Tavira Convento
Accommodation in the heart of Tavira with over 500 years of history!
Stay in the heart of Tavira, surrounded by over 500 years of history. Convento das Bernardas is a unique accommodation in a former Cistercian monastery dating from 1509, beautifully situated next to Tavira's renowned market hall and within easy walking distance of the city's historic centre. Here you'll be close to restaurants, cafés, shops and attractions – yet in a peaceful and tranquil setting.
The former monastery was active until 1834, when religious orders were dissolved in Portugal. The building was subsequently used as a factory before falling into disrepair. Under the direction of the award-winning Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, the monastery underwent a careful and highly regarded restoration that was completed in 2012. The result is a stylish residential complex with 78 apartments, where historic charm meets modern convenience.
Our apartments at Tavira Convento – available in very limited numbers – are to a high standard and located in the classical part of the building surrounding the pool area. All have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen, excellent Wi-Fi and international television channels. The apartments are on different floors (either two or three storeys). Private parking is available in the courtyard.
The Convento area offers two saltwater pools, beautiful courtyards and a harmonious environment. Just outside your door lie Tavira's salt ponds – a living cultural landscape where traditional salt harvesting still continues. The area is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with flamingos and other wading birds in the shallow water.
Convento das Bernardas is the perfect choice for you if you appreciate history, art and accommodation with character – in the heart of one of the Algarve's most authentic and charming towns.
In Tavira, you really do have golf just around the corner. To 'your home club' Benamor – where we have daily tee times, weekly competitions and wonderful socialising at the 19th – it's just 10 minutes away. The fantastic twin courses Quinta da Ría and Quinta de Cima are just a further 5 minutes. Within half an hour you'll also reach the challenging gem Quinta do Vale and the rolling, naturally beautiful Castro Marim near the border. On the other side of the bridge over the border river Guadiana lie our Spanish courses Isla Canela Old Course, Isla Canela Links, El Rompido and more – all within an hour's drive from Cabanas.
With us, you'll find the market's by far broadest and best golf packages with high-quality golf courses for all playing levels and preferences. Long and challenging or shorter and more technical. Flat and easy walking or undulating and spectacular. Play just one or a few courses, or try a new course 'every day'. The possibilities are almost endless!
Booking tee times for your own play is primarily done via our the guest portal (or app), where a basic selection of tee times is reserved for our guests. You can also book times by email, telephone or directly on the courses. Registration for our competitions is always done via the guest portal or app. You can book up to 10 rounds of golf – both your own play and competitions – before arrival, whilst remaining rounds are booked on site on a 'play one, book one' basis. the guest portal is shared by all our guests in the area, which allows for varied play and enjoyable camaraderie with both new and familiar golfing friends.
Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by our golf host, who will give you your vouchers for your golf package. Welcome!
Our 13 golf courses included in East Algarve:
Golf is flexible – you choose which courses to play and how to spread your rounds of golf.
* Play at El Rompido is booked on site, earliest 48 hours before your desired tee time.
** Play at Quinta da Ria and Quinta de Cima is not included in the standard golf packages, but can be purchased with a special voucher for an additional fee.
Accommodation details
East Algarve
East Algarve, from Faro to the Spanish border, is the stretch of coast that has retained most of its original character. Tavira is one of Portugal's most beautiful small towns, with its churches, Roman bridge and excellent range of restaurants. Beyond lies Ria Formosa, a lagoon landscape with islands and long sandy beaches reached by small ferries. Golf is played on courses such as Benamor, Quinta da Ria, Quinta de Cima, Castro Marim and Monte Rei.
You'll find life quieter here than in the west: Cabanas and Tavira's island beaches are reached by small ferries, the market hall displays the day's catch, and evenings are peaceful. Monte Rei – often ranked as Portugal's finest course – is the highlight for many visitors, and if you fancy a change of scenery, Spanish Ayamonte is just a short drive away across the Guadiana bridge. Winter is mild and tranquil, with empty beaches and plenty of tee times.
