withstood royal sieges, pirate attacks and natural disasters.

Tavira Castle
Roman Bridge featuring a bridge and a river or creek

Roman Bridge

Despite its name, Tavira’s central footbridge wasn’t constructed during the Roman Empire, but it does sit where an ancient bridge once was.

Roman Bridge
Praca da Republica showing a fountain and a square or plaza

Praca da Republica

Check out Tavira’s main square, which served as the town’s marketplace for centuries and is now surrounded by restaurants and elegant heritage buildings with preserved façades.

Praca da Republica
Misericordia Church featuring a city

Misericordia Church

Dating back to the 16th century, this church is one of the Algarve’s most exquisite pieces of Renaissance architecture that includes remarkable stonemasonry.

Misericordia Church

Old Town

Learn about the local history of Santa Maria e Santiago when you spend time at Old Town. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Old Town

Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall during your trip to Santa Maria e Santiago. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Tavira Gran Plaza Shopping Mall

Tavira Tower

You can learn about the history of Santa Maria e Santiago with a trip to Tavira Tower. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Tavira Tower

Benamor Golf

Play a round of golf at Benamor Golf and enjoy other activities in Conceição such as boating. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Benamor Golf

Cemetery of Anchors

Enjoy a stop at Cemetery of Anchors, a landmark worth seeing in Santa Luzia. Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its bars.

Cemetery of Anchors

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Luzia worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to enjoy the local charm and cultural attractions or try regional foods and venture into nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Santa Luzia.
How do I spend a day in Santa Luzia?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Tavira Tower. Then, explore other parts of Santa Luzia for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Luzia?
The top tourist attraction near Santa Luzia is Tavira Tower, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Luzia?
With a three-day escape to Santa Luzia, you'll easily be able to visit the area's many fabulous sights, such as Tavira Tower and Palacio da Galeria Museum.
Is Santa Luzia a walkable neighborhood?
Strolling around Santa Luzia is easy, with key attractions like Tavira Tower and Palacio da Galeria Museum both within walking distance. Popular neighborhoods like Santa Maria e Santiago and Luz de Tavira e Santo Estêvão are also located only 3 kilometers and 3 kilometers from the center of Santa Luzia, so you can see and do more — no driving needed.
What are some activities to do in Santa Luzia with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Santa Luzia with kids.

What to do in Santa Luzia for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are loads of things to do in Santa Luzia for adults including Casa das Portas.
Are there free things to do in Santa Luzia?
One of the best free things to do in Santa Luzia is Roman Bridge. You can also walk around nearby neighborhoods and spend time in parks and other open spaces in the area. If you're looking for more ideas, just talk with a local tour guide.