Annick shows you around

Taste Tavira

Welcome at Taste Tavira

Taste TaviraPosted on

A Self Catering Apartment designed by Annick


The Portuguese are well-known for their hospitality. And that´s exactly what we are aiming at in this fully equipped apartment Taste Tavira. We created an atmosphere where you can relax and feel at ease. We encourage you to get a taste of lovely Tavira and its surroundings, to try the local food and fine Portuguese wines, to take a ferry and go to one of the splendid beaches, to hike a trail, to play 9 or 18 holes….

And after that, you come home. Taste Tavira is tastefully furnished and decorated, designed by Annick.

Welcome and enjoy your stay!

By Annick

By Annick refers to Annick Schreuder. She is happy to make you feel at home in the Taste Tavira apartment. With love and care; she designed it to make you feel at ease while exploring and enjoying the beautiful Algarve. Annick was born in the Netherlands some decades ago and spread her wings at a relatively young age. She lived in France, the UK and the US before settling down in Belgium. She studied history, marketing and cultural management and became a journalist. After that she qualified herself further in one of her hobbies: wine. She became cofounder of La Causerie Wine Education Center and spent another 15 years of pleasantly writing and teaching about wine.

Concerning her private life: Annick is a proud mother, a happy grandmother, a loving partner, a good friend and a grateful person.

Travelling has always been one of her other hobbies. That´s how she fell in love with Tavira. She visited the charming village several times over the years and found out that each season brought something new to discover.The beautiful changing light during the day; the orange orchards who seem to blossom all year through, but differently all the time; the fascinating surrounding nature (hills, farmland, Ria Formosa, beaches); the abundant flowers in springtime and the attractive mild winter temperatures….

So when the opportunity arose to buy a (rental) apartment, she took it. That is how the AL (Alojamento Local) Taste Tavira took shape, because everything is nicer when shared. Like with you, as guests. The apartment is brand new, fully equipped and carefully decorated, by Annick .

Come and explore, Taste Tavira!
Bem-vindo, welcome!

Tavira Island Beach | Image Taste Tavira
Welcome & Enjoy | Image Taste Tavira

How to Get from Faro Airport to Tavira center or Taste Tavira AL

Taste TaviraPosted on

A calm arrival into the eastern Algarve

There’s something about landing in Faro that immediately slows you down. The light feels softer, the air warmer, and even the airport itself seems to move at a gentler pace. Tavira, just a little further east, continues that feeling — a town where time stretches, and days unfold slowly.

Getting from Faro Airport to Tavira is simple. But the way you choose to travel can shape your first impression of the Algarve. Here’s how to do it — calmly and effortlessly.

✈️ How far is Tavira from Faro Airport

The Distance (and what it feels like)

Tavira is about 40 kilometers east of Faro Airport , and depending on your choice of transport, the journey takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour .

It’s not a long journey — but it’s a beautiful one. Salt flats shimmer in the distance, flamingos sometimes appear like soft pink brushstrokes, and the landscape gradually becomes quieter.

🚖 Taxi, Uber and Bolt from Faro Airport

Option 1: Taxi, Uber or Bolt (Effortless arrival)

If you prefer to arrive without thinking about directions, a taxi or ride app is the most seamless option.

Travel time: 30–40 minutes
Cost: €35–€50

Both Uber and Bolt work very well in the Algarve and are usually quickly available at Faro Airport . Simply open the app after landing, request a ride, and within minutes you’ll be on your way. Costs are lesser than regular taxis (€28-€40) and since februari 2026 the pickup is at P4 parking (1 minute walk, as indicated in your app)

There’s something comforting about stepping outside and being taken directly to your door — no waiting, no navigating — just watching the Algarve pass by your window.

Good to know:

  • Pick-up is just outside arrivals
  • Prices of Bolt and Uber are transparent in the app
  • Often slightly cheaper than regular taxis

🚗 Car rental at Faro Airport

Option 2: Renting a Car (Freedom from the start)

For many travelers, renting a car is the easiest and most flexible way to reach Tavira.

Travel time: ~35 minutes
Best for: Exploring, comfort, independence

From the airport, you simply follow the A22 motorway east. The roads are smooth, well-marked, and rarely stressful. Within minutes, the city fades and the Algarve begins to open up.

An alternative way is following the N125. Straight on through Olhão. (the roundabout is scheduled to open summer 2026)

A platform like Carjet.com is often a good place to compare options. When booking, it’s worth selecting:

  • Pick-up at the airport (not shuttle)
  • Clear fuel and insurance conditions
  • Book well in advance for better rates

Why choose this option:

  • You can stop whenever something catches your eye
  • Easy access to beaches and nearby villages
  • Ideal if you’re staying longer than a few days

And once you arrive in Tavira:
Parking is generally free and easy to find , especially just outside the historic center — another reason why having a car here feels relaxed rather than stressful.

