Posted on June 14, 2010 by Fiona Hilliard

Image via Wikipedia

Drive Distance: 40km from Faro

Spanning both sides of the Rio Gilao, Tavira is one of the Algarve’s most photogenic towns because it makes wonderful use of its picturesque river setting.  Local attractions worth pointing your lens at include the preserved ruins of the hilltop castle, the ancient Roman bridge and a selection of Gothic and Renaissance churches. That is of course if you can bear to drag yourself away from the town’s many fine restaurants and bars. 

Like most towns in the Algarve, Tavira is perfect for strolling, offering a selection of cobblestone streets, a cool, shaded plazas and sweet-smelling patisseries. Tavira may attract its fair share of tourists but in spite of summer holidaymakers, the town remains an active (and attractive) fishing port.  It is just a 3km drive to the coast and close to the beautiful unspoilt beaches of Ilha de Tavira.

The Ilha de Tavira sweeps all the way from southwest Tavira to Fuzeta, almost 14km away.  The beach itself is enormous, surrounded by gorgeous sand dunes. In the summertime, it’s possible to catch a ferry direct from the riverfront.  Alternatively, take the ferry from the jetty at Quatro Aguas, 2km east of the town. It’s just a 30-minute walk. 

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