With its timeless atmosphere, traditional character and dignified charm, it is little wonder that many consider the elegant riverside town of Tavira to be the most pleasant and picturesque in the Algarve. Sited on both sides of the Rio Gilão, the town is perhaps best known for its abundance of churches – nearly 40 in all. Tavira’s prosperity today relies to a great degree on tourism, although not to the detriment of the town’s peaceful ambience.
Tourist information: Praça da República 5; (281) 322 511; open 10am–6pm daily
Casa Fotografia Andrade: Rua da Liberdade 36; (281) 322 102; open 10am–1pm & 3–7pm Mon–Fri, 10am–1pm Sat; adm
Igreja da Misericórdia: open 9am–noon & 2–5pm Mon, 9am–12:30pm & 2–5:30pm Tue–Sun; closed Oct–May: Sun; adm
Torre de Tavira – Camera Obscura: www.torredetavira.com
Núcleo Islâmico: Praça da República; (281) 320 568; open 9:15am–4:30pm Tue–Sat; adm
Palácio da Galeria: Calçada da Galeria; (281) 320 540; open 9:15am–4:30pm Tue–Sat; adm
The surviving walls of this Moorish fort envelop a spruce garden. The view from the ramparts takes in the town’s pyramid-shaped rooftops and distant Ilha de Tavira.
This permanent exhibition, consisting of photographs taken by the Andrade family, chronicles life in Tavira from the 20th century onwards.
Townsfolk are justifiably proud that this 16th-century church is considered to be the Algarve’s most important Renaissance monument.
The clock face of this church is a familiar landmark. Inside are the tombs of the Moors’ nemesis, Dom Paio Peres Correia, and seven of his knights.
Housed at the top of an old water tower, the camera obscura focuses a live 360-degree image of the city onto a huge screen.
The foundations of the low, arched stone bridge spanning the Rio Gilão are Roman in origin. Illuminated at night, creating a romantic ethereal glow, the bridge is a favourite subject for artists.
A regular ferry service offers an easy escape to the marvellous sand-dune island, which is popular during the summer months for its excellent swimming. It lies within the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.
Tavira’s Islamic heritage is featured at this museum. A video presentation outlines the history behind the artifacts, which date from the time when Tavira was ruled by the Moors. The 11th-century Tavira Vase is a highlight.
Works by Picasso and Paula Rego have been exhibited at this contemporary gallery, housed in a refurbished 16th-century palace. The palace is set on Moorish foundations, vestiges of which are displayed under a glass floor in the entrance hall.
Now a luxury pousada (see Accommodation), this 16th-century building (see Pousada de Tavira – Convento da Graça) is characterized by a rich mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, with the cloister. The remains of a 12th-century Moorish street can also be seen from the bar.
Tavira’s seafood specialities include açorda marisco, a concoction of cockles, prawns and clams sunk in a thick bread-based soup, and lulas recheadas, which is tender squid filled with cured meats and rice, braised in an onion and tomato sauce. Santa Luzia, a village southwest of Tavira, is said to be the Algarve’s octopus capital. Order the octopus rice stew (arroz de polvo).
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