🚆 Train from Faro to Tavira

Option 3: Train (Slow travel, local rhythm)

Taking the train is a quieter, more local way to arrive in Tavira.

Travel time: 1h15 – 1h30 (including transfer)
Cost: ~€4–€6

First, you’ll need to get from the airport to Faro city center (a short Uber, Bolt or taxi ride). From there, trains run regularly to Tavira.

The journey itself is simple, but also unexpectedly peaceful. Small stations, glimpses of daily life, and stretches of untouched landscape make this feel less like transport and more like arrival.

🚌 Bus from Faro to Tavira

Option 4: Bus (Practical and affordable)

There are also buses connecting Faro to Tavira.

Travel time: ~1 hour
Cost: ~€5–€10

Like the train, you’ll first need to reach Faro city center. From there, buses are straightforward and reliable.

🏡 Arriving in Tavira

Whether you arrive by train or bus, you’ll notice something immediately: Tavira is wonderfully walkable.

  • From Tavira train station or bus station , it’s a short walk to the historic center
  • Taste Tavira AL is also within walking distance
  • No need for taxis once you’re here — everything unfolds slowly, step by step

🌿 What is the best way to get to Tavira?

So… what’s the best way?

It depends on how you want to begin.

  • Want ease? Take an Uber, Bolt or taxi
  • Want freedom? Rent a car
  • Want to ease into the Algarve slowly? Take the train

There’s no wrong choice here — only different rhythms.

✨ A final thought

The journey from Faro to Tavira isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s your first glimpse of a different pace of life.

And whether you arrive by car, train, or a quiet ride through the salt flats — somewhere along the way, you’ll start to feel it:

Things are softer here. Slower.
And Tavira is already waiting.

Uber april 2026

Why So Many Ruins Remain Standing in the Tavira and Argavian Countryside

History & Cultural Heritage,  Nature & BiodiversityPosted on

Why So Many Ruins Remain Standing in the Tavira and Argavian Countryside

A gentle look at Algarve heritage, land rules and rural life

If you explore the countryside around Tavira, you will quickly notice them.
Old farmhouses without roofs. Stone walls softened by fig trees. Quiet ruins tucked between olive groves and almond orchards.

At first glance, they may seem abandoned.
But in the Eastern Algarve, these ruins are rarely forgotten. They are often carefully left standing , shaped by planning laws, protected landscapes and deep family roots.

A Ruin Often Means Legal Building Rights

In Portugal, an existing structure — even in ruins — can carry important legal value.

When a building is registered as having existed before, it may allow the owner to:

  • renovate or rebuild within the original footprint
  • restore a rural home where new construction would not be permitted

If a ruin is fully demolished, these rights may be lost.
That is why many landowners in the Tavira countryside leave walls standing. They are preserving future possibilities, not neglecting the land.

Renovation Is Easier Than New Construction

Across the Algarve countryside, planning authorities generally favour rehabilitation over new builds .

Restoring a traditional farmhouse or cottage is often:

  • easier to license
  • more in line with local planning rules
  • the only option in rural zones

Building a new house on empty land — even if privately owned — is frequently restricted, especially outside villages.

Protected Landscapes Shape the Eastern Algarve

Large parts of the land around Tavira are protected under agricultural and ecological regulations. These zones exist to preserve:

  • farmland
  • water systems
  • biodiversity
  • the open rural character of the Algarve

In these areas:

  • new construction is usually limited
  • existing rural buildings may be restored

Here, ruins become a bridge between people and landscape — a way to live lightly within nature.

Restoring a Ruin Takes Time and Patience

Renovating a ruin in the Algarve countryside is a long-term commitment. Owners often face:

  • high building costs
  • lengthy municipal procedures
  • changing regulations
  • archaeological surveys that can delay work

Many choose to wait until the time — and the budget — feels right. Until then, the ruin remains part of the land’s quiet rhythm.

Family Land and Shared Ownership

In the Tavira hills, land is often inherited across generations. Multiple heirs may share ownership, sometimes living far apart.

Without full agreement, restoration cannot begin.
The ruin stays — a visible reminder of family history still unfolding.

Low Property Taxes Reduce Pressure

Ruins usually come with low property taxes. Once restored, a home becomes more expensive to maintain and tax.

For many families, there is simply no urgency to change what already exists.

More Than Stone: Memory and Identity

Beyond regulations and economics, there is emotion.

