by Annick

Taste Tavira > Annick shows you around

Category: by Annick

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

by Annick,  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

by AnnickPosted 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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Welcome at Taste Tavira

by AnnickPosted 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 Portugese 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