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“Tavira pelos teus olhos” is a youth video contest in Tavira, in the eastern Algarve, inviting 16–26 year olds to capture the town in short creative films and share how they experience this historic riverside destination.
Candidature deadline: 10 September 2026
What is “Tavira pelos teus olhos”?
“Tavira pelos teus olhos” is a video competition organised by Tavira’s Municipal Council for young people aged 16 to 26. The idea is simple but powerful: show Tavira from your own perspective in a short video of up to 60 seconds.
The contest aims to promote civic participation, celebrate local identity and encourage young people to get involved in the life of the municipality. Whether you are Portuguese, an expat or an international student living in Tavira, you are invited to share what the town means to you.
Why visitors and expats will enjoy this event
For expats, Erasmus students and digital nomads based in Tavira or nearby, this contest is a great excuse to explore the town more deeply and turn your favourite corners into a creative project. It is also a relaxed way to connect with local culture and other young people.
If you are visiting the Algarve around late summer and staying in Tavira, you may not enter unless you meet the age criteria, but it is still an interesting initiative to know about. The winning videos will highlight authentic views of Tavira, from beaches and the Ria Formosa to everyday neighbourhood life.
What to expect from the contest
The challenge is to show Tavira from different perspectives, choosing one of five themed categories:
- “Tavira inspira-me…” – how Tavira inspires you.
- “3 razões para Tavira estar no meu coração…” – three reasons Tavira is in your heart.
- “O meu spot de Tavira é… porque…” – your favourite spot in Tavira and why.
- “Se Tavira fosse uma música, era… porque” – if Tavira were a song, which one and why.
- “Em Tavira, eu…” – what you do or feel in Tavira.
Videos must be original and unpublished, with a maximum duration of 60 seconds. They can be filmed on a video camera, photo camera or mobile phone, in Full HD (1080p) or 4K, either vertical (1080 x 1920, 9:16) or horizontal (1920 x 1080, 16:9).
Each work must clearly include the chosen category and the author’s name, either spoken, as subtitles or through on-screen graphics. Importantly, videos that are fully or partially generated or manipulated using Artificial Intelligence are not accepted.
Each participant can submit up to two videos, but only one will be eligible for a prize or honourable mention.
Prizes and recognition
The three highest-scoring videos will receive multimedia equipment and a bundle of local experiences, including:
- A double entry to Teatro Municipal António Pinheiro.
- Ten double entries to the Municipal Swimming Pools and/or Tennis Courts (valid for six months).
- Boat tickets to Ilha de Tavira.
- Municipal merchandising.
Two additional videos will receive honourable mentions, with a similar prize pack of cultural entries, sports facilities access, Ilha de Tavira tickets and municipal merchandise.
Prizes will be awarded during the Festa da Juventude (Youth Festival), scheduled to take place between 25 and 27 September.
Practical information
Dates and deadlines
Candidatures for “Tavira pelos teus olhos” are open until 10 September 2026. The prize-giving will happen during the Festa da Juventude, which is planned for 25–27 September.
Specific daily schedules for the Youth Festival are not detailed in the available information, so keep an eye on local announcements closer to the time if you want to attend the awards moment.
How to submit your video
Finished videos should be sent as files by email or via a file transfer platform to the address [email protected]. Make sure your file format, resolution and duration follow the contest rules, and that your name and category appear clearly in the video.
Tickets and prices
There is no information indicating any entry fee for taking part in the contest, and youth initiatives of this kind are typically free to enter. However, the official rules do not explicitly state this, so if you need certainty, contact the organisers directly.
Access to the Festa da Juventude, where prizes are awarded, is not detailed in the data provided, and no ticket prices or conditions are mentioned.
How to get there
Tavira is a charming town in the eastern Algarve, east of Faro and close to the Ria Formosa lagoon. It is well placed for anyone staying along the eastern coast and makes an easy day trip from other Algarve bases.
If you are planning a wider Algarve itinerary and want the flexibility to explore Tavira and nearby beaches at your own pace, it can be helpful to compare car hire options at Faro Airport before you arrive.
Within Tavira itself, most filming locations you might choose – from the historic centre to riverside viewpoints – are walkable if you are staying in town.
Tips for making the most of your visit
- Scout your favourite Tavira spots in advance so you can plan your shots and make the most of your 60 seconds.
- Film at different times of day to capture Tavira’s light – sunrise and sunset can be especially beautiful.
- Keep your phone or camera charged and consider bringing a simple tripod or stabiliser for smoother footage.
- Use the contest as a reason to explore more of the Algarve; you can find more inspiration in our guide to things to do across the Algarve.
Plan the rest of your day
After filming or attending the Youth Festival, you can easily turn your Tavira outing into a full day. The town is a great base for exploring the Ria Formosa and nearby islands, and you might want to look at local Ria Formosa boat trips to see the coastline from the water.
Where to stay nearby
Staying in Tavira itself is the most convenient option if you want to take part in the contest, as you will be close to potential filming locations and municipal venues. The town has a mix of small hotels, guesthouses and apartments within walking distance of the historic centre and riverfront. For a broader eastern Algarve base, nearby coastal areas also work well, but Tavira keeps you closest to the heart of the action.
When is the ‘Tavira pelos teus olhos’ 2026 contest deadline?
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