TAVIRA AND SURROUNDINGS

BEACHES

GOLF

AVAILABILITY AND RATES

walking distance to Tavira, 4 double bedrooms, 5 bath or shower rooms (3 en-suite), sleeps 8,

air-conditioning/heating,10m x 5m salt-water pool,covered terrace,BBQ,roof terrace,views of sea and hills

Tavira and the surrounding area

You can walk into Tavira from the villa and then in Summer catch the ferry from the river in Tavira to the long sandy beach on Tavira Island where there are restaurants, beach parasols to hire etc. The ferry still runs to Tavira Island after mid September from Quatra Agua, a short drive or a twenty minute walk from central Tavira. To appreciate all the beaches along the coast it is advisable to hire a car.

From the villa, to walk into Tavira you can stroll along a pedestrian lane or walk down to the Gilao river and along its banks into town.

The River Gilao runs through Tavira, and there are several bridges across it, including the seven arched Roman bridge (pedestrianised).

Eastern Algarve Walks

Do you want to: See the birds and the wild life

Keep fit Keep your heart healthy

Make new friends Learn local history

MOONLIGHT SERVICES lead walks each week (ring or email below to find out which day) and enjoy a peaceful and laid-back healthy day. Return to Manta Rota for a meal and companionship.

For further details and to book a place ring

(00 351) 913 595 868 email

Tavira is one of the Algarve's oldest and most beautiful towns, formerly an important Moorish citadel and fishing port. It has a hilltop castle, many old churches and chapels and narrow streets. There is a new facility at the top of the old water tower where, using mirrors at the top of the tower, a guide will give you a 360 degrees description of Tavira.

Road Fun Train. For much of the year the road train takes you around Tavira and up to the castle.

Horse and Carriage. And for much of the year you can catch a horse and carriage and take a leisurely journey around the town.

The old Market on the quayside has been transformed within the past few years into an arcade of shops and eating establishments, some with views across the river. You can sit outside and watch the shoals of fish swim by, and at low tide locals can be seen digging for clams.

Restaurants: There are a variety of restaurants in Tavira and surrounding areas offering a wide choice of food at reasonable prices.

Cafes: There are many cafes where you can enjoy a drink or a meal outside, and you can sit looking at the boats on the river while you have a coffee and watch the world go by.

Bowls: There is a very good outdoor bowls facility which was opened in 2008/09 at Cabanas 15 minutes drive from Tavira.

Food Shopping: There are three large supermarkets a short drive away in Tavira and a covered morning market selling meat, fish and fresh vegetables. You can also walk to small local supermarkets in Tavira.

Shops: Some antique, ceramic and gift shops and several boutiques in Tavira. English newspapers are sold in several shops.

A new shopping mall opened in Tavira in 2009 with many shops and a large supermarket. Free parking as at 2009.

There is a Tourist Information Centre in Tavira where you can book various trips to places outside of Tavira.

Buses go from the bus terminal by the river, a five minute walk from the central square, and about 15 minutes from the villa. From there you can take the bus to many places.

Trains The train station is 1km from the centre of town and about 15 minutes walk from the villa.

The Ria Formosa Natural Park

The Ria Formosa Natural Park starts at the town of Olhão, and there are walking trails through the park, where it is possible to enjoy the splendour of this natural wilderness. The resident population of birds increases during autumn and spring with many species calling in on their migratory routes.

Seville in Spain is about 1³/₄ hours from the motorway just north of Tavira, and is well worth a visit.

To the east of Tavira, and overlooking the sea, is the traditional village of

Cacela Velha.

There is a ruined castle at Castro Marim, which is well worth the visit.

Further eastwards still is the River Guadiana, the waterway that forms the border with Spain. On the Portuguese side is Vila Real, a smart little town. A ferry from here makes frequent crossings to the delightful town of Ayamonte in Spain for just a few euros. The trip takes only 20 minutes, first passing the castle of the Knights of Christ and the colossal fortress of São Sebastião at Castro Marim. The modern motorway suspension bridge that crosses the Guadiana looks particularly impressive from the river. If you take your car on the ferry you can drive from Ayamonte back into Portugal.

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CASA PERALTA +44 (0)7788 757899 click to email

Holiday Villa, Tavira, Eastern Algarve, Portugal