Marim

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Day Trip to Alcoutim and Mértola: Border Views and the World’s Only Cross-Border Zipline

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For those staying in Tavira and looking to escape the coast for a day, a drive inland to the historic villages of Alcoutim and Mértola offers a completely different side of the Algarve – one shaped by river valleys, whitewashed hill towns, and a quiet echo of frontier history.

Start your journey heading east from Tavira along the N125 or A22 towards Castro Marim and then north along the N122, passing rolling hills and cork oak forests until you reach Alcoutim, a tranquil village on the banks of the Guadiana River. Directly across the water lies Sanlúcar de Guadiana, its Spanish twin, and the two towns have shared centuries of peaceful coexistence – even exchanging festivals and customs. From the waterfront promenade in Alcoutim, you’ll enjoy beautiful views across to Spain, while the castle ruins above the village offer panoramic vistas and a small archaeological museum worth visiting.

But perhaps the most thrilling way to experience the border is not by boat or bridge – but by zipline. From Sanlúcar, adrenaline-seekers can launch themselves across the Limite Zero zipline, the only cross-border zipline in the world. In just under a minute, you’ll fly 720 meters across the river at speeds of up to 80 km/h – landing back in Portugal… and in a different time zone. (Yes, Spain is an hour ahead!)

After your ride (and the small boat ride back to Alcoutim), consider continuing north to Mértola, a hilltop village nestled in the Guadiana Valley Natural Park. Its layered history includes Roman ruins, a former mosque now serving as the main church, and winding cobbled streets with traditional houses. This is one of the most atmospheric towns in inland Portugal — and a photographer’s dream.

Don’t forget to enjoy lunch at a riverside taverna, where dishes like pork with clams, grilled black pork, or wild boar stew reflect the hearty Alentejan cuisine of the region.

From Mértola, you can return to Tavira (via Martinlongo and Cachapo), the scenic N122, N124 and N397 routes — a leisurely drive through the hills, with the occasional stork nest or shepherd crossing your path.

A Scenic Day on the Greens: Golf at Castro Marim or Quinta do Vale

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For those staying in Tavira and already familiar with nearby gems like Monte Rei, Benamor, or Quinta da Ria/ de Cima, there’s still more to explore beyond the immediate surroundings. Around 20–25 minutes east by car, close to the Spanish border, lie two less-traveled yet rewarding courses: Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club and Quinta do Vale Golf Resort.

Nestled in the hills overlooking the Guadiana River, Castro Marim Golfe offers a 27-hole experience divided into three distinct nine-hole loops — Grouse, Atlantic, and Guadiana. With panoramic views stretching from the mountains to the coast, this course blends natural Algarve beauty with smart course design. The rolling fairways, pine trees, and occasional wildlife sightings make it as much a nature outing as a golf day.

Nearby, Quinta do Vale delivers a very different but equally thrilling challenge. Designed by the legendary Seve Ballesteros, this championship course makes full use of the dramatic terrain. With its signature layout — six par-3s, six par-4s, and six par-5s — and strategic water hazards, Quinta do Vale is a great test for golfers who enjoy risk-reward play and bold course architecture.

Both clubs are ideal for a day trip from Taste Tavira. You can enjoy a scenic drive, an unhurried round, and lunch or drinks on a terrace with sweeping views of the river or mountains. While less frequented than Tavira’s local courses, these two offer a peaceful atmosphere and an authentic eastern Algarve experience.

If you’re planning a longer stay and looking to explore beyond the beaten path, Castro Marim and Quinta do Vale provide the perfect excuse to combine golf with a bit of regional discovery.

Borderland Charms: Discover Vila Real de Santo António & Castro Marim

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Tucked away at the easternmost edge of the Algarve, at the Spanish border, the neighbouring towns of Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim offer a captivating blend of history, riverfront charm, and unspoiled nature. A perfect day trip from Tavira, these villages reveal a more tranquil, authentic side of the region—far from the crowded beaches and bustling resorts.

Vila Real de Santo António, sitting directly on the Guadiana River across from Spain, is an elegant 18th-century town with a distinctive Pombaline layout. Its grid-like streets and grand Praça Marquês de Pombal reflect the Enlightenment ideals of order and symmetry. Lined with shops, cafés, and tiled facades, the town invites leisurely strolls, riverside dining, or even a ferry ride to Ayamonte, just across the water. Don’t miss the marina promenade or the cultural centre housed in the former customs house.

Just a few kilometres inland, Castro Marim is older and more rustic. Dominated by two hilltop castles—the medieval Castelo de Castro Marim and the 17th-century Fort of São Sebastião—the village offers sweeping views over salt marshes, the river, and even Spain. Its historical role in border defence is palpable, and its quiet streets and whitewashed houses reflect a slower pace of life. The area is also known for its traditional salt pans and artisanal flor de sal.

Each August, Castro Marim hosts the Dias Medievais (Medieval Days), one of Portugal’s most celebrated historical festivals. For five days, the town transforms into a medieval village, complete with knights, jesters, artisans, and a bustling market. The 2025 edition is scheduled from August 27 to 31. Visitors can enjoy reenactments, traditional music, and a nightly video mapping show projected onto the castle walls. visitportugal.com

Nature lovers will appreciate the Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António, a protected wetland rich in birdlife, including flamingos and storks. Cycling routes and walking trails criss-cross this flat landscape, making it an ideal place for gentle outdoor exploration.

Whether you’re drawn by architecture, birdwatching, history, or simply a riverside lunch, Vila Real and Castro Marim offer a unique window into the Algarve’s quieter charms—where Portugal meets Spain and time slows down.