Many ruins were once:

  • family homes
  • small farms
  • places of childhood memory

Demolishing them feels final. Leaving them standing keeps history — and possibility — alive.

A Landscape That Moves Slowly

The ruins of the Tavira countryside are not signs of neglect. They reflect:

  • respect for land protection
  • traditional planning values
  • strong family ties
  • a slower approach to change

In the Eastern Algarve, time is not wasted — it is allowed.

Ruin | Image by Taste Tavira

Stories from Fishing Villages: Traditions and Crafts Along the Eastern Algarve Coast

Nature & Biodiversity,  VillagesPosted on

The eastern Algarve, stretching from Olhão to Tavira, offers a glimpse into a way of life where the rhythm of the tides dictates daily routines. Here, fishing villages like Santa Luzia, Olhão, and Cabanas de Tavira preserve centuries-old traditions and crafts, intertwining culture with the sea.

Santa Luzia: The Octopus Capital

Santa Luzia, often dubbed the “Octopus Capital” of Portugal, is renowned for its unique fishing methods. Local fishermen use traditional clay pots, known as “alcatruz,” to catch octopus. These terracotta pots, a practice dating back to Phoenician times, are baited with chicken pieces and left on the seabed overnight. Each pot is marked with the fisherman’s name, ensuring a sustainable and personal approach to fishing.

The village’s deep connection to the sea is celebrated annually during the Festa do Polvo (Octopus Festival) in August, where locals and visitors indulge in octopus dishes, music, and cultural displays.

Olhão: The Heart of the Ria Formosa

Olhão’s fishing heritage dates back to the 17th century. The town’s proximity to the Ria Formosa lagoon has made it a hub for shellfish harvesting, including clams and oysters. Fishermen here not only run oyster and mussel farms but also sell their fresh catches from the sea, including squid, at local markets,

The town’s Fisherman’s Quarter, with its maze of narrow streets and traditional markets, offers visitors a chance to experience authentic Algarvean life. The vibrant fish market, open daily, is a testament to Olhão’s enduring maritime traditions.

Cabanas de Tavira: A Blend of Tradition and Tranquility

Cabanas de Tavira, once a bustling fishing port, has transformed into a serene village that still honors its maritime roots. The village’s proximity to the Ria Formosa Natural Park allows for sustainable fishing practices that support both the local economy and the ecosystem.

Visitors can explore the traditional wooden boats, known as “xávega,” used for beach seine fishing, and learn about the techniques passed down through generations. The village’s commitment to preserving its fishing heritage is evident in the community’s efforts to maintain the ecological balance of the lagoon.

Crafting Traditions: From Pottery to Weaving

Beyond fishing, the eastern Algarve is a cradle for traditional crafts. In towns like Loulé, crafts such as ceramics, cataplana making, and weaving are being revived by the local community. Older generations pass down their expertise to the younger ones, ensuring the continuation of these important cultural traditions.

These crafts are not only artistic expressions but also serve as a means of preserving the region’s cultural identity. Visitors can explore local workshops and markets to witness these crafts in action and perhaps take home a piece of the Algarve’s rich heritage.

Conclusion

The fishing villages of the eastern Algarve offer more than picturesque landscapes; they provide a window into a way of life where tradition and nature coexist harmoniously. From the octopus pots of Santa Luzia to the shellfish markets of Olhão and the artisanal crafts of Loulé, these communities embody a deep respect for the sea and its resources.

For those seeking an authentic experience of Portugal’s coastal culture, a visit to these villages promises stories, traditions, and crafts that have stood the test of time.

Bird-Watching in the Salt Pans & Ria Formosa Natural Park: Tips & Best Times

Nature & Biodiversity,  Ria Formosa Natural ParkPosted on

If you’re staying in the eastern Algarve—say in or around Tavira—and you love nature, then bird-watching in the salt pans and tidal flats of the Ria Formosa offers a wonderfully immersive and peaceful way to experience the region. In this post I’ll walk you through why this place is special for birds, when you’ll get the best sightings, how to do it with minimal fuss, and what gear + mindset work best.

Why the Ria Formosa Region Is a Bird-Watcher’s Gem

  • The Ria Formosa lagoon system spans some 18,000 hectares and is a designated Ramsar wetland of international importance.
  • Its mix of salt marshes, salt pans, tidal flats, shallow lagoons, barrier islands and dune systems creates a mosaic of habitats — ideal for all kinds of birds, especially waders, water-birds and migrants.
  • Particularly in the salt-pan areas around Tavira (e.g., Santa Luzia) you’ll find good numbers of waders, flamingos, avocets, spoonbills, stilts and more.
  • Because the Ria lies along major migratory routes between Europe and Africa, spring and autumn bring extra species passing through or stopping over.

