Natural park

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Faro – History and Hidden Corners in the Capital of the Algarve

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Often overlooked in favour of beach towns, Faro is the cultural and administrative heart of the Algarve — and absolutely worth a visit. While its airport may be most travellers’ first glimpse of the region, Faro is far more than a transit point: it’s a city steeped in history, charm, and quiet sophistication.

Best of all, Faro is easily accessible by train from Taste Tavira AL. The charming Tavira train station is just a five-minute walk (400 metres) away. From there, you can enjoy a scenic 40-minute ride through the eastern Algarve’s countryside straight into Faro’s historic centre — relaxed, car-free, and affordable.

Begin in the Cidade Velha, the old walled town. Enter through the neoclassical Arco da Vila and step into a cobbled world of ancient churches, peaceful squares, and Roman ruins. The cathedral (Sé), with its mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque features, offers a climbable bell tower with sweeping views over the Ria Formosa lagoon.

Speaking of the lagoon — Faro is also a gateway to nature. The Ria Formosa Natural Park is right on the city’s doorstep, offering boat tours, birdwatching (keep an eye out for flamingos), and a chance to visit island beaches like Ilha Deserta or Ilha do Farol.

Faro has a distinct, low-key elegance, with museums, art galleries, and a lively local dining scene. Don’t miss the haunting Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) inside the Carmo Church, a striking reminder of the region’s Catholic heritage. For something lighter, grab lunch at one of the many modern bistros or traditional tascas, and enjoy a stroll along the marina before heading back to Tavira.

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

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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 west 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.

Eastern Flavours – From Cabanas to Monte Gordo

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Exploring the eastern coast of the Algarve offers more than just beautiful beaches and natural parks—it’s also a journey through some of the region’s most inviting food spots. From Cabanas de Tavira to Monte Gordo, here’s a curated list of relaxed but flavourful places to eat and drink along the way.

AL.FAMA – Cabanas de Tavira
Just a few steps from the boardwalk in Cabanas, AL.FAMA impresses with its fresh take on traditional Algarve cuisine. The restaurant, previously known as Essência, offers a polished yet casual experience. With stylish decor, knowledgeable staff and a menu that mixes regional classics with inventive touches, it’s already gathering a loyal following.

Noélia – Cabanas de Tavira
Arguably the most famous restaurant in the area, Noélia e Jerónimo has earned its reputation as a gastronomic must-visit. Chef Noélia Jerónimo elevates local ingredients into beautifully balanced dishes—her octopus rice, razor clam soup, and prawn açorda are beloved by critics and loyal guests alike. Despite the acclaim, the setting remains warm and relaxed. Advance reservations are essential, especially in summer.

Quasi Bar – Cabanas de Tavira
Newly renovated and with one of the best terraces in town, Quasi Bar is a rising favourite for afternoon drinks and easy tapas. The bar offers an inviting mix of style and comfort with views across the lagoon. It’s the kind of place where you end up staying longer than planned.

Fábrica do Costa – Sítio da Fábrica
A timeless spot for seafood lovers. Located in the tiny coastal village of Fábrica, this restaurant is well known for its grilled fish and local dishes. The atmosphere is down-to-earth, but the food—especially the clams and octopus—is consistently excellent. Book ahead or prepare to wait during weekends.

Infante Panorâmico – Praia Verde
For a more refined experience, head to Praia Verde. Set inside the Praia Verde Boutique Hotel, Infante Panorâmico offers a minimalist dining room with large glass windows and panoramic views. Expect creative takes on Algarvian recipes, with standout fish and a thoughtful wine list. Perfect for a sunset dinner or long weekend lunch.

Restaurante Muxama – Monte Gordo
Right by the beach in Monte Gordo, Muxama blends relaxed vibes with quality cooking. Their focus is on fresh fish and tuna-based dishes, like their signature muxama or cataplana. From mid-afternoon, they also offer an excellent tapas menu. It’s a great stop after a beach day or coastal walk.

Tip: Many of these places are open year-round, but in summer it’s wise to book ahead—especially at Noélia and Fábrica do Costa. Whether you’re after a romantic meal, a drink with a view, or an authentic fish lunch by the sea, the eastern Algarve delivers.

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

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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.