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Many Highlights in the Area
Places of Interest near Tavira
Taste Tavira is ideally located to explore the region, with direct access to Algarves main road N125 and at 5 minutes from highway A22. The trainstation is only 5 walking minutes away and the many bikeroutes bring you where ever you want in this beautiful area.
Cacela Velha (Site and Beaches)
Distance: 13 Kms
Olhão
Distance: 21 Kms
Vila Real de San António
Distance: 24 kms
Pego do Inferno (waterfall)
Distance: 6 Km
Faro
Distance: 31 Kms
Lagos Old town and Cliffs
Distance:105 Kms
Loulé
Distance: 36 Kms
Ria Formosa
Distance: 3-39 Kms
Silves
Distance: 80 Kms
Nature
Pego do Inferno (Waterfall)
Pego do Inferno, translated to ‘Pit of Hell’, is actually an idyllic waterfall and lagoon, formed by the Asseca stream.
This enchanting place is a literal hidden gem and is located in Santo Estêvão, in Tavira.
The countryside itself, surrounding Pego do Inferno, is very beautiful and it makes a worthy visit, simply for the scenery. The drive to Pego do Inferno is picturesque, as you find yourself surrounded by orange and lemon trees and the countryside makes for an enjoyable walk on a sunny day and an overall, nice day out.
Cacela Velha - Site and Beach
Cacela Velha is a tiny village located on a hill at the eastern end of the Ria Formosa. It’s a delightful day trip from your appartment. By bike or car.
It’s famous for several things, the incredible views it offers, its expansive sandy beach, and its idyllic village protected by a small walled fortress.
Ria Formosa
It is a vast area with sandbanks, canals, dunes and salt pans along the approximately 60 km long river (ria), which is actually more of a lagoon, shallow water that is connected to the ocean via inlets.
Definitely worth a visit by boat, preferably with a guide. They can point out the many animal species that call this place home, even if temporarily, as in the case of the migrating birds that find an important resting place here.
Towns and villages
Olhão
Olhão, just 21 km west of Tavira on the Algarve coast, has been transformed into a major beach resort in recent years with visitors flocking to the splendid beaches of Ilha da Armona and Ilha da Culatra, both short ferry rides away.
Olhão’s other major attractions include the cubist style architecture of the old town which was developed through trading links with North Africa. Most visitors to Olhão take in the lively red brick fish and vegetable markets right on the sea front and wander the white-washed old town, which includes the 17th century Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Church of Our Lady of the Rosary) and the adjacent chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos where the wives and families of sailors would gather to pray for their safety.
Vila Real de Santo António
Vila Real de Santo Antonio is a traditional Portuguese fishing town situated on the banks of the mighty Guadiana River.
The town has a peaceful and unhurried ambience but has a truly unique appearance, resembling Lisbon more than its close neighbours.
Vila Real de Santo Antonio was constructed in 1774, to resettle the plague-ravaged fishermen from Aveiro and also claim the fishing waters of the eastern Algarve from Spain. The town was constructed in just two years, and followed similar design ideas used for the reconstruction of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake
Found within the small town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio are numerous decorative Pombaline-styled buildings and a grand central plaza, reminiscent of Lisbon.
Vila Real de Santo Antonio overlooks the cooling waters of the Rio Guadiana and along the riverbanks is a marina, a fishing harbour and pretty riverside parks. Departing from the harbour is a ferry that crosses the Portuguese-Spanish border to the town of Ayamonte, and this ferry was the main southern border crossing until the construction of the Puente Internacional bridge in 1991.
Faro
Faro is a historic and culturally rich city that boasts a variety of fascinating tourist attractions.
Sadly, Faro is often overlooked, considered only for its airport, but if you spend time in Faro, you will discover a charming Portuguese city.
Found within the historic quarter (the Cidade Velha) is a Gothic cathedral, the Paço Episcopal palace and the decorative Arco da Vila gateway. Outside of the city walls is a vibrant city, with pedestrianised shopping streets, characterful plazas and a wide variety of restaurants and bars.
To the south of Faro is the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a series of saltwater lagoons and waterways, which is an important ecosystem for migratory birds and marine life. On the seaward side of the Ria Formosa are three sandbar islands, and these are the location of Faro’s pristine beaches.
West of Faro
Loulé
The Saturday weekly markets of this lively medieval town are renowned far and wide. So is the Mercado in the center of Loulé. It has ample little shops, restaurants and bars. In short, Loulé is worth the visit.
And especially during the carnival period in February/March: a serious fun party that lasts for days and in which the whole local community participates.
Loulé has even more to offer: You can visit salt mines (Mina de Sal-Gema de Loulé) or take a workshop in a cork factory (Eco-Corkfactory). There are also several large shopping malls just outside the town, including the Designer Outlet Algarve.
Lagos (Old Town and Cliffs)
Lagos is a historic and fascinating city situated on the picturesque Western Algarve coastline. It is a city that boasts a rich seafaring heritage, pristine beaches and authentic Portuguese character.
The many sights and activities to be found in Lagos make the city one of the best day trip destinations of the western Algarve. Your day trip could include exploring the historic quarter, a walk along the stunning coastline and a boat trip around the Ponta da Piedade headland.
Silves
The many sights and activities to be found in Lagos make the city one of the best day trip destinations of the western Algarve. Your day trip could include exploring the historic quarter, a walk along the stunning coastline and a boat trip around the Ponta da Piedade headland.
This former trading city, conveniently located on the Arade River,has also a rich history. However, here it is not the Mercado which dominates the center but mereley the redbrick Morish Castle (Castelo dos Mauros). Silves is a lovely place to stroll around and make sure you look up every now and then to see the storks on top of the churches and other roofs…