bee

Taste Tavira > Annick shows you around

Tag: bee

Sun, Sand & Simplicity: Discover Manta Rota, Altura & Monte Gordo

VillagesPosted on

Just a short drive east from Tavira, the coastal villages of Manta Rota, Altura, and Monte Gordo offer a gentler, more authentic slice of Algarve life. With golden beaches, calm seas, and a relaxed atmosphere, these destinations are perfect for families, cyclists, and those who want to slow down and savour the natural rhythms of the region.

Manta Rota , the closest to Tavira, is a quiet village favoured by Portuguese holidaymakers. Its wide beach is backed by low dunes and borders the eastern edge of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, making it a peaceful spot to swim, birdwatch, or enjoy grilled fish at one of the beachfront eateries. The sunsets here are glorious, especially after a day of cycling or walking along the nearby nature trails.

Just a few minutes east lies Altura , a charming and laid-back seaside town with a modest village centre, pine forests, and long sandy beaches. Altura’s beach is wide, clean, and easily accessible, ideal for families with small children or anyone seeking a restful day by the sea. The vibe is easygoing, with casual cafés and local restaurants dotted along the coastal strip.

Further along the coast, Monte Gordo blends beach life with a lively, local spirit. Once a small fishing village, it’s now a low-key resort town with a broad promenade, palm trees, and a blend of visitors—many from across the Spanish border. Despite its growth, Monte Gordo still preserves its maritime soul through the Associação de Pesca Artesanal de Monte Gordo . Each morning, traditional arte xávega boats are pulled onto the beach by tractors, nets full of the day’s fresh catch. It’s a rare and wonderful sight: artisanal fishing as it has been done for generations.

Together, these three villages create a stretch of coast that feels genuine, spacious, and welcoming. Whether you’re cycling from beach to beach, enjoying a quiet seafood lunch, or watching fishermen at work, Manta Rota, Altura, and Monte Gordo reveal the Algarve’s eastern shore at its most grounded and golden.

Manta Rota beach | image Taste Tavira
Manta Rota beach | image Taste Tavira
Image Taste Tavira

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 | Image Taste Tavira
light and healthy olives |Image Helder Madeira

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