Tavira Island Camping Park in Portugal is set to reopen on June 1, following a full year of renovations and a shift toward eco-friendly glamping and diversified open-air experiences.
The park, located within the Ria Formosa Natural Park, had previously faced criticism over its deteriorating facilities.
The revamped site will now offer a mix of accommodations, including glamping tents, pre-assembled units, and space for traditional camping, with several infrastructure and amenity upgrades designed to enhance visitor experience and sustainability.
Jeniffer and Martim Eça Leal, owners of an Algarve-based real estate company, were awarded the park’s management concession in May 2024 after responding to a public competition launched by Tavira City Council.
Initially encouraged to implement the upgrades in phases to keep the site open during summer, the couple opted for a complete closure to ensure comprehensive improvements.
“The park was somewhat abandoned and there were many complaints about its poor conditions: our goal was to bring something new and improve what already existed,” said Jeniffer Eça Leal.
The updated park now features fiber-optic internet, renewable energy systems including heat pumps, and solar-powered electricity. “Water, sewage, electricity, internet (…) all had to be changed and, for the first time, we have fiber internet on the island,” added Martim Eça Leal.
New wooden structures have been introduced in place of permanent buildings, aligning with environmental regulations that prohibit new construction within the protected area.
The total investment in the project is estimated at around €3 million. Enhancements include a new playground, food court, and supermarket, as well as activity partnerships offering yoga on paddleboards, kayaking, and water-based fitness sessions.
The restaurant Eat in the Drawer, a popular local establishment, will manage the food offerings.
This season, the park will operate from June through October, with potential plans to extend into the winter based on visitor demand.
“This will be a test year. Next year, we want to open earlier and study the possibility of closing later,” said Jeniffer in a report by Sul Informação.
The glamping units, available in T1 and T2 configurations, accommodate three and five people respectively, while 42 pre-assembled tents can host between two and four guests. Prices start at €90 for glamping and around €50 for pre-assembled options in June.
Free camping starts at €8 per tent, with an additional fee of €8 per adult and €5 per child. Tavira residents receive a 50% discount on free camping.
Business owners on the island have expressed optimism about the reopening. Manuel Dias, owner of the restaurant “Água viva,” noted, “Last year was difficult because camping is a big part of the island, of course, but I think they did well to close it for renovations.”
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, the transformation of Tavira Island Camping Park underscores the growing viability and appeal of eco-glamping.
Strategic partnerships, eco-conscious infrastructure, and diversified services are proving effective for modernizing outdated sites while aligning with environmental regulations.
The park serves as a case study in balancing innovation with preservation, demonstrating how public-private collaborations can revitalize tourism infrastructure in protected areas.
The mayor of Tavira did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.