Overview: Tavira, to the east of Faro in the south-east corner of
Portugal, is one of the most photogenic towns along the Algarve
coast, sporting white-washed houses topped with decorative chimneys
and pyramid shaped Roman-tiled roofs, set among orange, fig and
almond trees. The charming town, on the Gilao River, dates back to
around 2,000 BC, and also boasts a Moorish Castle, with some
splendid views from the ramparts. Then too there are some
attractive churches (37 of them to be exact), including the Church
of the Misericordia with a beautiful Renaissance door and carved
high altar. Not many of the buildings pre-date the devastating
earthquake of 1755, which destroyed much of the Algarve, but the
town was painstakingly rebuilt with many fine 18th-century
buildings. Tavira flanks both banks of the river, which are linked
by a Roman bridge. Along the coast and on an island opposite the
town (reached by ferry) are some beautiful isolated sandy
beaches.
Shopping: Tavira is well equipped with utilitarian supermarkets for
self-caterers, and many souvenir shops selling cork items, lace,
embroidered goods and shell art. There is an upmarket handcraft
shopping centre called "Old Market" for discerning shoppers. The
town has a fresh produce market daily.
Restaurants: Like most of the resort towns on the Algarve, Tavira is a
food-lovers haven, especially for those who enjoy seafood. There
are numerous restaurants along the quayside and riverbank, serving
excellent cuisine at reasonable prices. Recommendations for
shellfish and fish dishes are Nora Velha, Marisqueira 4 Aguas,
Portas do Mar and O Pátio. Alternatively Alquimia provides
some dishes of a North African flavour.
Nightlife: Bars and cafes aplenty in the town with Acro Bar mixing up some
great cocktails, or for a more chilled out evening The Poet, in the
middle of Tavira, always attracts a good crowd.
Activities: Hunt for seashells on Tavira Island, enjoy a variety of
watersports, explore the quaint town of Tavira, or play golf at the
nearby Benamor Course. It is a good idea to hire a car and explore
into Spain to the East (Tavira is close to the border) and along
the rest of the Algarve to the West.
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