Annick shows you around

Taste Tavira

Welcome at Taste Tavira

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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
Welcome & Enjoy

Exploring the Algarve by Train: From Tavira East and West

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There’s something quietly magical about riding the regional train through the Algarve. No traffic, no rush — just the rhythmic hum of the tracks and a slow parade of landscapes slipping past the window. From Tavira’s charming station at 300m from Taste Tavira AL, you can head either east toward Vila Real de Santo António, or west to Lagos. Both directions promise their own delights.

🌅 Eastbound to Vila Real de Santo António

The journey east takes around 25 minutes, with frequent daily departures. It’s a short but scenic ride through salt flats, citrus groves, and sleepy hamlets of the eastern Algarve.

Recommended stops along the way:

  • Monte Gordo: A relaxed beach town with golden sands, perfect for a seaside break just minutes from the station.
  • Fuseta: A charming fishing village known for its fresh seafood and calm beaches, easily reachable from the station.

Once you arrive in Vila Real de Santo António, the streets open up in clean lines — a legacy of Enlightenment-era urban planning. Sit for a bica on the grand square, or stroll the riverfront promenade along the Guadiana River, just steps from Spain.

🌊 Westbound to Lagos

Heading west is a longer ride — nearly three hours, often with a transfer in Faro. But the trip is more than transport; it’s a slow dive into the changing rhythms of the Algarve.

Where to stop along the way:

  • Olhão: Known for its lively fish market and traditional charm, this coastal town invites you to explore its tiled streets and sample fresh seafood.
  • Faro: The Algarve’s capital with a beautiful old town, historic walls, and a vibrant café culture — a perfect stopover.
  • Portimão: Famous for grilled sardines and riverside dining, it’s a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy local flavors.

Arriving in Lagos, you’ll be greeted by golden cliffs, cobbled lanes, and a laid-back surf-town vibe. It’s worth staying a night if you can.

🎟️ Travel Tips

  • Tickets are affordable and can be bought at the station or online at cp.pt.
  • Trains are comfortable, though simple — no reserved seating, but plenty of charm.
  • Schedules vary slightly on weekends or holidays, so check ahead if you’re planning a longer day out.

Whether you’re seeking beach time, history, or just a slow way to see more of the Algarve, the train from Tavira offers a window onto the region’s quiet beauty — one stop at a time.

Why the Portuguese Love Their Coffee (And How to Order It)

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In Portugal, coffee isn’t just a drink — it’s a ritual, a social anchor, and a moment of pause built into daily life. From early morning until late evening, cafés are buzzing with people stopping in for a quick bica or lingering over a galão with conversation. It’s common to have several small coffees throughout the day, always freshly made, and always strong.

But don’t expect a large takeaway latte. Portuguese coffee culture revolves around small servings, often enjoyed standing at the counter. The most popular is the bica — similar to an espresso but slightly smoother. A pingado is a bica with just a drop of milk, while a meia de leite (literally “half of milk”) is half coffee, half milk served in a cup. If you prefer something creamier and larger, ask for a galão — usually served in a tall glass, ideal for slower mornings.

Coffee is often paired with a small pastry — but when and how depends on the time of day. In the morning, locals might start with a meia de leite and a pastel de nata or a croissant misto (with ham and cheese), usually eaten quickly while standing at the bar. Around 4 or 5 p.m., it’s time for lanche: a kind of Portuguese afternoon tea, but simpler, faster — and with coffee, of course. A sweet pairing like a mil folhas (millefeuille) or a coconut queijada is common then.

After lunch or dinner, however, no sweets are involved. Just a small, sharp bica — served almost as punctuation to the meal. Occasionally with a splash of port or medronho, but never with dessert.

In Tavira, our favourite spots for coffee and observation are Pastelaria Tavirense, just steps from the Roman bridge, where you’ll hear a soft clink of espresso cups all day long — and Padaria Vila Doce, where locals come for fresh bread and stay for conversation over their regular order. It’s not about how much coffee you drink, but how often you pause to enjoy it.

