Guide to Tavira
The Eastern Algarve has escaped the over-development which has occurred in some areas of the central and Western Algarve, so retains much of its natural beauty and tranquility. It has quick and easy access from Faro airport and the rest of the Algarve, but feels a world apart.
The eastern Algarve’s principal town, Tavira is “arguably the Algarve’s most charming town”, according to Lonely Planet. It has something for everyone – a beautiful, historic town with wide cobbled avenues, shady plazas, a maze of atmospheric streets hiding a treasure-trove of little boutiques and family run restaurants and of course plenty of bars where you can enjoy an alfresco drink. It has a wonderfully relaxed and friendly feel and huge charm and character.
The river Gilao meanders through the centre of town, spanned by old bridges and sets the pace for this town, where no-one is in a hurry and the pace of life feels like stepping back twenty years in time. There is a fishing quay on the river and a large market offering a huge range of local products with a wonderful range of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish.
The river flows into the Atlantic Ocean and ferries run from the centre of town to the wonderful beaches on the Ilha de Tavira. The Eastern Algarve is fringed by some of the best beaches in Europe, with a series of islands just offshore providing pristine blue water and soft white sand. Much of the coastline incorporates the beautiful Ria Formosa nature reserve, a perfect place for year-round bird watching. This is one of Europe’s last unspoilt coasts and with virtually no development there are endless beaches to choose from between Faro and the border with Spain.
Inland there is a great choice for golf enthusiasts with several courses including the famous Monte Rei club, where a second course is currently under construction. The area around Tavira is perfect for many other leisure activities including horse riding, walking, cycling, kite surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking, together with numerous clubs covering most interests. Tavira also has a large shopping complex with a 5 screen cinema.
And of course, there is the weather, the reason most people come here. Year round sunshine (over 3000 hours of it each annually), long summers where you can live outdoors for 8 months of the year, balmy winters perfect for walking or playing golf and an active expat community combine to provide near perfect retirement or holiday living.
