Natural park

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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.

The Salt Pans of Tavira: A Timeless Tradition Shaped by the Sea

Local Pleasures,  Ria Formosa Natural ParkPosted on

Just beyond the town walls and coastal dunes, the salt pans of Tavira stretch out like shimmering mirrors. These historic salt flats are more than a picturesque backdrop — they are part of an age-old tradition that has shaped the local economy and landscape for centuries.

Salt production in Tavira dates back to Roman and Moorish times. The region’s abundant sunshine, shallow lagoons, and favorable winds made it ideal for harvesting sea salt, a process still largely done by hand. Tavira’s flor de sal, the delicate top layer of salt crystals, is highly prized by chefs and gourmet shops across Europe.

Today, the salt pans are not only an important economic activity but also a haven for birdlife and a place of tranquility. Walking through the salt flats can feel like wandering a maze of quiet, sun-soaked paths between shallow pools. The best time to witness salt harvesting is during the hot summer months, from June to September, when workers scrape the salt by hand from the evaporating basins. They usually don’t like to be photographed, though so please mind their privacy.

Walking Routes and Navigation

The salt pan area can be disorienting for first-time visitors, with its crisscrossing levees and water channels. To navigate more easily, we recommend using walking apps like Komoot or AllTrails, which provide user-mapped gravel paths and loop routes. Google Maps works as well but can miss the finer details of smaller walking trails.

For a walk directly from Taste Tavira AL, try heading southeast via Fonte Salgada, just past the local fire station (Bombeiros), and follow the gravel trails along the Ecovia Litoral. It’s a peaceful and scenic route — especially in the early morning or around sunset.

Salinas do Grelha & the Algarve’s “Dead Sea”

For a deeper dive into the world of salt, consider visiting the Salinas do Grelha, located near Olhão. This small-scale artisanal producer offers guided tours of their working salt pans. One of their most unique features is the “Mar Morto” — a man-made saltwater lagoon with salinity levels similar to the real Dead Sea. Visitors are welcome to float, relax, and enjoy the health benefits of the highly concentrated saltwater.

Salinas do Grelha – Visitor Info:

  • 📍 Address: Cova da Onça – Belamandil, Cx. Postal 412A, 8700-172 Olhão
  • 📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +351 967 753 496
  • 🌐 Website: www.salinasdogrelha.pt

Tours are available during the high season, and floating in the saltwater lagoon is possible by appointment. The best time to visit is late afternoon, when the setting sun paints the flats in golden tones.

Whether you’re a lover of history, a curious foodie, or simply seeking a peaceful walk through a unique coastal landscape, Tavira’s salt pans offer a window into one of the Algarve’s most enduring traditions — and a reminder of the quiet beauty found in slow, deliberate craft.

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 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.