Tavira & the Mediterranean Diet – A Coastal Town With a Surprising Role

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At first glance, it might seem odd: Tavira, a charming town on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, is the country’s official representative for the Mediterranean Diet on UNESCO’s heritage list. Wait… not even on the Mediterranean? Correct. But don’t let the map fool you — the spirit of the Mediterranean is everywhere here.

The UNESCO recognition isn’t about being near a particular sea. It’s about how people live, eat, and connect with their land and each other. And Tavira nails that. Local food traditions here are deeply tied to nature, seasons, and community. From the way people shop at the market to the way meals are shared — slowly, socially, and often with multiple generations — Tavira keeps those Mediterranean rhythms alive.

One thing that makes this region special is its landscape. Tavira stretches from the salt marshes and fishing towns by the coast, through the fertile floodplains of the Gilão River, all the way into the hills of the barrocal and serra inland. Each zone has its own character — and its own use.

  • The coastal zone is where you’ll find salt pans, shellfish farms, and small fishing boats.
  • The barrocal (a transitional zone) has limestone-rich soils, great for olive trees, fig trees, almonds, citrus, and aromatic herbs.
  • Further inland, the serra (with its schist and granite soils) is more rugged — ideal for goats, honey production, and wild herbs that pop up in local cooking.

What ties it all together is the short line from producer to plate. Small-scale farmers, beekeepers, fishermen, cheesemakers — many of whom work just a few kilometers from the town — contribute to everyday meals. Classic Algarvian dishes reflect that mix: think fish caught that morning, greens picked from the back garden, cheese from a cousin’s goats in the hills. It’s seasonal, fresh, and very personal.

If you want to dig a little deeper (pun intended), pop into the Museu Municipal de Tavira, where the exhibition on the Mediterranean Diet tells the story behind the food — from convent sweets to sacred herbs to family traditions. And if you’re around in September, don’t miss the Mediterranean Diet Fair. It’s food, music, workshops, and dancing in the street — basically, the whole lifestyle wrapped into one weekend.

So no, Tavira isn’t on the Mediterranean. But in terms of values, flavours, and traditions? It absolutely belongs at the table.

Sweet Treats of the Algarve – Discovering Dom Rodrigo and Morgado

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The Algarve isn’t just famous for its sun-drenched beaches and seafood; it’s also a haven for lovers of traditional sweets. Rooted in conventual baking and centuries-old traditions, Algarve’s desserts are a window into the region’s rich past. Two of the most iconic confections you’ll find here are Dom Rodrigo and Morgado — ornate, sweet, and unforgettable.

Dom Rodrigo is perhaps the Algarve’s most celebrated dessert. Wrapped in shiny, colorful foil and often served in small baskets, this rich treat is made from egg yolks, sugar, ground almonds, and cinnamon. Its origins lie in the convents of the 18th century, where nuns created elaborate sweets from simple ingredients — especially egg yolks, which were abundant due to egg whites being used in wine clarification and starching habits.

Morgado, on the other hand, is a dense almond cake typically filled with egg yolk jam (doce de ovos). Sometimes shaped like fruit or covered in marzipan, it reflects the Algarve’s deep connection to almond cultivation. Morgado is traditionally reserved for special occasions, but you’ll increasingly find artisanal versions in shops and on dessert menus throughout the region.

What makes these desserts stand out is their handmade quality and their deep roots in local history. They are crafted using age-old techniques and recipes, often passed down through generations. Their presentation — elegant and ornate — is part of what makes them such a delight, both visually and in taste.

If you’re exploring Tavira, don’t just look in the usual pastelarias — though those are always a good bet. Also check the dessert sections (sobremesas) of restaurant menus. Many traditional eateries still proudly serve Dom Rodrigo, Morgado, or other regional specialties like figo recheado or doce fino as part of their culinary offerings.

These aren’t just sweets — they’re living pieces of Algarve’s cultural heritage, made to be savored slowly and remembered fondly. Pair one with a small espresso, and you’ve just experienced one of the Algarve’s most authentic pleasures.