Tavira is called 'the prettiest town' in Portugal by the Portuguese. Located 25kms from Faro and 20kms from Spain, it is a firm favourite for discerning visitors. Tavira is an ancient town with a Phoenician, Roman and Moorish past. It has a castle, over 35 churches and a superb seven arch Roman bridge.
On both sides of the River Gilão you can find good shopping with local produce, including fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, basket ware, pottery, ceramic tiles, wrought iron work, and cork and shell handicrafts. Friendly locals welcome you, important whether you are just browsing or wining and dining in the many bars and restaurants, on the river front or in the fascinating cobbled side streets.
A short ferry trip takes you to the Ilha de Tavira and one of the best beaches along the entire coast. Clean, safe bathing, protected by the offshore sandbars and complimented by a number of cafes and bars. The 7kms of soft sand easily accommodates all the sunbathers, swimmers, windsurfers and sailors, even in peak season.
The scenic location of Tavira, protected by its natural lagoon, offers tranquillity and the opportunity to observe nature and bird life at its best. With a car, there is much to see in the surrounding area and the Tourist Office, below the Castle just off the main square will be a good place to start. Within a few kms are some of the best golfing facilities in the Algarve, good eating in the nearby fishing village of Cabanas and the Saturday market in nearby Olhão. To the East, Cacela Velha offers spectacular views over the Ria Formosa and further afield, take a day trip across the Spanish border into Andulusia and to the historic city of Seville.
At night, a treat awaits you back in Tavira. The town is transformed, with its illuminated white buildings and Moorish rooftops providing an attractive backdrop to the variety of restaurants and bars with their tempting Portuguese menus.
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