Tavira, the perfect weekend escape
If you have decided to spend your summer vacation by the Portuguese shore, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Tavira, the perfect weekend escape.
Among the cities in the Algarve, Tavira might not be the largest, nor is it the most economically prominent; but for those of you searching for a moment of respite in a peaceful and beautiful landscape, it is an ideal getaway.
The history of Tavira in a nutshell
Tavira used to be a village in the Bronze Age. In the 8th century BC, it became a sturdy Phoenician settlement before being conquered by the Romans under Caesar. The Moors came to the Algarve in the early Middle Ages and occupied Tavira between the 8th and the 13th century, influencing the cultural life, agriculture, cuisine and architecture, the latter being visible today in the Tavira Castle and the whitewashed houses with Moorish rooftops and doors which are a mark of the city.
After the 1242 Reconquista, the city became Christian and Portuguese again. Today, Tavira is renowned for its history, tourist attractions, calm atmosphere, for its beaches and golfing facilities.
With its Roman bridge which makes up the favorite promenade in town, the Gilao River meeting the Atlantic Ocean is the most important spot in Tavira.
Only accessible by boat, Tavira Island is one of the best beaches in the Algarve and a definite must-see. The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a pristine paradise you should set foot on for at least a minute.
And if you want to “get to the other side”, Pego do Inferno is right “around the corner” (so to speak), a tiny picturesque lagoon with a high waterfall, the perfect place for a quick swim or a day in the open air.
Back in town, you can pass by the Tavira car rental office to collect your car and visit the Castle, the Old Town Market and the medieval relics of Torre d’Aires and Forte do Rato.