Best Times to Go & What to Expect

SeasonWhat you’ll seeWhy it’s good
Spring (March–May) Migrating species arriving, breeding displays begin, many resident birds active.Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, lots of bird activity.
Autumn (September–October) Migratory birds again, good for seeing species in transit, beautiful light.Less hot than summer, more movement of birds, serene landscapes.
Winter (December–February) Many resident waterbirds, some migrants from colder regions, quieter experience.Lower visitor numbers, calm settings, good for photography.
Summer (June–August) Possible but more challenging — midday heat, birds may be less visible.Early mornings or late afternoons are best; choose cooler hours.

Tip: Aim for early morning (just after dawn) or late afternoon (before dusk) for the best light and highest bird-activity. After the sun rises high (esp. in summer), birds often shelter and are harder to spot.

Top Bird-Watching Spots Near Tavira

You don’t have to venture far from Tavira to find wonderful bird-watching places — some of the best are just a short walk or cycle away.

  • Tavira Salt Pans (Salinas de Tavira):
    Just east of town, these shimmering salt pans stretch between Tavira and Cabanas. Early mornings are magical — the light reflects off the shallow pools, and you’ll often spot flamingos , stilts , avocets , and egrets feeding gracefully. A flat path follows the pans and makes for easy walking or cycling.
  • Santa Luzia Lagoon:
    South-west of Tavira, the fishing village of Santa Luzia borders tidal flats that are full of life at low tide. You can walk the trail along the water’s edge toward Barril Beach , pausing to watch oystercatchers , sandpipers , and the occasional spoonbill sweep the shallows.
  • Cabanas Boardwalk & Forte de São João da Barra area:
    Cabanas de Tavira sits on the edge of the Ria Formosa lagoon and has a wooden boardwalk perfect for bird-watching. From here, you can see herons , terns , and curlews moving through the tidal marshes, especially around sunrise and sunset.
  • Tidal Flats of the Ria Formosa:
    For a longer outing, follow the coastal trail (the Ecovia do Litoral ) that runs east-west along the lagoon. It connects Tavira, Santa Luzia, and Cabanas — each stretch revealing different species and habitats depending on the tide.

Each of these places is reachable without a car , and you can easily fit them into a relaxed morning or evening stroll. Bring binoculars, a hat, and patience — the birds reward quiet observation.

What to Bring & How to Behave

  • Binoculars (ideally 8× or 10×) and if you have a camera with zoom lens, even better.
  • Comfortable walking shoes, sun-hat/sun-cream (salt pans reflect sunlight strongly).
  • Water and snack; avoid disturbing birds (keep voices low, stay on paths).
  • Respect tides and habitats: in some areas, bird nesting or feeding occurs, so stay a respectful distance.
  • Be stealthy : Move slowly, scan quietly, avoid shadows over pans.
  • If you can, choose a guided bird-watching trip: many local operators know the best spots, tides and species.

Easy Bird Species to Look Out For

  • Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) — often in shallow salty lagoons.
  • Black-winged Stilt , Avocet , Spoonbill — waders in salt pans.
  • Little Tern , Audouin’s Gull , Oystercatcher — more visible at higher tides or coastal edges.
  • Purple Swamphen — resident symbol species of the Ria.
  • White Stork , herons and egrets — look for nests on poles/roofs or wading in shallow water.

Make It a Memorable Visit

  • Go just after sunrise — the air is cooler, the light soft, and birds are most active before midday heat.
  • Include both salt-pans and tidal flats/lagoons — you’ll see different species and behaviors.
  • Bring a field-guide app or notebook and note what you see — even simple tracking adds to your experience.
  • Combine bird-watching with a quiet moment at the end : perhaps a ferry ride to Ilha de Tavira or a café by the Gilão River, making the nature visit part of your holiday rhythm.
  • Consider visiting in shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) when you’ll avoid the high summer crowds and still enjoy great birdlife.

Final Thoughts

Bird-watching in the Ria Formosa and its salt-pans is one of those experiences where the nature slows you down — you begin to see, wait, listen. For many travellers, it becomes a quiet highlight of their Algarve stay.

Whether you spot flamingos blazing pink in shallow pans, a spoonbill sweeping through the dawn light, or simply the quiet ripple of a wader’s footsteps across the water — these moments stay with you.

So next time you plan your stay around Tavira, leave space in the schedule for the birds. Pack your binoculars, come early, walk softly — and let the lagoon’s rhythms carry you a little outside the usual holiday pace.

Happy bird-watching! 🐦

Flamingo | Image by Beto from Pixabay
Flamingo | Image by Beto from Pixabay
Image pl, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Image pl, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons