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Taste Tavira > Annick shows you around

Year: 2023

A Taste of Tradition: Visiting Tavira’s Olive Factory

Local PleasuresPosted on

Tucked between Tavira’s saltpans and just opposite the Gran Plaza lies a quiet but flavorful experience for those who enjoy authentic, local discoveries. Hélder Madeira’s Olive Company has been producing high-quality olives here since 1986, using little more than sea salt and fresh water—straight from the traditions of the region.

While the factory has grown in size and efficiency over the years, the heart of the process remains the same. No chemicals, no shortcuts—just slow, careful curing that brings out the full flavor of the olives. It’s a method that respects both nature and heritage, and it results in an honest, intensely local product.

A guided visit with Andreia Emídio reveals the fascinating transformation from bitter raw olives to savory delicacies. Whether they’re cracked, smashed, seasoned with garlic or infused with chili, the process is both scientific and artisanal. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for something you’ve probably eaten a hundred times without much thought.

The tour concludes with a tasting of the various olive preparations. Be sure to stop by the charming on-site shop, where other regional treats are also available.

📍 Opening Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00–18:00, €10 tour and tasting
📞 Phone: +351 281 326 175

olives tasting at Helder Madeira
light and healthy olives

Biological Farm Shop

ShoppingPosted on

Organic Farm

Located just behind Tavira´s Municipal Cemetry, the Aldi and the N125, is Maria Flaminga´s Organic Farmshop. Started in 2016, Isabel Pedras Ribeiro (nickname: Maria Flaminga), graduated in Agricultural Engineering, has build a beautiful spot where she manages a garden nursery, blooming fields of vegetables, herbs and fruits. And a lovely little shop. The Loja Biológica is housed in the former, state owned, agricultural research station, surrounded by land and chickens (fresh eggs!). Attractively displayed in small baskets, you can choose any amount you want, all products are weighed by hand. It makes it even more tempting to try a little of everthing. Together with a small team of dedicated volunteers Isabel makes sure all her veggies and fruits live up to the high biological standards to get certified. Try and taste yourself. Maria Flamenga´s Organic Farmshop is open Thursday till Saturday from 9-15 h. (2025)

Beautiful fresh peppers
Isabel ´Maria Flaminga´

Cacela Velha – Tiny Village, View, and the Ria Formosa

VillagesPosted on

Tucked away just 12 km east of Tavira, Cacela Velha is a peaceful, picturesque village that seems almost untouched by time. Perched atop a low cliff, this ancient settlement is centered around a 13th-century fortress and offers sweeping views over the Ria Formosa lagoon. The village itself is little more than a cluster of whitewashed houses, a small church, a café, and an intriguing cemetery built into the fortified wall—where some tombs are sealed into the masonry.

Despite its size, Cacela Velha is home to two well-loved restaurants that come alive during the summer months, when visitors arrive to take in the unforgettable vistas and sample fresh seafood. The village exudes a quiet charm and is best enjoyed on foot, whether you’re exploring its historic lanes or simply soaking in the calm, coastal atmosphere.

One of the main attractions here is the beach—though reaching it adds a sense of adventure. The shoreline lies across a tidal lagoon, which can be crossed on foot at low tide using natural sandbanks. However, timing is crucial; the water can rise quickly, so many opt to hire a small fisherman’s boat to make the return trip.

A short drive or stroll brings you to nearby Fábrica, a tiny hamlet with its own beach access via boat and a fantastic fish restaurant right by the waterfront. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy a laid-back meal after a day of exploring the natural beauty of this unique part of the Algarve.

Cacela Velha
Restaurant at Fabrica

Tavira, authentic, always lively

Taste TaviraPosted on

Pearl of the Algarve

Tavira is widely regarded as one of the most stunning destinations in the Algarve, boasting historic districts on both banks of the Gilão river. While the ‘Roman bridge’ is perhaps its most famous landmark, the town’s allure is further enhanced by its numerous beautiful churches, charming squares, streets adorned with bougainvillea, and an abundance of restaurants and terraces. During the summer months, Tavira can become bustling and warm, prompting the city to host many events and concerts, typically starting at 10 p.m.

The rich tapestry of Tavira’s history is woven with threads from the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and Portuguese. Presently, the city is home to twenty or more significant churches (some of which were once mosques) and hundreds of quaint cobblestone streets and squares, each bearing architectural influences from its former rulers and inhabitants.

Historically, Tavira has sustained itself through fishing (particularly sardines and tuna) and salt extraction, industries that still operate today. However, tourism has emerged as the city’s primary economic driver in modern times.

one of may interesting churches
azulejos at Tavira Railway Station

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