| A
great place to stay, a better place to live |
In
the whole of the Algarve, Tavira along with Lagos is one of
the most attractive towns from an architectural point of
view. Unlike the western part of the Algarve which has many
tourist developments, Tavira is located in the east which is
relatively undiscovered. Here you can find peace of mind
away from the madding
crowd……................................
…………………
here time stood still!
This
charming town has been rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755
with many beautiful 18th century buildings. Even
today with it’s many fishermen boats on the River Gilão
the town shows it’s glory days of the past when the
fishing industry was of great economic
importance.
It
is very easy to lose track of time in this lovely old town.
You can spend hours and hours strolling the charming
cobblestone streets with it’s many restaurants, shops,
bars and terraces to enjoy a refreshment in the sun. If you
like fresh sea food, this is paradise! And there
are many restaurants to explore. Restaurant O Patio has a
very pleasant roof terrace with views of Tavira and it´s
famous roofs, Telhados. Or try one of the delicious fresh
salads at restaurant O Abstrato in the center of town.
Alternatively,
you can go to Ilha de Tavira, it’s famous beach with many
small restaurants and more… For beach lovers there are
many more beaches in the vicinity worthwhile to pay a visit
to such as Cabanas, Pedras del Rey and a bit further out you
will find a very pleasant beach in Praia Verde.
Then
when the evening falls it’s time to explore the local
night life and party all night long…… and when needed,
you can always go to confession the morning after in one of
the 28 churches of Tavira! Furthermore, because Tavira doesn´t
have a concert hall, classical concerts are being held in
some of the churches. If you like to find out more about
‘what´s on this week’, just buy the Algarve
Resident in
any kiosk in the Algarve. It provides a weekly over view of
various activities e.g. Markets, Car Boot sales, Fairs and
Festivals, Dance and Golf, Music and Exhibitions.
There
are various golf courses in the vicinity. The Benamor golf
corse is just outside of town. Quinta da Ria, Quinta de Cima
and Castro Marim are a bit further out. Some also
offering accommodation such as the private
Golf
Resort Colina Verde in Maragota.
Although the opening of golf courses has lead to an increase
in tourism, the hinterland is still very rural and unspoilt.
When
planning for a stay, it is recommendable to book in advance.
There are many small pensions, B&B´s and more upmarket
hotels to stay in. If you are tired of resort style hotels
and are looking for something special, why not stay at the
private accommodation of the TAVIRA
INN. Here you will
find an unusual mixture of traditional and modern
Portuguese architectural styles and many ‘objects d´art’.
It offers a seawater pool, funky Jazz bar and five quiet
hotel rooms without compromising the comfortable, warm
feeling of a home away from home.
Really,
you simply don´t have time to get bored in Tavira, the
cultural centre of the Algarve.
