Tavares: Coastal Landscape, Birdwatching and History

The municipality of Tavares lies on the coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul, between the Atlantic Ocean and Lagoa dos Patos. The coast and lagoons form the geographical setting for nature and cultural experiences in the municipality. When looking for a holiday rental in Tavares, you can consider whether birdwatching, landscapes or regional history will shape your stay: there are specific destinations for all three themes, each showing a different aspect of the municipality’s character.

Coastal Landscape and National Park

One of the main natural attractions is Parque Nacional da Lagoa do Peixe. About 90 percent of the national park lies within the municipality of Tavares. The park stretches across an extensive sandy coastal plain between Lagoa dos Patos and the Atlantic Ocean. Its landscapes include restinga forest, wetlands, dune fields, freshwater and brackish lagoons, beaches and a marine area. The park therefore encompasses a variety of coastal and aquatic landscapes. In recognition of its importance for wetland conservation, the national park was designated a Ramsar Site in 1993. Its main attraction is birdwatching along four trails.

Birdwatching Along Different Trails

The Trilha das Figueiras is 6 km long and can be driven by car as far as the shores of Lagoa do Peixe. There, you can observe flocks of flamingos and spoonbills. The Trilha do Talha-mar is about 10 km long and offers views of the northern part of Lagoa do Peixe, as well as black-necked swans and coscorobas. At 19 km, the Trilha dos Flamingos is longer and connects the lighthouse (Farol) with the mouth of Lagoa do Peixe. The trail lengths and observation points can be compared directly: depending on the route, the focus is on the shore, the lagoon’s northern section, or the stretch between the lighthouse and the lagoon mouth. This gives you a choice of different routes and natural settings when planning your outings, without requiring any assumptions about walking time or difficulty.

Cultural Traditions and History

Cultural events are also part of Tavares’s history. In 1980, the municipality hosted the peninsula’s first Festa campeira and the first Missa Crioula in Rio Grande do Sul. A much later event was the third Rodeio Crioulo Nacional de Tavares, held from November 13 to 16, 2025. Competitions and activities in Tiro de Laço and Gineteada were planned for this edition. The timeline thus spans two inaugural events in 1980 and a specific edition of the rodeo in November 2025.

Another place of interest is Capão da Marca, where the Sambaquis archaeological site lies on the shores of Lagoa dos Patos. It is associated with the presence of the region’s early Indigenous inhabitants. The Farol Mostardas, a 38-metre-high lighthouse inaugurated in 1894, also stands on the municipality’s Atlantic coast. The archaeological site and the lighthouse add different historical points of interest to the natural attractions.

Travel Planning Information

Distances from the municipal seat can also help you get your bearings: the Sambaquis site is 13 km away, Lagoa do Peixe is 22 km away, and Farol Mostardas is 24 km away. This allows you to locate three different destinations using the same point of reference when planning your outings and looking for a holiday rental.

Discover more destinations: Gravataí, Porto Alegre, Carazinho, Restinga Seca, Santa Maria, Taquara, Santo Ângelo, Campo Bom.

For the regional travel guide: Rio Grande Do Sul.