This church spire infested town (map) is one of the better Portuguese looking towns along the Algarve (photo gallery 70k+). Situated about half way between Faro and the Spanish border it is these days little visited. Until the motorway link to Spain was built, Tavira saw many tourists as they passed close by on the EN125 going to, and from, Spain and the eastern Algarve.

Regretfully the famous bridge that straddled the river Gilão was destroyed in severe floods during the early '90s but, wisely, has now been fully restored to its original state. It is now open for pedestrians only and provides a view of the river and its banks which, when the light is just right, could be the scene in an old master painting displaying the many fine buildings and Tavira's elegant, quiet, charm to advantage.

The ruins of a castle can be found via a cobbled alley from the main square. This offers a good view of the town and its many churches. The interior of these can often be viewed by the visitor but, in general, they all seem to have no fixed opening time and sometimes one must actually track down the key holder. The best to visit is said to be the white painted church of 'Santa Maria of the Castle'.

See also the adjacent areas of Cabanas, Moncarapacho and Olhão.

Accommodation (A-Z)

• Few Entries - can you help?
   
• Tavira Inn - 1995 [Hotel]
  (was called Casa do Rio to 2001)  "In order to make your stay as pleasant as possible all rooms include air-conditioning, television, beautiful bathrooms and breath-taking scenery. From the balcony it is possible to see the river, the old railway bridge, and part of the nearby town. The luscious vegetation and the pleasant climate add to the overwhelming sense of relaxation. For all those people who are fed up spending their holidays bored in Portugal's Algarve region, this is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity that you will never forget". (Tel. (081)326578)
   
• Residencial Lagoas - 1996 [Hotel]
  "Very clean and affordable. Great location. Ask for Maria. 24 Rua Almirante Candido Dos Reis. Tel. (081) 22252"
   
• Tavira Garden - 1996
  "This is situated right by the EN 125 and consists of about 100 apartments, two swimming-pools and a restaurant. The apartments are private, very well-kept and most of them are available for rent at times when the owners are not around. There are apartments of different sizes - one, two and three bedrooms (of course, all apartments have a living-room, a kitchen and at least one bath-room). They are available for short or long lettings".
  Telephone : 081-325565. Address: Tavira Garden, EN 125, 8800 Tavira

Eateries (A-Z)

• Aquasul - 1996
  "Great food and atmosphere". 13 Rua Silva Carvalho. Tel. (081) 325166
   
• Beira Rio - 1995
  "Situated on the side of the river, walk north through an arch from the old bridge. Good value for money".
   
• The Bica Restaurante - 1996
  "Just below the Residencial Lagoas. Great traditional food".
   
• Carmina - 1995
  "Just opposite the fish market".
   
• Restaurante "O Forno" - 1996
  "On the E.N. 125 at Sitio S. Pedro". Tel. (081) 81271
   
• Patio Restaurante - 1996
  G"ood food, roof top patio".
  30-1 Rua Antonio Cabreira. Tel. (081) 23008
   
• Portas do Mar- 1997
  "Super service, very clean, good value - 3 course plus wine was £6 each".
  To find it follow the signs 'Pravia' through the town and you come to a small jetty called Quatrio Aguas. Tel. 081 8 12 55