by Helen Gordon
On a sunny spring day, we travelled past Faro to the calmer, more relaxed eastern Algarve region and the pretty historic city of Tavira. A favourite destination all year round, but especially when the almond trees are showing their delicate blossom and vast orange groves are laden with their plump juicy fruit, making the 40-minute journey so very pleasant. Just 18 miles from the Spanish border, hundreds of years of occupation by numerous different empires have created one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, filled with old-world charm and plenty to explore.
Set on either side of the slow-flowing Gilão River, which meanders gently to the Ria Formosa and the sandbar island of Ilha de Tavira, this once thriving port and Algarve centre of tuna fishing is filled with reminders of its historical importance. A labyrinth of picturesque plazas, the cobbled streets wind past houses tiled in the traditional Portuguese style up to the hilltop castle ruins.
Partially destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, the remaining 13th-century ruins sit around a pretty courtyard garden. Climb the steep steps onto the ramparts for free and enjoy a magnificent view over Tavira and its surroundings. Next to the castle is the main church of Santa Maria do Castelo. Built-in the 13th century on the site of an old mosque, in the main chapel you can find the tombs of Paio Peres Correia, the knight who conquered Tavira from the Moors in 1242, and seven of his Crusaders.
Descend to the pedestrianised main square, the Praça da República, for a coffee, cold beer or ice cream by the river. A perfect stop with the opportunity to sit, enjoy the sun and watch the world go by. Near the square you can also find the tourism office and pick up a free map. Walk across the Gilão River on the Ponte Romana. Built in the 12th century, replacing a Roman bridge, the seven-arched cobbled bridge is one of the most famous symbols of Tavira. Now for pedestrians only, stop and admire the grand houses on the left bank and the Jardim do Coreto to the right, often serenaded by a street musician.
If lunch is beckoning, then take your pick from restaurants lining the small squares or overlooking the river near to the old Mercado da Ribeira. If you like food you won’t be disappointed, from local cuisine to fine dining there’s something for everyone. If the sea and sand are calling then why not hop on the ferry, only a 15-minute journey, out to Tavira Island and take your lunch at one of the many restaurants overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve.
With so much to see and do, Tavira is our perfect day out. Let João be your guide on a tour of Tavira with Maria’s Tuk Tuk. A must-do tour. Don’t miss it, especially with our 10% member benefit discount.
Insider Knowledge
Stroll past the old Mercado to catch the ferry to Tavira Island (https://en.silnido. com/copia-tavira). Stay on the ferry and come back. A round trip of less than an hour. See Tavira from the water and catch those cooling breezes if the sun is just too hot.
Enjoy a takeaway ice cream at Tavira Romana, situated next to the bridge of the same name.
Did you know?
Tavira has many churches, but the one you must visit is Igreja da Misericordia. Classed as a National Portuguese monument, the inside is especially beautiful. And the entrance is only €2.
Known locally as Telhados de Quatro Águas, Tavira’s unique hipped roofs have four sides which slope downwards to create a pyramid effect.
Fine Dining
Located on the hill next to the Moorish castle sits A Ver Tavira, the Algarve’s latest recipient of a coveted Michelin Star. We enjoyed an imaginative and creative tasting menu in a superb location, created by chef Luis Brito, that draws upon traditional Portuguese and Algarvian cooking with a modern twist. Open for lunch (which is unusual) and dinner, the restaurant has a fantastic terrace with stunning views across the red-tiled roofs (https://avertavira.com/en/).
