Faro

Taste Tavira > Annick shows you around

Tag: Faro

The Eastern Algarve – A Slow Indulgence in the Soul of Sotavento

Nature & BiodiversityPosted on

Sotavento , the “leeward” side of the Algarve, whispers rather than shouts. Stretching from Faro to the Spanish border, this serene region invites you not just to visit, but to savour —with all your senses. This is the Algarve for those who enjoy life slowly, with a good glass of wine in hand and the scent of wild herbs on the breeze.

Here, the Ria Formosa Natural Park unfolds like a living painting—salt pans shimmering in the sun, flamingos wading through brackish shallows, and wooden boardwalks leading to island beaches so pristine they feel undiscovered. Whether you kayak its channels or drift aboard a traditional boat, the lagoon offers both stillness and adventure.

But Sotavento’s pleasures are rooted in the land as much as the sea . Visit a working olive grove near Tavira , where the fruit is still cured in sea salt and patience. Or tour local wineries , like Casa Santos Lima’s new tasting room just outside town, where Tavira’s own terroir is bottled into smooth reds and crisp whites, best enjoyed with local cheese and fresh bread. It’s not just wine tasting—it’s a sensory celebration.

Indulge in long lunches in Santa Luzia , the octopus capital, or enjoy fresh oysters in Fuseta , harvested only hours before they reach your plate. Markets in Olhão and Loulé offer everything from heirloom tomatoes to handmade ceramics. And in between tastings, take time to explore timeless villages like Cacela Velha , where cobbled streets end in panoramic views over the sea.

This isn’t the mass-market Algarve of brochures. This is authentic Portugal , rich in flavour, texture, and gentle discovery. A region where luxury lies in simplicity —a shaded terrace, a well-cooked meal, the kindness of a shopkeeper, the cool hush of an old church.

Let Sotavento surprise you. Not only with spectacle, but with soul too. And once you’ve tasted its rhythm, you may never want to leave.

Cacela Velha
Image by Michel Bertolotti from Pixabay
Cork Tree | Image muffinn from Worcester, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cork Tree | Image muffinn from Worcester, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mesa Farta – Fine Dining Just Steps from Taste Tavira AL

Local PleasuresPosted on

Just 100 metres from Taste Tavira, Mesa Farta has quietly established itself as one of Tavira’s most refined dining experiences—without ever becoming pretentious. This elegant restaurant combines high-level gastronomy with genuine warmth and a distinctly Portuguese soul.

Behind the scenes is João Viegas (born in Tavira), a chef whose culinary path speaks volumes. He began his journey right here in the Algarve at A Ver Tavira and Santo António, before sharpening his skills at Eleven in Lisbon. Viegas went on to train at some of the world’s most renowned kitchens: Viajante (London), Central (Peru), Mugaritz (Basque Country), and the legendary El Celler de Can Roca (Girona). He served as sous-chef to Leonel Pereira at Michelin-starred São Gabriel (Almancil) from 2013 to 2019, and was named Portugal’s Chef of the Year in 2015. After a stint as head chef at Check In in Faro, he currently also leads the kitchen at Atlântico , the fine-dining restaurant at Vila Vita Parc.

At Mesa Farta, Viegas returns to his Tavira roots with a concept that is elegant yet accessible. The ambiance is quietly sophisticated—no white tablecloths, but carefully curated simplicity. Wide spacing between tables offers privacy and calm, and the open kitchen invites guests to connect with the culinary process.

Dishes here are both technically refined and deeply flavourful, made from seasonal Algarvean ingredients with a modern twist. The staff is multilingual and highly trained, offering warm, personal service and expert wine guidance. With two knowledgeable sommeliers , the wine list is one of the best in town, highlighting regional gems alongside national classics.

Mesa Farta falls into a higher price range, but it offers excellent value for the quality and craftsmanship delivered. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a special night out, this restaurant offers a true “local pleasure” in every sense.

📍 Address: Rua de Santo Estêvão 2 e 4, 8800-386 Tavira
📞 Phone: +351 281 416 371
🌐 Website: mesafarta.com
🕒 Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 19:00–22:00 (closed Sundays and Mondays)

Mesa Farta | Image Taste Tavira
Mesa Farta | Image Taste Tavira
Mesa Farta's Chef João Viegas | Image Taste Tavira
Mesa Farta’s Chef João Viegas | Image Taste Tavira

Shopping in Loulé – Handcrafts, Markets, and Local Fashion

Local Flavours & Products,  ShoppingPosted on

Loulé is one of the Algarve’s most vibrant market towns, rich in tradition and full of shopping opportunities. The Mercado Municipal de Loulé , located in a striking neo-Arabic building, is the town’s main attraction. Here you’ll find fresh produce, meats, cheese, olives, sweets, and local specialties like mel de rosmaninho (rosemary honey). The market also houses stalls with handicrafts and souvenirs.

Every Saturday, the surrounding streets host the Gypsy Market , a sprawling event that draws both locals and tourists for bargains on clothes, leather goods, kitchenware, and fabrics. It’s a great place to practice your haggling skills and pick up something unique.

For more boutique-style shopping, Loulé’s historic center has plenty to offer. Explore the Rua 5 de Outubro for stylish clothing, footwear, and home decor, with an emphasis on Portuguese brands and craftsmanship. Many of these shops blend old and new—some are housed in beautifully preserved buildings with tile façades and wrought-iron balconies.

For a modern shopping experience, visit Mar Shopping Algarve , located between Loulé and Faro. This large complex includes IKEA, a wide range of fashion outlets, restaurants, and an open-air leisure area for kids. It’s ideal for families or a full shopping day with more variety.

Address Highlights:

  • Mercado Municipal de Loulé – Praça da República, 8100-270 Loulé
  • Gypsy Market (Saturday) – Largo de S. Francisco and surrounding streets
  • Mar Shopping Algarve – Av. Algarve, 8135-182 Almancil (between Loulé and Faro)
Loule Market | Image Peter from Pixabay
Loule Market | Image Peter from Pixabay
Loule Market | Image Hay Smits for Pixabay
Loule Market | Image Hay Smits for Pixabay

Shopping in Olhão – Markets, Makers, and Maritime Charm

Local Flavours & Products,  ShoppingPosted on

Olhão is a coastal town known for its strong fishing heritage and its bustling Mercado de Olhão , which sits right by the waterfront. This market is one of the most iconic in the Algarve, with two red-brick buildings full of local products: one dedicated to fresh fish and seafood, the other to fruit, vegetables, meat, and delicacies like fig compote and carob liqueur. On Saturdays, the outdoor market fills up with local farmers and artisans.

Beyond the market, wander through Olhão’s narrow streets and you’ll find small boutiques, ceramic studios, and shops selling cork products, lace, and hand-painted azulejos. It’s a place where shopping feels like discovery—many of the best finds are tucked between traditional townhouses and lively cafés.

For more variety, head just outside town to the Ria Shopping Center . While small compared to Faro’s Forum Algarve, it features essentials like clothing shops, tech stores, and a supermarket—ideal if you’re staying nearby.

Olhão also hosts regular artisan fairs and events in the summer months, where local artists and craftspeople present their work—from jewelry to home décor, much of it inspired by the sea and the nearby Ria Formosa.

Address Highlights:

  • Mercado de Olhão – Avenida 5 de Outubro, 8700-307 Olhão
  • Ria Shopping – Estrada Nacional 125, 8700-137 Olhão
image: Ria Shopping Center
image: Ria Shopping Center
Market Olhão | Image Taste Tavira
Market Olhão | Image Taste Tavira