The Portuguese seaside in summer is probably one of the best places to be, whether you are a local or a foreign traveler in search of an exotic experience. There are many towns and villages worth a visit there, but today we choose Tavira, your next Algarve destination.
If you want to take a step back in town and enjoy a beautiful and serene old fishing town revamped, blending the old and the new and providing an authentic Portuguese atmosphere, Tavira is the place for you. 30 minutes’ drive from Faro and about an hour’s from Sevilla, Tavira is a beautiful resort by the Atlantic, without the hustle and bustle of some of the other “commercial”, crowded Algarve resorts. It used to be a Roman fishing village, then a port and in the middle ages (from the 8th to the 13th century) it fell under the Arab influence, only to be reconquered by the Knights of the Order of Santiago in 1242.
Today, Tavira retains a relic or two from every one of its most important ages. The riverfront of Rio Gilao can best be appreciated from the Ponte Romana, a bridge which dates back to the times of the Empire.
The remains of an ancient Moorish Castle are located in the Arab quarters, bearing witness to the passing of another culture through these realms. The Santa Maria do Castelo Church awaits nearby, harboring the tomb of the legendary Paio Peres Correia, the knight who freed the city from the Moorish rule.
Formerly a water tower, Torre de Tavira is an excellent post for a 360 degrees view over the entire city. You can take the elevator to get up there. And be sure to have your camera charged, because the scenery is worth it.
One more thing: the best way to negotiate the city is with Tavira car rental.
